So my buddy came over last night to show me his new '96 Maxima, so we went for a drive around the block and he mentions "damn having to pay 11c extra for gas" and I was like "wtf!?" He says his car is premium fuel only... to which I explained why it didn't make sense AT ALL....

So is it actually premium only? Or are they just trying to make sure their cars get the best fuel possible...? Cause my '04 G35 doesn't need premium... and I think it would need premium moreso than a stupid '96 Maxima...

I doubt it... I'd think the VQ30 would be premium recommended, at the worst. Whip out his owner'* manual?

He says his manual says premium only... I didn't read it myself.

I'll have him bust it out and see if they say "only" or "recommended".

Higher compression engines and engines with power adders (ie SC or Turbo) require higher octane.

My car requires 91 because the compression of the engine is 11.3:1. IIRC higher then 10.9:1 needs premium.

ya the parents Non Boosted Benz wants the good stuff too....needless to say they fill it with regular