Well, I've been shopping for a Subaru wagon for the GF, and its hard to find a 2.5 RS, so I've been looking at the WRX's. My dad (who is a car enthusiast of many many many years) insists that turbocharged cars are terrible for daily drivers because the turbo creates so much heat that its always trying to destroy the engine. However, the last Turbo car he owned was an '87 Volvo 740ti. He insists that maintnance will be CONSIDERABLY higher, and will be required more often.

My argument to him is that turbo technology has changed greatly in the last 15 years and the modern oiling systems keep turbochargers cooler and modern intercooler design keeps the charge air cool enough.

So, how much of a PITA have your turbocharged cars been? Are you being eaten alive in maintinence or are the operating costs about the same as a NA car?

 

your dad is living in the past *lol*. turbo cars don't necessarily require more car but it is more important that you do the required maintenance. in other words don't skip oil changes and don't use low octane gas. i've driven turbo charged cars exclusively for the last 10 years (MR-2s and my WRX) and you can't beat the combination of performance and fuel economy

 

My turbocharged 1987 Buick Grand National hasnt been a problem except waiting for the turbo to cool off before shutting the car off. I have had 2 WRX's one of which is an STi. Neither car has caused one problem. Neither have overheated and the STi has a front mount intercooler, making the radiator less efficent. They have coolant running through the turbo, so you dont have to wait to shut it off. They are quiet, dont get hot inside. Easy to work on. Tell your dad to start reading up. Turbo's are not a hassel. The only thing that they have going against them is 1. must use premium fuel, 2. keeping your foot off the accelerator, 3. trying not to smile. Go test drive a WRX and you will see why we are all on this site. BTW, good luck with the new car.

Nick