just bough a 01 pathfinder se on sunday. I did not know that the engine requires premium fuel. We just traded in out svt contour 00 that required premium. we thought we were going to get a break buying regular... will regular hurt it if used for regular driving?? We are going to use premium for long trips or when towing. the engine only has 41500 miles on it. I love the pathfinders 2 of my 3 brothers have pathfinders an 95 and an 98 and i have 2 nissan trucks as well a 90 2wd 4cyl that i love and a 95 4x4 ext cab 4cyl truck as well. thanks

 

Engine knock will be the first think you'll notice.

 

The manual should tell you to use a minimum of 87 octane. The engine should not knock even with the regular gas, due to it having a knock sensor, but the engine will produce slightly better power with premium. I have an 05 Pathfinder and run it on the 89 octane all the time with no problems. If i go on a long trip I'll usually use premium. Have not noticed any differences in gas mileage though between the 93 and 89 octane like I should...

 

I was told by my dealer that every 3rd tank should be premium. However, considering the size of that tank, the fact that I want to have a family someday and I enjoy a good meal other than ramen noodles, I just went to target and got octane boost for suv's (think it works on like 25-30 gallons) and also fuel injection cleaner. Put it in when I took a long trip and then ran the car a bit harder.

 

I have an 01 which was purchased back in 2002, and I been using premium since.