rsilvers129

89 is a mystery to me why it even exists. There are no cars that require 89, as far as I know. It doesn't help any car made for 87. I guess it could be for cars that recommend 91, but don't require it.

Spaceframe

I usually fill up at Sams, it is the lowest price in our area. Never had a problem with the gas. It is one station that has 87 and 91 and the price of 91 is reasonable.

Spaceframe

In a couple of places 89 is ethanol free. I use it in my tractor lawn mower and other power equipment.

Force-1

Not Top Tier.

Spaceframe

And that means.....

heisnuts

If you google top tier fuels you will find a whole discussion and lists of gas stations that sell fuels with added detergents and conditioners in the fuel to help reduce deposits in engines.

With that said, if you are already convinced that 91 octane is not really needed in your new Q7, I wouldn't worry too much about top tier fuel either.

AudiFanFL

The only engine I can think of where 89 is the recommended fuel is the HEMI in some Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles.

rsilvers129

TOP TIER™ is branding. The companies pay a fee to use the brand, and agree to use certain detergents. It doesn't mean that companies who don't pay the marketing fee don't use the same amount detergents, but they may or may not.

Consumer Reports says that AAA did a test, and it is worth seeking out, as they found that many non-TOP-TIER branded were skimping:

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-...h-extra-price/
http://newsroom.aaa.com/2016/07/aaa-...created-equal/

DB22

Top Tier is a standard that a gasoline reaches that meets the top tier requirements of detergent. Any brand may be labeled Top Tier if it reaches the standards set by Top Tier.

rsilvers129

You have to pay to use the branding.

FAQs | Top Tier Gas

"What does it cost to sign up for the TOP TIER™ program?"

"There is an annual license fee based on the number of service stations owned by the fuel marketer."