Turbocharged engines used to be problematic (think 80's),but now many cars offer them. Are they better now?

Question

I'm thinking longterm: maintenance, reliability, etc. I tend to keep a car nearly 10 years.

Answer 1

Turbochargers haven't changed much fundamentally at all.
But drivers have. They have become better educated about some of the "techie" accessories.
The main disadvantages of turbos are two --
1) They are INTENSELY high maintenance and incredibly unforgiving about lack of maintenance. The proper type, grade and classification of oil is mandatory, and they must not be allowed to suffer extended oil change intervals.
2) The turbo spins at very high RPM and is driven by the exhaust from the engine. This causes a great deal of heat in and around the compressor and turbine shaft. If the engine is not allowed to cool for a short period of time before shutdown, the oil stops circulating and cannot cool the shaft and seals. The result is that the seals harden and fail, and the shaft begins to collect "coke" deposits at and around the shaft and bearings, which will cause more heat as well as reduced lube capacity. They really must be allowed to idle for a few seconds to a minute before shutdown.
If these things are considered, turbos can be a great advantage. They just aren't forgiving or convenient.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas

Answer 2

As other said turbos haven't changed much but fuel injection and fuel control has changed since the 80's.

The problems with the earlier turbo cars was that they had a hard time metering fuel and required very expensive at the time computers and sensors.

As far a factory turbo cars when left at stock boost levels you really have to bee beating on the car very hard to worry about coking.

I have seen Mitsubishi turbos (TD04-12a) last in excess of 150,000 miles without problem when left at stock boost levels

The biggest misconception is that turbo cars are more prone to failure but They are also more prone to be beaten on by the driver.

And the feeling of turbo car is irreplaceable.

Answer 3

turbos are nice to have on a car .but you don't need them.they still go bad on cars like any part on a car . they are very costly to replace .if you never had one you wont miss it.I thick the cars today have plenty of power with out them .