Hi, I'm planning on buying a 2000 SE, but I'm getting conflicting info from government websites, it may be true but I thought I'd check with you guys. The government website says the maxima takes regular unleaded but I thought it takes premium? Please let me know, it would be a bonus if it takes regular as the recommended fuel grade.

Thanks in advance.

 

the instruction manual says to use 91 or higher octane.

but next time for just basic info about the max check the max faq first.
https://maxima.org/maxfaqs/index.shtml

 

Here is what the manual says...

Unleaded premium gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91AKI (Anti- Knock Index) number (Research octane number 96)
If unleaded premium gasoline is not available, unleaded regular gasoline with an octane rating of at least 87 AKI (Research octane number 91) can be used. However, for maximum vehicle performance, the use of unleaded premium gasoline is recommended.

So, technically the feds are correct...but only if premium isn't available.

 

Only use premium or your asking for trouble down the road.

 

You can use 87-94, however you are best to use 93-94 for best performance. If you use lower octane, ping will occur since the VQ is a high compression engine.The lower octane fuel is not "stable" when compressed in the cylander and detonates too some (ping/knock), which can cause damage to the engine.

The knock sensor will them cut back the timing to prevent the ping (early detonation) and performance & gas milage will suffer. So you loose big time by using anything else but premium fuel and in the end don't save as much as you think

 

what is the stock compression?

 

On the octane note, I have 91 in my Max, cuz it's the higest u can get in Los angeles. Is 89 any different or prob. not rivght? wrong?

 

yea freakin cali changed the highest octane to 91, i miss the 92, car seems weak without it.

 

What sort of trouble can happen from using less than Premium?
I bought my 2000 Max off of a relative and they put regular, 87, in it until i got it at 40k. If I put premium in it, can I hope to correct any damage that may have been done?

Thanks
GEORGE

 

if you bought it off your grandma, dont sweat it..

if you bought it off a 18 yr old nephew who constantly hammered it, you could have alittle looser engine and maybe tired rings, but it would still get you to work everyday.