How much of a difference is there in maintaining/repairing a turbocharged vs. a regular engine?

Question

Over the lifetime of the car, will a turbocharged car cost much more? Also is there a big difference in reliability.

This question is with regards to production cars with turbo-charged engines and not aftermarket add-on turbochargers.

Answer 1

I have a Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo. I have owned the car for 8 years of its 14 year life. I bought the car with little knowlege of turbo's, and I will tell you that it was the best purchase I have ever made. Your car will last as long as you take care of it. If you abuse it, then it will surely break sooner than later. The cost of the Turbo is an initial investment. Only if you want your car modified will you have to worry about getting new ones. Take it from me if you are tetering on the choice, then take it from expirience save the money, and get the turbo, because if you don't then you will end up unsatisfied, and selll your car to get the one with the turbo anyway.

Answer 2

Modern turbo systems are so much better than they were 10-15 years ago.

As for maintenance, the only extra expense I can think of, that is really rational, would be related to two things:

1. The turbo system may make other engine components less accessible, so there will be more of a labor charge to perform certain repairs, if they are needed.

2. A turbo does encourage the driver to step on it, and probably over the life of the car, your engine will lose 10% longevity over the normal course of a modern car's life, which is perhaps 175,000 miles. So you'll lose 17,500 miles of use in theory.

Last of all, you'll probably get somewhat less gas mileage with a turbo motor.

Answer 3

Turbocharged are more expensive to manage. They have more parts which need replacing. They consume more fuel. They give you more speed, but if you are not racing on a race track, I donot think you will ever need turbo charged.

Regular engine is good, because it gives you consistent fuel economy, less handling and replacement costs, and most of all, more value for your money.

Please consider this, the amount of OIL in this world is going down day by day. Do you really want a turbocharged? are you a racing car driver?? If not,
I really believe you should go for a Regular engine.

Allso, try to buy a new hybrid car. That is the best alternative.

Answer 4

Turbocahrged are a lot harder/more expensive to maintain and they require more expensive/different tools for some of the jobs. Turbos are by no means for the novice or intermediate. If you dont have a really good knowledge of autos...stay away from them

Answer 5

If you do not know how to adjust or fix cars
buy a small one an be happy