V6 Xantia fuel

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 27 Jan 2011, 20:55

The newest Exclusive I've purchased from Shaun is harder on the Unleaded
than I found on my other one and it's not with rose tinted memories or the
ramped up additional fuel costs; though possibly not helped by my recent
re-acquaintance with it's Audi eating pedal mind.

Just wondering if any of you V6 Xant fans have any feelings about Shell
Optimax or similar 'enhanced' fuels? Not so much for performance as getting
a reasonable return throughout a range of use - I do recall too reading that
the Morrisons, Tesco etc variety is like the equivalent 'basic' range of baked
beans - all watered down and a load of crap!!

I've not disconnected the battery yet, but wonder whether teaching the
autobox to relearn my usual driving would bring back returns that I am
more familiar with over the same use on my other (sadly still in a coma) V6?

Andrew

Sid_the_Squid · Unread post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 27 Jan 2011, 21:00

Hey Andrew,
Never noticed a difference between tesco premium unleaded and v-power/ultimate/other special high octaine petrol.

The Green Goblin used to get between 22~27mpg depending on how I drove. would get in the low 30's for motorway journeys.

AFAIK the Autobox learns as you drive, should be no need to disconnect the battery, as its constantly learning anyway.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 27 Jan 2011, 21:20

Im rather light footed anyway, but always use Regular Shell, or regular Texaco as my main two..

I dont bother with the Higher priced Optimax etc etc...

When I was useuing my V6 on regular, on a journey I think I was getting around 30 mpg, which I thought for a 196bhp auto 6 pot is very acceptable!

Paul

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 27 Jan 2011, 21:39

I only ever use V-Power.

Every V6 I've owned has been better all round with it. More MPG and more responsive. Coupé is even better as the VVT can make use of the higher octane.

Its more expensive but with the extra mileage I get I think it pays for itself. Plus I get money off with my V-Power card from time to time

Standard Shell/BP etc etc is fine, but personally I wouldn't touch supermarket fuels. Its cheaper for a reason.

I bet if you pulled apart engines that were identical in every way (including how they have been run/serviced) - except one ran on supermarket fuel and the other on a premium fuel - after say 100-150k you'd see a difference.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 27 Jan 2011, 21:51

Well ACTUALLY - the "Supermarket Slogan - Why Pay More?? " from a well know supermarket round here is the biggest pile of s**t Ive ever seen!!!

Up here, Shell and Texaco have the SAME prices as "Supermarkets" cheaper fuel!

I steer well clear of the crap too! Though mum - well - dad only ever puts supermarket in..... " .... it gets me my points..". His pocket when something goes wrong though

Paul

lexi · Unread post by **lexi** » 27 Jan 2011, 22:23

I put in the better fuel.

30 mpg on a run.......but around town it takes a real dive. A mate had the Vectra V6 and the early Mondeo V6 as well

His was the same: good on a run but really thirsty in town to go with ROCK HARD suspension on both models.

Get it tuned up and fully synthetic oil etc ............may help. No brakes dragging ?

I am lucky as don't really use mine much in winter so only 40 quid now and again.

Stempy · Unread post by **Stempy** » 27 Jan 2011, 23:04

I've never done an mpg comparison between regular and super unleaded, but I know that on the odd occasion when I've had to use regular there is a definite power loss so always stick to super. Tesco claim 99 RON for their super which is the same as Shell V Power, others seem to be mostly 97 RON.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 28 Jan 2011, 00:04

I'm sure we had a similar discussion about derv and v-power, and v-power came out as better after a few tanks. I know Cassy only really likes veg or v-power and v-power was the only thing I found that made Dex even slightly responsive

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 28 Jan 2011, 08:59

I filled up with Total Diesel recently and that appeared to run well. Total is French I believe. Give Total Excellium (petrol) a try (if you can find a Total petrol station

).

Out of all the supermarket fuels I remember seeing a review which said Morrisson's fuels were better then most supermarket brands.

KP · Unread post by KP » 28 Jan 2011, 19:43

All fuels are meant to contain at least 5% bio in them and some morrisons offer b85 which can be good and bad. Try sticking it in nuetral when you wait at lights and see if this helps.

My rental v6 at the minute on a 420mile daily commute gets about 26mpg so feel happy or get an LPG conversion on the go