Ask Smithy Xtra Inefficient E10

I have noticed in recent weeks a number of stories about owners having problems with their vehicles when using E10 fuel, so thought I would add my own experiences. I drive a 2003 BA Fairmont with just over 100,000 km on the clock and have never had any engine problems with the car, but after using E10 on one occasion my vehicle started running roughly, it was most noticeable at idle and there were some difficulties in starting. After refusing to start one morning despite a strong battery and endless turning over, I called the mechanic to take a look. He eventually managed to get it started, but the first question was what sort of fuel I had used. He told me that E10 was rubbish and strongly suggested avoiding it as he has seen many cars that can supposedly run E10 fine developing starting problems among other problems when using it. I have since gone back to Premium and make it a point to never use E10. In the six months since then the car has run like a dream.