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Hi,

I've just bought a Subaru Outback 2.5i (2006 facelift model imported from Japan). It was explained to me by the salesman, I should only be using 95 octane fuel in the car. There's also a big yellow sticker on the inside of the petrol flap saying "95 only"!

Now, I've read in a few forums that 91 octane is actually okay, but I wanted to make sure by asking here.

If it is, is there any drawback to putting in 91 (fuel consumption, other issues down the line, etc). I don't want to end up with any costly work down the line, by using 91.

A full tank of 95 octane just cost me $125. Eek!!! Hence the question. :)

Cheers,
Tarique.

It depends on whether this is the SOHC engine or the DOHC. If it is the SOHC it is fine to run it on 91, but if it's the DOHC, 95 is recommended.
FYI, we ran some testing last year on the cost comparisons between using 91 and 95. The results were that there is very little difference as 95 is a little more efficient, therefore you travel slightly further on a tankful of 95 so the difference in cost per km travelled is negligable. Hopefully, if your car must run on 95, knowing that will reduce the pain for you slightly!

Ah, thanks for that. Really helpful.

I'll find out if it's a SOHC, or not when I go back to the dealer (had to give the car back for a couple of days while they locate a leak in the aircon system. sigh...)

Just been checking online actually...

As this is a facelift 2006 model, the body type is a DBA-BP9 (pre-facelift was a CBA-BP9, I think). The engine is a EJ25 which is a 4 cylinder SOHC. So, I presume 91 would be okay.

Yes, according to our sources at Subaru, that engine will run finr on 91.

Cool. Thank you!