Is a 2012 automatic a ticking time bomb?

[marklein]

I'm looking at buying a 2012 turbo with an automatic transmission and 60k miles. I've read about failures and general automatic hatred, but also read about people over 100k with no trouble, so I'm hesitant to buy his low mileage car. I should point out that I'm a lead-foot and plan on getting one of the turbo tunes to boost output, though it seems like tranny failure is less associated with power and more bad luck.

I'll have the dealer check for recalls before buying (those are covered once for life, right?) because I've heard that SOME trannys will grenade but there's a TSB for it.

Is an 2012 automatic asking for trouble, or should I just stop worrying? Thanks!

 

[gnonne]

2012 (first year) turbo with 60k.... I'd pass. The early turbos had some issues and 60k is not low mileage.

I have a 2013 automatic LT sedan with only 24k - and it has had the trans seal replaced.

 

[TboneMinister]

I'm looking at buying a 2012 turbo with an automatic transmission and 60k miles. I've read about failures and general automatic hatred, but also read about people over 100k with no trouble, so I'm hesitant to buy his low mileage car. I should point out that I'm a lead-foot and plan on getting one of the turbo tunes to boost output, though it seems like tranny failure is less associated with power and more bad luck.

I'll have the dealer check for recalls before buying (those are covered once for life, right?) because I've heard that SOME trannys will grenade but there's a TSB for it.

Is an 2012 automatic asking for trouble, or should I just stop worrying? Thanks!

From what I've read on the forum and service bulletins, model years through 2014 had various common issues (coolant leaks, front seal leaks, water pump failure, transmission issues (there have been two generational upgrades)). I don't know if I'd say ticking time bomb, but looking at 2015 and newer may be best if you're wanting to avoid many of the known issues. Of course, there are still issues in the current design that haven't been addressed, namely the PCV valve in the intake manifold. I can't speak from personal experience, but I'm sure others will correct me if I'm wrong. Hope this helps.

 

[marklein]

I suppose that I should also add that I'd be doing most repairs myself. Anything that can be done in one day with normal tools is no big deal in my book.

 

[SourKandi]

I have a 2013 1.4T auto, rolled 90K miles just this week.

I’m on my second turbo, 3rd oil pan seal, plus other various repaired seals (tranny seal, water pump, oil), it’s had 2 valve cover replacements, coolant tank replaced (factory one went bad in 3 1/2 years) the water pump recall was completed- I’m sure there’s various other things I haven’t mentioned.

Oil changes have been completed regularly/ as needed.

My car particularly has been somewhat of a lemon, during the time all the things were happening under warranty I was pretty active on here about it.


I definitely prefer the separate headlight configuration before the face lifts, so that’s my positive thing to say

 

[marklein]

Heh heh. Just drove the car, seems nice. Googled the VIN... salvaged. Front end, pictures aren't TOO bad but still. I'll offer him $2000 fully expecting to be driving something else soon. I have a Mazda 3 lined up. Thanks for the advise folks!

 

[skurtov]

I'm looking at buying a 2012 turbo with an automatic transmission and 60k miles. I've read about failures and general automatic hatred, but also read about people over 100k with no trouble, so I'm hesitant to buy his low mileage car. I should point out that I'm a lead-foot and plan on getting one of the turbo tunes to boost output, though it seems like tranny failure is less associated with power and more bad luck.

I'll have the dealer check for recalls before buying (those are covered once for life, right?) because I've heard that SOME trannys will grenade but there's a TSB for it.

Is an 2012 automatic asking for trouble, or should I just stop worrying? Thanks!

Technically the automatic has a better power rating than the manual and has generally better reliability. The manual's have a lot of issues.