I im looking at this 2002 Xterra SE S/C and in the owners maual and on the gas tank lid it says for best performance nissan suggests premium gas. Can anyone tell a different between regular and premium? is there a loss of performance/ hurt the car any if i use Regular?

Thanks

I im looking at this 2002 Xterra SE S/C and in the owners maual and on the gas tank lid it says for best performance nissan suggests premium gas. Can anyone tell a different between regular and premium? is there a loss of performance/ hurt the car any if i use Regular?

Thanks

Yeah you need premium because the compression is higher (although you may be able to get away with 89 in some locations). You will eventually have engine damage due to premature detonation.
With gas prices the way they are it isn't worth it. Get an 03 or 04 non S/C for a better deal.

Yeah, Nissan's highly-talented engineers had their heads up their asses when they specified the fuel requirements...

Use what it says is required, yeesh...

Since Super is about a breath away from being 3.00/gal where I live, I can't imagine the extra 40hp being worth it. If you want more power buy an '05.