Premium Fuel?

[highpockets]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and a possible future owner of a 2005 Acura TL with a manual six speed. I used to own a 2005 VW Jetta TDI and was rear-ended totaling the car. So I'm now in the market and looking heavily at the TL's. I see that the recommended fuel is Premium why is this? Anyone using regular?

Also any words of wisdom on my possible purchase...pro's / con's.

One thing that concerns me is the car fax report doesn't show any maintenance records for the 32k miles. The car is a one owner lease so I would think the dealership would have did all the oil changes etc. Maybe they just didn't record the maintenance?

[nsxt2000]

My son has an '05 TL and loves it. It is a quality, substantial car and handles very well. They also wish it did not requrie premium fuel, but in light of the benefits, accept that as part of ownership.

Thanks for joining the forum and hope that you become an Acura owner. I have driven them since the late 1980's and appreciat the fine engineering that goes nto them.
-Mike S.

[observer]

I drive a CSX Type S (unique to Canada) and it too requires premium.

The reason all Type S' (and for matter Honda Si's) require premium is the high compression ratios used in the S and Si engines. Compared to the regular engines used in non-Type S cars the compression ratios are very high and once that happens you need the additional octane to support the performance.

If you do buy the car do not downgrade to regular. The engine mapping expects the higher octane and while the on-board computer will do its utmost to adjust it cannot adjust far enough. Plus the OBC tracks what fuel you use and if you ever run into an issue Acura will be well within their rights to decline any warranty work that may be required.

[RobPE]

Regarding maintenance records, you may have luck contacting Acura (800-382-2238, selection #5). They, as well as CarFax, usually have record of the original dealership that sold the car. Acura can also tell you any warranty work / recalls on the car. Good luck!