dlmil

I just bought (Monday!) an A3 2.0T DSG. Love the car (was debating between an A4 and an A3 -- glad I went with the A3).

Audi "recommends" premium level fuel, but the dealer I bought it from said that I can use low-grade fuel (with the recommendation that I put premium fuel in the car once or so a month). I was thinking about compromising and putting in "silver" (middle-grade) fuel.

I would rather not have a loss in performance or somehow reduce the longevity of the engine.

Thoughts?

Kayaker

You can run regular or plus and the car will adjust with a relative loss in performance. The difference in price per gallon is not that significant compared to the cost of a new A3.

krazyboi

Look inside your gas cover...mine says min. 91.

at1ce

I actually can't believe an Audi dealer would not recommend a minimum of 91 unless in a pinch like Kayaker said. You will notice a degradation in performance.

Last tank for me I finally found 93 in my area and can't believe the difference and better gas mileage. I am chipped so that may be the difference.

I was told to never use an ethanol blend because it mucks up the injectors somehow.

JeepRage II

So much fun and pratical too. I've been using 91, a little 93 or 89 at times too. I was going to chip it during the APR promo, but will probably wait until next year. For that I'd go with the 93 octane program.

acie

The difference in price between 91 and 93 where I buy gas is minimal. And I noticed last week, in a very "these go to eleven" move, that there were 94 stickers over the 93 buttons on all the pumps. Apologies to those in California.

dlmil

Chipped? -- what do you mean by chipped?

It sounds like I won't put anything less than silver (medium/91) grade in. If I will get slightly better gas mileage with premium, then it makes sense to use premium.

Bezor

you'd be reducing output as a result. In the summer, I'd stick with highest octane. Winter would probably be OK.

absoluTT A3

but I'd say stick with 91. The extra expense is a good peace of mind. Also, don't buy from non-mainstream gas stations. I prefer BP and Hess. I've had bad gas issues with the no-names... just not worth the risk of screwing up your car.