new 08 pathfinder

91 is recommended, but the manual says you can use 87. I used 87 for the first several months. I caught it pinging a few times on the steep grades up in the mountains around here. The computer adjusts it out, but the pinging was more than I thought it would allow. I've been putting 91 in it since and haven't noticed pinging since. It's about $3 more each tank which is about $6-9 more per month for us. I haven't noticed a difference in driveability unlike my Maxima, which bucks and surges if I try to use 87.

i use 87 in my '07 SE Off-Road. usually we fill up 2x every week and a half. once a month i'll fill'er up with 93 to do a mild cleaning.

there is a noticeable difference in performance when 93 is in there vs the 87. but she's practically brand new so i don't worry about using 87. the ecu should recognize the octane being used and the timing will retard to reflect the octane used.

basher808 said:

aloha, i just bought a new 08 pathfinder. i asked the dealer if it's neccessary to us 91 fuel, he said 87 is fine but the manual says to use 91. honestly what you guys use? thanks in advance for the help.

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Been using 87 octane since new. Used 91 but didn't notice any difference, other than my wallet.

BUT, I have heard timing may have been advanced, requiring the use of 91 octane. I also recall reading an on-line 2008 owners manual, recommending 91 octane.

My suggestion... fill the tank 1/4 full with 87 OR 89 octane. If it runs like shi+, fill it up with 91.

thanks again!