Can I run the new E85 fuel in my 2003 Kia Rio?

By admin | Jun 20, 2009
jessanderin asked:


They just started selling it locally and I wasn’t sure if only the brand-newest cars could use it. Thanks!!

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4 Comments so far
  1. mdcbert June 24, 2009 6:12 am

    Check your owners manual.

    Probably not!

    cars have to be specially made to accept E-85.

  2. KPO'M June 27, 2009 12:49 am

    Cars need to be designed to run on E85. Ethanol is highly corrosive to metal parts, and most cars are designed to run on fuel with only 10% ethanol (which has been sold in most of the country since the 1980s).

    Also, note that, although the price of E85 looks cheaper, fuel economy is only about 75% as good, since ethanol has a lot less energy in it than gasoline. There’s a reason it’s taken until now for E85 to arrive. Ethanol is also very expensive to produce, and has questionable environmental benefits. You already drive a fairly fuel-efficient car.

  3. lith_talon June 29, 2009 10:16 pm

    probably. an 03 rio ain’t that old. the gas that you have been buying had atleast 15% E in it. It might not run as smoothly, but take it to your dealership. if they say it has to be tuned to run smooth on e85, then talk to your mechanic.

  4. Spee July 1, 2009 2:48 am

    No. This is the list of E85-compatible cars (flex-fuel cars) in the U.S.:

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