Ask an expert: Fuel and running costs

Re: Pricing of 91 and Premium

markstockdale — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 09:01:07 +1300

Unfortunately very few service stations display the price of premium petrol. The AA wants it to be mandatory to display the price of all fuels on the roadside boards, and we have approached the government to introduce such a law. However, we are not aware of any other country that mandates price boards, except NSW, so this will be difficult. Typically, 95 octane costs 9c more than 91, but can be more if only 91 is being discounted. The decision to discount fuels is usually made by the local service station owner, but if you are aware of some brands that also discount the price of premium fuel, we’d encourage you to shop there.

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Pricing of 91 and Premium

Taieribeach — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 16:13:23 +1300

Is there anything that the AA can do to encourage your Smart Fuel partners Caltex and BP (If not all) Petrol Stations to display on billboard the price of all grades of fuel they sell? Over the last few months the price differential (at least in Tauranga anyway) for 95 premium at both BP and Caltex seems to be typically 20 to 30 cents or even up to 43 cents as seen today and yesterday. While down the road Shell, Pak n Save and Mobil only have 8 to 10 cents differential making them 30 cents cheaper than BP or Caltex and even at Gull it can be 20 cents cheaper for higher 98 Octane fuel than BP or Caltex. It is very frustrating for the owners of cars that require high octane fuel to be so blatantly fleeced by companies associated with the AA. Surely car dealers would also be on board with more transparency as it puts me off buying any other vehicles that require high octane fuel.

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Re: 2005 Nissan Pulsar Gearbox

Cade — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 15:02:37 +1300

Hi there,
I recommend getting your car looked at before too long. This could be an early indication of possible clutch adjustment, or a hydraulic issue. Or maybe even the fluid may need replacing to improve gear slection when hot.

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2005 Nissan Pulsar Gearbox

JamesRichard — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:35:18 +1300

My 2005 Pulsar is a 1.8L manual hatchback - it's a great car. When the car is cold, the gearbox doesn't make any squeaks/crunches. However when the car gets warm to a standard temperature, when I put it into first, I hear a slight squeak/crunch when it goes into first. There's no hesitation with it going into gear, nor does it bounce back out, and all the gear transitions are pretty smooth. Is this an area for concern (could it just be wear on the gears), or is something catastrophic about to happen? Could it just be a lack of lube/fluid, or perhaps a clutch adjustment is needed? Some clarification would be great! Also - I've just driven the car from Wellington to Auckland and no issues, all the gear changes were smooth - it's just that small crunch into first. Many thanks.

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Re: Type of fuel for 2006 Suzuki Escudo 2.0L auto

Cade — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 08:41:25 +1300

Hi There,
From what I can see you can use either fuel without trouble. 91 is what I found to be listed.

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Type of fuel for 2006 Suzuki Escudo 2.0L auto

pgaraway — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:48:00 +1300

What grade of fuel should I use for a 2006 Suzuki Escudo 2.0L auto - 91 or 95 octane? The dealer recommends 95 octane, whereas a (US) user manual suggests 87 octane or above.

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Re: Car Running Costs

Cade — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:51:08 +1300

Hi there,
This information is available for purchase in our latest Running cost report. By calling 0800 500 333 option 2. $20 for AA members.

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Re: 91 or 95 for Ford Taurus 1996

Cade — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:48:20 +1300

Hi there,
From what I can see, Regular unleaded (91) is listed for your vehicle.

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Re: Operation cost for new impoted vehicles

Cade — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:45:11 +1300

Hi there,
I see Ian has answered your query over the phone.
Our Runing cost report is made up from an average of a selection of vehicles by engine size.
It is to be used as an indication, to accomodate a wide variety of vehilces.

