I wish I'd said that.

 

Hey guys - let's remember that for someone who is not mechanically inclined, telling him or her to burn 92 or 93 octane fuel could be VERY confusing and misleading. It is PREMIUM grade fuel which is the key. The octane will vary where ever you live (altitude related). Here in the mounttains of Colorado, premium is 91!!

And, yes, I'd never burn anything other than premium in that engine.

 

Actually, the gentleman I purchased her from took GREAT care of her. For an '04 not to have any dings/scratches/blemishes inside or out, I think is a testament to how much care an owner takes. I was lucky to find exactly what I wanted in such great condition.

I do understand your assumption though. =) Who knows? Maybe mid-grade is different throughout the country. My car was bought in Florida and brought back to Oklahoma. Either way, she's in good hands and I'd like to do my best to take care of her.

 

Our premium is mostly 91 here as well. If I do find a 92 or 93, isn't it hard on the engine to go up to a higher octane and then back down to 91?

 

WendyJo, your 91 will work just fine. Going up or down is not a problem, after all,it's what you have to do when you travel. Use the premium of any major brand station and you will be fine.

 

Are you going to run it or put it to bed for the winter? If you are going to put it to bed, you may want to think about Stabilizer.

 

Yea, FUEL stabilizer - not a steering stabilizer!

 

Sorry! No Pizza for me! I did mean gas stabilizer.
I did not know about steering stabilizer.
Thanks Pizza Dude!

 

I have to agree that running a tank or two of 91+ octane and a can of Seafoam or Lucas Fuel Treatment will clear up your idling problems as well as fix any hesitation problems.

 

Sadly enough, this is my everyday driver, so I won't be putting it to bed for the winter. But luckily, I do have a nice fiance with a big truck for the really yucky days. It will probably be driven at least once a week and will be garage kept at night. Any tips on how to get my car 'winter ready'?

 

Just a good wash / waxing. Put some protectant (Armor All, STP, Etc) on the rubber and plastic parts to keep them from drying/cracking. If you have a roadster I'd get some "RaggTopp" cleaner/protectant and do your top.

 

Just an update:

I finally took my car in to get the transmission leak fixed. Only 30 minutes and $85 later, the transmission plug adapter was replaced and the problem is solved! Best part about it being that I now have a FANTASTIC mechanic... If you're in the area, Team One Auto in Broken Arrow, OK is amazing!

Also, I began using 91 (Shell V Power) fuel and added a can of Sea Foam injector cleaner and she's never driven better! Hopefully, this weekend I'll be able to change the air filters to K&Ns for even better performance.

I also got some of Meguiers Swirl X swirl remover to see if there's any hope for my Alabaster White paint to shine like it's supposed to. (Again, hopefully this weekend!) I'm also wanting to Armor All the plastics to prepare for winter. By the way, a big thanks for the recommendations guys!

While I was visiting with the mechanic, he mentioned that my coolant needed to be replaced because I'm at the five year marker. Is this something I could easily do? or would it be better to let him do it?