Reliability of new CVT's/Turbo's/Hybrid's/etc???
My 11 year old standard Mini Cooper currently has a reliable 225K miles on it which I’m looking to replace due to its’ age. In looking for my next car I’m left with an array of memorizing designs with the manufacturer’s reaching for higher MPG’s that currently leaves me wondering if I can ever see that kind of longevity again. Salesmen of the various brands tell me their designs are built for a maximum "new car" ownership of 5 years. I guess I’m a dinosaur of expectations then… How about this new, if now newer, technology anyone? What’s good and what’s not so good in the reliability and longevity column?
1. New Generation Turbo’s vs. the inherent problematic previous generations?
2. CVT transmission, paddles and alike, vs. the older automatic and manual drive train designs?
3. Current Hybrids (Ford claims their electric stays on up 62MPH) vs. older designs?
4. Spare tires or the spray can sealants?
Opinions please!
Thanks
Comments
You'll get a lot of info from the new Consumer Reports car buyers guide that just came out.
That salesman was spouting BS. Car reliability has been improving overall, you should be able to match your Mini with careful maintenance. The biggest issue is not with any of the items you list, instead it's with the electronic interface used by many brands. They have proven to be very non-intuitive, which caused a major drop in Ford's ratings.
Just Got the new CR Car Issue, lacking much info than in previous years and basically too general for the above concerns. I was hoping they'd cover the reliability of newer tech advances in recent years but have concentrated way out in the future w/Self-Driving cars & robotics instead. Very disappointing, especially when in the market for a new car. FYI, I got that new ownership estimate from more than one sales guy... I would agree with you on the electronics (I am a digital guy) but everyone seems to be overlooking the basics in the background. Most of us at least depend on **getting around reliably first **, before we start punching buttons and taking calls, setting up navigation, and listening to tunes. mend0-
Cars have always been built to sell to buyers that keep them a few years. That's very different than how long they'll last. I've seen nothing that says modern cars will last fewer years.
That said, I share your concern on two areas: turbochargers in just about everything, combined with direct fuel injection. Neither has been out long enough to establish a long-term track record. As for CVTs, they apparently doing OK, as are Toyota's hybrids. Honda has not had as good a track record with their hybrids.
The detailed reliability info on CR addresses engines, transmissions, etc. I haven't checked whether the paper version has the amount of detail you can get off the CR web site.
Currently I'm looking at Honda Civic & Accord coupes, Ford Fusion SE (not Hybrid), and Hondai Elantra coupe. The Civic seems to be the best rated of all these, the Accord and Fusion are a wipe out in the latest CR, and its' anyone's guess on the Elantra. These models all seem to have CVT's and new generation turbo's. Googling "Honda Accord CVT" for instance you get a long list of shudder problems around 30 MPH after 7K and these owners are told after extensive investigation by Honda that its' a mystery to them. There's nothing in CR or anyplace else about Honda, or other brands for that matter (see Nisson), CVT problems. Then there's the long troubled list of previous (& current?) turbo problems. However, the EPA figures do look great on those window stickers.
I have a 2011 Fusion (MKZ, actually) hybrid, no problems so far. I'll be interested to hear about the Accord CVT, the 'Sport' model interests me, when it comes time to replace the MKZ.
I do worry that those salesmen you've been talking to are just trying to prime you for an expensive, profit-laden extended warranty. I won't buy them...