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Running a modern classic - is super unleaded best?

My friend is convinced she needs to put super unleaded in her 1988/9 Volkswagen Golf. She thinks this is because leaded petrol is no longer available and that somehow 'super unleaded' is the only alternative. I cannot convince her she is wasting money and time (looking for a super u/l pump) by not using ordinary unleaded petrol. Am I correct for this age of car?

Asked on 15 August 2014 by maddicksman

Answered by Honest John
No, you are completely wrong. These engines take unleaded, but when unleaded was introduced many owners had the timing of their engines of their Mk IIs retarded to run on 95Ron unleaded. This messed up the engines, leading to poorer performance, increased fuel consumption and fuel systems suffering from carbon deposits. Far better to leave the timing advanced and run the engine on super. I speak from experience.
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