GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi,

I am considering buying a second GT. I have a '04 GT. The one I am considering is a '06. It has 55K miles on it. The previous owner stated he used regular gas, not the high octane. I have always used the high octane in my '04. Question is whether there may be some effects on the engine, etc., from using the lower octane gas in the '06 for potentially it's entire life?

Thanks

Stick with the high octane as recommended in the owners manual unless you are a gambling man, then...

These cars have a knock sensor that will protect the engine from the issue with lower octane gas. With that being said I doubt he put it in lift very often. Run a compression test before anything. If they are above 200 the engine should be good.

Raven wrote:Stick with the high octane as recommended in the owners manual unless you are a gambling man, then...

Yeah, thanks, sorry, I should have specified...I intend on running the high octane if I buy it, I just was not sure if up to this point there may be some issues seeing the other guy ran it for 55K miles w/ the low octane gas.

BWCAVibe wrote:It has 55K miles on it. The previous owner stated he used regular gas, not the high octane.

dear sweet baby jesus

Like Salsa said the knock sensor will prevent engine damage from low octane gas.
I wonder what else he cheaped out on, oil changes?
The retarded timing will increase fuel consumption, so he wasn't saving as much money as he thinks.

When the ambient reaches 90+F my 1zz engine gives a ping now and then.
I think it trips the knock sensor.
I'm going to try some mid-grade gas during the next heat wave to see if there's any power or mpg difference.