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Re: Operation cost for new impoted vehicles

Cade — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:45:06 +1300

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91 or 95 for Ford Taurus 1996

dmlong — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 21:24:02 +1300

Hi can you please advise me what is the best petrol to use in my car? Thanks

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Operation cost for new impoted vehicles

gearbe — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 15:50:23 +1300

We operate a number Foton Tunland utes, 2.8L diesel double cab, and I am looking for an appropriate rate to charge employees for private running during holidays. The AA running cost tables use a much higher purchase cost than reality for these vehicles eg ave cost stated at $55k whereas the new, list purchase price for these is around $27K. This will obviously significantly reduce our estimated operating cost per km in comparison to the AA table amount for a similar size but much more expensive vehicle.
By what factor should I reduce the km rate to make it more in line with my scenario?

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Car Running Costs

crnholio — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 11:16:57 +1300

Can you please advise what mileage rate to use for a 2010 6.2 Litre V8 Holden. Thanks

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Re: Mileage reimbursement

Cade — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 16:43:25 +1300

Hi there, Yes they exist and are only available to purchase $20.
We have a running cost report which is designed for new cars for the first 5 years and
travel 15,000km a year in 4 engine sizes, diesel and petrol. IRD take all our calculations and average it out, one amount for all engine sizes. 65c could still be more than the actual cost of running your vehicle.
Running costs are made of two parts, fixed(wof, rego, insurance ect) and flexible (oil, tyres, fuel ect). Flexible costs can be very low(under 30c), so your employer is pretty much paying you to own your car, as they would be contributing to costs you would pay regardless of vehicle work use.

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Re: fuel & maintenance rates

BigglesRIP — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 15:14:29 +1300

Thanks you for your reply. I don't really need the full report, but need some basic info to negotiate travel rates with my employer. I know the IRD rates were 77c/km, but have reduced to 74c/km with the lower fuel price for the current 2015 tax year. And I see many people commenting/using a ? 62c/km rate.

1. The Audi S3 sport hatch (4 door) 2015 is a petrol vehicle, all wheel drive with 2.0 TFSI engine.
2. The Toyota Hilux SR5 4WD is a double cab 3L manual diesel vehicle.

Hope that helps.

Thanks.

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Mileage reimbursement

Alison89 — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 14:17:19 +1300

My employer has recently implemented "AA mileage reimbursement rates", where due to my engine size I will get 65c/km instead of the IRD rate of 74c/km. I have a 2001 Toyota Vitz RS. I can't see these rates anywhere on your website, can you please advise if they exist?

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Re: Re: Car mileage rate

Cade — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 14:06:21 +1300

Hi Ellie,
Our latest running cost report is designed for new vehicles up to 5 years old. And is only available for purchase $20 for AA members on 0800 500 333 Option 2.
74c is the current IRD rate and is a good average for most older vehicles.

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Re: Car mileage rate

meadowsej — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 11:22:02 +1300

Please advise the running costs per km for the following vehicles:
Ford Ranger 3.2L diesel
Corolla 2.0L petrol
Thanks
Ellie

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Re: Car mileage rate

Cade — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 10:10:50 +1300

Hi there,
This information is available for purchase in our latest Running cost report. By calling 0800 500 333 option 2. $20 for AA members.

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Car mileage rate

GrahamP1 — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 08:58:50 +1300

Can you please advise the mileage rate for the use of a 2015 Lexus RX450H

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Re: Purchase the 2015 Report

sheryl.paterson — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:57:52 +1300

Thank you for phoning me back Cade, much appreciated. Good luck in getting phones sorted. Cheers Sheryl

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Re: Purchase the 2015 Report

Cade — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:47:46 +1300

Hi There, please call 0800 500 333 Option 2 for the correct dept.
Sorry for any delay.

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Re: Purchase the 2015 Report

sheryl.paterson — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:13:33 +1300

I personally have already left a message however have not received any call back. Your phones seem to be still experiencing difficulties today?? It's impossible to get through or get anyone to phone back!!

