Is the Toyota 1.2T Turbo Recommended for Purchase?
3 Answers
The Toyota 1.2T turbo is not recommended for purchase. More details about the Toyota 1.2T are as follows: Toyota 1.2T turbo lifespan: The lifespan of the Toyota 1.2T turbo is around 50,000 kilometers, and the reliability of the Toyota 1.2T engine significantly decreases. Many users have reported issues with oil burning. Frequent Toyota turbocharger failures: It is indeed true that the Toyota turbocharger has many failures. Based on user feedback, serious problems such as engine oil leaks exist, along with minor issues like abnormal noises, oil burning, unstable idle, exhaust faults, and illuminated warning lights. Therefore, some people claim that the Toyota 1.2T engine is not durable.
I think the Toyota 1.2T turbo engine is quite reliable. I've driven many cars with this engine, and it's particularly fuel-efficient for daily commutes, averaging less than 6 liters per 100 kilometers. Over the long term, it saves a lot on fuel costs. Toyota's reliability has always been solid, with long maintenance intervals and easily available parts, so it doesn't need frequent repairs. It remains stable even after seven or eight years of use. It's also easy to drive in congested city traffic, with minimal turbo lag from the small displacement, and decent throttle response during stop-and-go traffic. However, it feels a bit sluggish at initial acceleration, and the engine noise can be noticeable during hard acceleration. But for daily commutes and school runs, it's more than adequate. Considering Toyota's strong resale value, which means less depreciation when selling, I think it's a worthwhile purchase, especially for budget-conscious families who want hassle-free ownership.
From a cost-saving perspective, the Toyota 1.2T turbo is truly impressive. I drive it daily for work, and the urban fuel consumption is surprisingly low—even with frequent traffic lights, it doesn’t guzzle gas, saving me a significant amount on fuel each month. Insurance and maintenance costs are also affordable, with Toyota dealerships offering transparent services—minor servicing only costs a few hundred bucks. Despite its small engine, the turbo ensures confident highway overtaking, and the power response is adequate. The downside is slower acceleration during aggressive driving, but it handles daily errands or short trips effortlessly. Compared to naturally aspirated engines in the same price range, the turbo is more eco-friendly and has lower taxes, making it a cost-effective long-term choice. Highly recommended for budget-conscious commuters.
