Originally posted by Vapor
this is a well known fact that there are no advantages to running higher octane than specified by the auto maker. This doesnt apply to just 4 cylinders, which was my point. For example, my 93 240 calls for 87, so I put 87 in it. I have put 89 in it to see if it cleared up a hesitation in it, but in fact, it gave no benefit at all. I am running stock timing, so I have no need for it - just as many other cars dont.
However, as motors increase in age, carbon deposits and decreased exhaust system efficiency can induce detonation. Increasing octane in a situation like this can alleviate the problem.
The "TR hate" as you said, was the response to the stereo typing and name calling from the original poster of this thread. As to your SUV dilema, you can get all of the things you need minus your security blanket, from most sport wagons, with better gas efficiency, AND still have a fun time behind the wheel. Of course, most people just buy what looks cool, comfortable to them, and what their friends buy. By your own admission, you don't use an SUV like the Jeep for what it's perks are good for - off roading, towing. To make matters worse, that high ride height that makes you feel so safe actually makes you a greater canidate for a rollover in an accident. And I hate to burst your bubble, but when it comes to anything VS Semi trucks, short of a military vehicle, you don't stand a chance. Its that false sense of security that spread throughout the populous that is helping to clog up our roadways with massive chunks of metal hogging up a LOT more gas, driving up gas prices for all of us. But hey, at least you're safe! 
I haven't had the chance to take it off roading "yet" since I work 60 hours, 7 days a week. I also haven't had the funds to get my Jeep prepared for towing since it didn't come with it when I purchased it last year. (I bought it used and all it's missing is a sun roof and a towing package - which would have helped us out when we moved earlier this year.) Now, my last Jeep (98 Cherokee Sport) was 4WD and I used it about once a week while I was in school. It helped get to many party locations off campus, in the woods, where only 4WD vehicles could get to. It also made for a great stress reliever and since there isn't much to do in DeLand - offroading was a great way to pass the time too. I know about rollover in SUV's, this isn't the first time I've owned one. I also know that I still don't stand a chance against a Semi but I feel just a
little bit better being in my Jeep when there are a lot of semi's on the road, then my boyfriend's Integra. I have no false sense of secuirty. The road/highway is a dangerous place 24/7 and I do my best to be a safe driver. I agree that there are a lot of people out there that drive SUV's and don't really need to. I need it. I would never drive a wagon because #1 - it's not my style and #2 - I don't feel safe in them because of an accident I was in while driving my mom's old 88 Volvo turbo wagon in high school. Everyone has their preferance on what type of car they like. I like SUV's (Jeep's mainly) and I put it to the use that they are made for.
