Interesting input. My '85 CRX has 200+K miles, and I use the cheapest I can find. I must admit that I 'spoil' the MINI (and Miata) with Chevron.
I used to use Redline fuel system cleaner in the tank, but at $6/bottle aka $0.60 a tank, it made sense just to use the 'better' (aka fuel with better additives) fuel.


Of course you do. Live close to work. Bike instead of drive. Find a job that lets you telecommute. Convince the wife she really wants a diesel Jetta. We all have choices, we just don't necessarily like the tradeoffs.

 

The oil industry is an oligopoly and, therefore is not operating in the "free market." Besides that, they lie that they are simply passing along cost increases, yet are making astronomical profits. But, yes, the market will ultimately prevail because alternatives will come to market. But, this isn't what I wanted to post about. The theory behind buying "top teir" brands has some validity, even assuming the gas is initially all the same. Cheapo brands buy gas wherever and however they can. It could very well be the balance of a Mobil or Sunoco truck's contents after it made it's run. Or it could be gas siphoned out of a shut down gas station, which has been lingering for months at the bottom of the stations contaminated tanks. Buying cheapo brand gas is like drinking milk 5 days past it's expiration. It may be, and often is, perfectly fine. But, when it ain't.............

 

I LOVE my local gas station!!

 

I traded in a 1 Ton Dodge Dually with a Cummins 5.9 Diesel the week I got my MINI so I was used to sticker shock, It wasn't uncommon to spend $75 to fill it. I've used gas from Costco for the last 7 years and never had a problem untill we got the MINI. I've noticed that I don't get the mileage and the level of performance I get when I use V-Power. It's all seat of the pants feelings but there is a difference to me enough to justify the difference in cost.

 

Wow! It looks like ATL is probably the cheapest place at the moment. Just filled a tank of 87 octane for my current car at $3.06/gal. 93 octane was $3.26/gal. And I'm talking about a BP pump. Costco might be cheaper.

 

They have a 76 station near my house that sells 100 octane. I used to mix in a few gallons with 91 octane every so often to get a blended 95. It was noticeable on my chipped 02 GTI.

Ironically, if there had been an 07 TDI Jetta/Rabbit I would probably not be here in NAM but I think next Jan is earliest they will arrive.

 

I paid the same thing just last night when I filled up. Unfortuntely I didnt have enough gas to get to Costco but it typically is at least $.05 cheaper per gallon.