I'm considering buying a car with a CVT gearbox such as Toyota RAV4.
Not sure if this is as durable as a standard Automatic.
Would like get some opinions/experiences on this.
I have a CVT equipped Nissan Pathfinder. My model has had some issues though I appear not to have them, they had a problem with the lock up clutch for the torque converter shuddering on engagement. I find it generally smooth and suits the car well as I just drive it in traffic and on the freeway, long term durability is something I can't confirm yet though, mine is at 90,000km without any issue.
I think the torque converter lockup is poorly programmed but that is another story, the only real failure of smoothness. If you have not driven one it will feel very odd when you test drive, like a slipping clutch although I think not long after mine they programmed in a series of discrete ratio steps under power in most of them to settle peoples perception of them being droney. So long as they get the revs right and it does not drone (the Pathfinder does not) then I think programming discrete steps on a gearbox with infinite variability kind of defeats the point.
I have a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer and no problems. Smoother than traditional automatics.
Mitsubishi set the transmission with preset ratios at intervals which mimic gear changes of traditional automatics. I don't know why Mitsubishi did that but it is not a requirement of CVT. I'd prefer if there were no presets I think.
We've been looking for a new car and I looked into this when Subaru entered the new car equation. You have to realise that if you search online for problems all you'll find is problems. Search for dual clutch direct shift gearbox problems and there are lots of results there too.
The biggest issue, I believe, is the lack of gearbox servicing. I have an '08 new to me auto diesel Golf here and recently found out that they don't list a gearbox filter/oil change as part of the service routine. I changed the filter/fluid myself and found out why. It cost me $285 for 6 liters of fluid plus the $10 filter and it took me about 4 hours to get the job done. The filter/refill point is buried under a lot of hardware that must be removed. I guess they'd charge almost $800 for a gearbox oil/filter change at a dealers.
I found the Subaru didn't schedule a gearbox fluid/filter change just like VW.
I also have a 2001 BMW 530i here which also has lifetime fluid in the gearbox. When I changed it and the filter at 170K Kms really black molasse came out.
I don't think engineering is the issue with any of the gearboxes out there. It's cutting maintenance schedules to make servicing fees look cheaper.
If you're buying new, and intend to change over semi-regularly, like just before the warranty period ends, then there aren't any issues, Unless it's a DSG volkswagen that develops a fault. A colleague has been trying to get VW Aust. to sort his out for over a year now. I wouldn't be a fan of towing with a CVT, but that's just me.
Contact the NRMA technical department. They'll give you good independent advice. My neighbor is the tech manager for the RAA in SA. He's a great source in this type of information.
Thanks Guys!
I haven't decided yet, but as I may be towing a bit, the 2.5l engine may be the better option and it comes with standard Automatic transmission.
J.
