Being that premium here in canada is getting towards (and soon over) $7 USD/gallon I'm considering using midgrade.
My understanding is that the computer would 'know' you are not using premium only if the knock detector detects some knock and it would then retard the timing.

Is it likely that you would get some knock doing regular city driving with a light foot on the gas? Would it typically only be WOT or long steep hills that would trigger the timing retard?

 

I wouldnt worry, most people put 87 in these cars and they do just fine. Obviously it will perform better with 93, but you only *need* higher octane if you advanced the timing.

 

Good to know. Maybe I'll run my scantool for a bit before and after the change and see what the timing advance is and then report back.

 

If your buying Regular Gas with no cut then it should be fine. Your car will adjust. Unfortunately City driving is where you need that KS. Check its operation and roll On I personally would Never put reg in a lawn mower much less my maxima. I don't care what it cost. I want the 100 octane straight. j/s

 

255k later on my ‘11 (as of last December), I switched from 92 to 87. Slight performance difference, no knocking etc. no regrets

 

Thanks for posting this....I had read some conflicting info on the internet about using premium gas in the Maxima.

It's the first car we've had in DECADES that doesn't require premium.

Dawn