But are Used Turbocharged Cars Reliable Today?
After 55 years of engineering progress and advances in technology, automakers have learned from their past mistakes. For instance, instead of just bolting a turbocharger onto a pre-existing engine, most companies now design the whole package at once, ensuring that all individual components can handle the added heat and stress of forced induction. New materials also have played their part, and computers have had much the same impact on engines as they’ve had on infotainment and safety technology. When it comes to turbocharged cars, that lets modern-day performance-control modules (PCMs) take over the technical business. Simply put, PCMs can precisely monitor and adjust the whole powertrain in ways that old-school mechanical setups – and forgetful owners – couldn’t match.
As a result, most experts say that current-generation turbocharged engines match their naturally aspirated counterparts for reliability. In the 2017 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, two of the industry’s key segments (Small SUV and Large Light-Duty Pickup) were won by turbo-friendly vehicles. The 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan led in the former with an all-turbo four-cylinder engine lineup, and the 2014 Ford F-150, with its popular turbocharged V6 models, came out on top in the latter.
Customers shopping for reliable used vehicles with turbocharged engines also may want to keep their eyes open for some 2017 models that will soon be headed for pre-owned status. The Honda Civic, Honda CR-V and Ford F-150 all offer turbocharged power, and they’re among the vehicles expected to surpass 200,000 miles by Consumer Reports.
doh) At each dealership the salesman said that with turbocharger if I intended to keep the car long-term I should plan on engine replacement at 8-10 years. And those were the guys trying to sell the car. I did my own research too, and found that Consumer Reports said the same thing. I don't have an emotional investment in this issue, and I'm not making the story up.
