I'm at the point of putting down a deposit for a 2005 Cabrio (my first MINI). MINIUSA.com's specification page under fuel efficiency lists "premium unleaded" under the expected mileage.
Does the Cooper or Cooper S *require* premium? Does regular gasoline damage the engine? Is a middle grade acceptable?
If regular is OK for normal use, when is premium needed? Does milage improve with premium?
Performance is far better with premium, and there's a potential for engine damage with regular (in some circumstances). Don't buy a Mini if you aren't willing to use good gas. Look at it as a cost of ownership.
Hi - I've just seen the first Cabrio to arrive here today - looks great!!
I'll have a drive in it soon and let you know how it goes..
The hood looks well and fits into it's home a treat..
as for fuel I will type a comment when I've read it up - other than to say the car would return better fuel comsumption with higher octane as a guide..
Premium gas is required for all Minis: MC, MCS, or Cabrio.
The engine has a knock sensor so presumably it would detune itself to avoid damage when running on lower-grade gas, but Mini says you should run premium.
- Mark
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