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Re: Purchase the 2015 Report

Cade — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 16:51:04 +1300

Hi there,
If there is no answer please leave a message, and someone will call you back.
We have also been experiencing some phone difficulties today sorry.

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Purchase the 2015 Report

SteelKiwi — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 14:11:02 +1300

Unable to get through on the phone due to it being a call centre!
Can someone post this report online?

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Re: Running costs per km for Vehicles

Cade — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 11:35:33 +1300

Hi there,
This information is only available for purchase in our running cost report. This report is tailored for new vehicles for the first 5 years of ownership.
The report can be purchased and emailed as a pdf file.
$20 for AA members. Call 0800 500 333 Option 2.

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Re: Mazda Axela - 1.5L Auto Jap Import - Fuel type

Cade — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 10:37:03 +1300

Hi there,
Import specs are hard to locate, but from what I can see 91 will be fine to use on your vehicle. However 95 is a good balance between 91 and 98 and give best of both.
For NZ new vehicles it is suggested you use 95 octane minimum.
91 octane fuel is not a 'dirty' fuel, it is just a lower octane rating, it is the same high quality fuel and comes from the same source as 95 and 98.

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Running costs per km for Vehicles

Taniak — Tue, 03 Nov 2015 10:27:11 +1300

Please advise the running costs per km for the following vehicles:
Ford Ranger 3.2L diesel
Corolla 2.0L petrol
Thanks

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Re: Mazda MPV 2006 2.3L Japanese Import fuel type

Cade — Mon, 02 Nov 2015 09:56:49 +1300

Hi there,
From the information I have found, you can use 91 Octane fuel on your 2.3 non-turbo MPV.

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Mazda Axela - 1.5L Auto Jap Import - Fuel type

sam_chapmansmith — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 16:35:13 +1300

Hi there - We've just bought a 2008 Axela which is a fresh import and the dealer has advised we must only use 95octane or higher. Is this correct? Obviously we would prefer to use 91 but the dealer says this is a dirty fuel and we will have engine issues if we do use it...?

We filled it up with 95 and idling at the lights it doesn't seem to enjoy the low revs.

Thanks!

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Mazda MPV 2006 2.3L Japanese Import fuel type

hasleham30 — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 16:14:20 +1300

Hi,
The dealer I bought the car from said use 95 octane fuel. I have had conflicting reports on what fuel to use. The car is the same as this example http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/cars/mazda/auction-965222308.htm

My VIN number is 7AT0C11EX15123820 if this helps.
Obviously I would like to use 91 if I can.

Thanks Pete

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Re: Fuel & Running costs

Cade — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 16:22:05 +1300

Hi there, sorry we don't have this information available, only new vehicles up to 5 years old.
I good estimate that suits most vehicles is 75c per km.

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Fuel & Running costs

massyn — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:26:37 +1300

Have you got any running costs on a Suzuki 2006 4x4 Auto petrol escudo ?

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Re: Ird millage claim table

Cade — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 09:37:09 +1300

Hi there,
What we have now is a motor vehicle running cost report. This is a calculated report on
how much it would cost to run a vehicle per km. Based on a new vehicle for the first 5 years
of ownership, and estimated travel of 14k per year. Also included is a graph of the amount of km's travelled less or more than 14k and what the price per km's are. This is available
for purchase $20 for AA members on 0800 500 333 Option 2

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Ird millage claim table

dr.thew — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 16:04:39 +1300

Hi
in late 90's we got a table from the AA of millage claim rates (for IRD)
for low millage it was $1.13 / km above cars 2 litres which we have used for many years,
do you still have this table, with updated to 2015

David T

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Re: fuel & maintenance rates

Cade — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 09:42:07 +1300

Hi there,
You will need to know the engine sizes and whether the vehicles are diesel or petrol.
We have a running cost report only available for purchase, $20 for AA members.
Please call 0800 500 333 Option 2 to purchase this report.

