05' WRX and Forester XT

[Andy Leszczynski]

Is reliability of the 05' WRX and Forester XT (turbo engines) on par
with non-turbo models? I mean long term use like 200K + miles.

A.

 

[y_p_w]

Is reliability of the 05' WRX and Forester XT (turbo engines) on par
with non-turbo models? I mean long term use like 200K + miles.

From what I understand, the engine itself can take the added

pressure from the turbo. Much of the price of a turbo car is
making the engine stronger for the turbo. The turbocharger may
need to be rebuilt or replaced though if the bearings go. It's
not that expensive and access is fairly good. It should be 2-3
hours labor (for an experienced mechanic) and anywhere from
a few hundred dollars for the rebuild parts to several hundred
for a new turbo. 1stsubaruparts.com lists the turbo for the
2004-5 Forester at $946.39.

200K+ miles is a lot to ask for any passenger car engine to be
flawless - forced induction or otherwise. More than likely,
something is going to need repair.

 

[Bugalugs]

Is reliability of the 05' WRX and Forester XT (turbo engines) on par
with non-turbo models? I mean long term use like 200K + miles.

A.

I don't think anybody can truthfully answer that as there will be *very*
few 05 models that have done that sort of milage yet. However thay have
manufactured hundreds of thousands of them over the years and if you do
a search on this newsgroup I'm fairly certain you will not find any who
have said 'my turbo failed'.

When turbos first appeared in cars there were failures, a lot of them
caused by operator error, lack of proper maintenence etc. But let's face
it, if they were failing all over the place would they/could they
continue to market them?

When I recently sold my 1990 GT wagon, at 160k, it was still going
strong with absolutly no hint of turbo problems. (Replaced with a 02 GT
wagon, so I have confidence)

 

[y_p_w]

I don't think anybody can truthfully answer that as there will be *very*
few 05 models that have done that sort of milage yet. However thay have
manufactured hundreds of thousands of them over the years and if you do
a search on this newsgroup I'm fairly certain you will not find any who
have said 'my turbo failed'.

When turbos first appeared in cars there were failures, a lot of them
caused by operator error, lack of proper maintenence etc. But let's face
it, if they were failing all over the place would they/could they
continue to market them?

It's not uncommon for turbos to fail. Some businesses specialize in
rebuilding them. I've read several NG posts about turbo failure.

http://www.anyturbo.com/TURBOREBUILDING.HTM

The current powertrain warranty period is 5 years/60K miles. I
would expect even an abused turbo to last that long. However -
not all parts last forever. If a turbo fails, it's isn't
that expensive to fix.

When I recently sold my 1990 GT wagon, at 160k, it was still going
strong with absolutly no hint of turbo problems. (Replaced with a 02 GT
wagon, so I have confidence)

That's possible with good maintenance practices and knowledge of
how to treat the engine to prevent coking. Coking isn't the problem
it once was, but a little idling after a hard run can still help.