Ask an expert

Back to Buying or selling

Forum Buying or selling Reliability of CVTs (including when towing) + used family wagon/SUV recommendations


Ngaio83

Hi there
I see previous posters have raised concerns about CVTs, and the response has been that in Japanese cars post 2010 the problems have been resolved. Is this still the current view on CVTs?
Does this mean it would be ok to regularly tow with a 2010+ Japanese vehicle with a CVT?
In general I'm wondering about the overall reliability of transmissions in modern (used) SUVs and wagons, eg Nissan Qashqai, Hyundi Santa Fe, Mazda 6, CX-5... (we're looking for a good family sized vehicle). My father is an ex mechanic (from decades ago) and he is avidly against us buying anything with CVT or any vehicle post 2002 really.... I feel stressed about buying something but our current 97 Corolla sedan is too small! (Any tips on good used family wagons/SUVs would be greatly appreciated too.. - Something with good fuel efficiency, good safety rating, and heaps of room for bags, prams, roof racks, can tow etc)

Anon

Hi there,
I would say that later model CVT transmissions seem to give less issues. For some it is still too early to tell how relible they are.
But I would not tow any sort of a load with a CVT vehicle.
You may want to look at a Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Santa Fe or ix35, these type of vehicles seem good.