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fuel & maintenance rates

BigglesRIP — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 20:27:52 +1300

1. What is the fuel & maintenance rates/km for an Audi S3 hatch 2015 model please?
2. What is the fuel & maintenance rates/km for a Toyota Hilux SR5 4x4 2015 model please?

Thank you.

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Re: Business mileage rates

Cade — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:36:44 +1300

Hi there,
IRD have a rate of 75c per Km.
If you want specifics, we have it available for purchase $20 for AA members, as a complete running cost report. Call 0800 500 333 Opt 1 to obtain the report.

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Business mileage rates

cecilevdwest — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 15:26:04 +1300

Hi there, can you tell met what is the AA rate that I can suggest to my employer for re-imbursement of using my vehicle for work purposes? I have a 2014 Holden Colorado 4x4 LTD Double cab diesel ute.

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Re: Running costs for Hyundai h1 minibus

Cade — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 09:56:52 +1300

Hi There,
You would need to be more specific. However we have a 2015 running cost report available
for purchase ($20). This is designed for new vehicles for the first 5 years of ownership.
We have Diesel and Petrol calculations.
Please call, 0800 500 333 Option 2 to purchase this.

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Running costs for Hyundai h1 minibus

TonyGray35 — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 03:44:31 +1300

Do you have the running cost calculation for the Hyundai h1 minibus (or similar vehicle) Thanks

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Re: Mazda MPV 2006 2.3L Import Jap

hasleham30 — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 12:38:20 +1300

I was told to use 95 by the car dealer. So am a bit confused now. Obviously I would prefer to use the 91 as its cheaper.

Thanks Pete

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Re: Mazda MPV 2006 2.3L Import Jap

Cade — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 11:24:35 +1300

Hi there,
My information recommends 91 octane for your car. And Gull does not recommend using force10 98 octane fuel in your car.

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Mazda MPV 2006 2.3L Import Jap

hasleham30 — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 06:46:34 +1300

What type of fuel is recommended for this vehicle please 91 or 95 and can Gull 98 be used?
Thanks
Pete

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Re: 95 or 98 petrol

Cade — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 08:53:00 +1300

Hi there,
From what I can see, a minimum of 95 octane fuel is required for both cars.
The X5 3.0ltr would cost approx $2,630 per year @ 8.7Ltrs/ 100km
The X5 4.8ltr would cost approx $3,500 per year @ 12.5Ltrs/100km

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95 or 98 petrol

Nicklaus457 — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 17:44:17 +1300

Hi,
What petrol should be added for 2010 BMW X5 3.0L and 4.8L separately?
What are their annual petrol consumed average?
Thanks for your help

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Re: 'T' in petrol fuel line

Cade — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 09:54:35 +1300

Hi there,
I have seen this on a system before. Maybe the fuel pump was suppling too much fuel pressure, and this was a way of relieving it without fitting a a pressure regulator?.
I would check the fuel pressure before blocking ithe line off.
But yes this line would drain fuel back to the tank, and not maintain pressure to the carburettor.

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'T' in petrol fuel line

kiwikol — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 16:22:05 +1300

I was recently in the UK and came across a 1991 Talbot campervan petrol engine problem. In the fuel line, between the pump and the carb, was a 'T' which allowed the fuel to circulate back to the tank - similar to the diesel concept. I experienced difficulty starting (long turn over period from cold) and wonder if this was caused by the fuel draining back to the tank, Once started, and before it had warmed up, she would re-start no trouble, suggesting it's not an electrical problem. It was suggested I cut off this return line but would like to know why it was there and would there be consequences for removing it? Thanks

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Re: 91 or 95

Cade — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 09:37:56 +1300

Hi there,
It looks like you can use either 91 or 95, the engine may like to run on the 95 better, but 91 will still be ok.

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91 or 95

Atuljoshi — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 02:29:33 +1300

Hi what patrol should I use for toyota isis 2005 1800 cc.

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