I have a 1996 VW Jetta with a 2.0 4 cylinder engine. I've been running 87 octane gas in it for a year now and I'm never satisfied with my 25-30 MPG. I was told just today that these engines are meant for performance and I should use 89 octane. What should I use and would it cost me more or less in the long run for gas? The price for 87 is $2.35 here and $.10 more for each grade.

I have a 1996 VW Jetta with a 2.0 4 cylinder engine. I've been running 87 octane gas in it for a year now and I'm never satisfied with my 25-30 MPG. I was told just today that these engines are meant for performance and I should use 89 octane. What should I use and would it cost me more or less in the long run for gas? The price for 87 is $2.35 here and $.10 more for each grade.

2.0 are not performance engines. The 1.8 or the VR6 are. Your engine is built for econ. Running a higher octane is a good thing for gas miliage, performance, and the enviroment. It burns cleaner and longer.