# Superchargers: too expensive to fix? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [June 24, 2007, 2:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908 "2007-06-24T14:28:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ellija](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/49beb7/32.png) [@Ellija](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Ellija)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2007, 2:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/1 "2007-06-24T14:28:52Z")
I am interested in buying a Saturn Ion 2 Redline that comes with a supercharger on the motor for an extra 50hp. My mechanic says no way should I buy it because all chargers, super and tubo, break because they are not maintained right and when they do it is expensive to fix them. Is he right? Should I let it keep me from buying the car. I really like it. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2007, 2:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/2 "2007-06-24T14:41:59Z")
They can be pricey to fix however if oil changed properly they last about 150k-200k miles and sometimes more(parents Volvo orignial turbo with 240k miles). However the problem with some mechanics and turbo/supercharger is complete lack of experience so they default to what they know. Whats your ownership period likey to be? If \<150k miles I would not be concerned. ---
**Author:** ![armtdm](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/armtdm/32/26_2.png) [@armtdm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/armtdm)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2007, 3:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/3 "2007-06-24T15:13:31Z")
Should last as long as the previous poster noted, check oil level every oil change or so and you can change the SC oil relatively easily as well. Turbo and Sc are both pretty reliable, I have one of each and no problems so far. Turbo requires no maint really, prefer synthetic oil if the turbo is engine oil lubricated to prevent coking. ---
**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2007, 3:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/4 "2007-06-24T15:44:58Z")
I would think the biggest fear would be that the previous owner would have been thrashing the car into the ground rather than worrying about a supercharger failure. Many supercharger failures are caused by a shaft seal oil leak. People ignore this, eventually the SC gets low on oil, and the shaft bearings go. The SC would not discourage me, but the previous owners driving habits might. Look at the tires on the drive axles and see if they’re getting a bit thin in the tread. :-0 ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2007, 5:41pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/5 "2007-06-27T17:41:05Z")
Thanks for your help. You made my argument for me! ---
**Author:** ![shadowfax](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/shadowfax/32/13026_2.png) [@shadowfax](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shadowfax)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2007, 7:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/6 "2007-06-27T19:13:09Z")
The expensive thing about installing boost is the actual install because you generally have to fabricate a bunch of crap (unless you get a kit, and then that’s pricey too). The turbo/supercharger itself isn’t all that much money, so even if it does break you can swap it out without having to install new plumbing. Beyond that, superchargers are just plain FUN. Instant kick in the pants when you hit the throttle. Boost rocks. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2007, 8:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/7 "2007-06-27T20:24:37Z")
One thing you should consider before buying is that every SC equipped motor I know of requires premium fuel. If you’re too cheap to pay for premium, look elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2007, 6:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/8 "2007-06-28T06:40:00Z")
Listen to your mechanic, he works on cars for a living. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/1/d/1d47c66a543aa6c5a7873bb2320858f978ff52ed.png) [@system](https://community.cartalk.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2007, 2:40pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/superchargers-too-expensive-to-fix/908/9 "2007-06-28T14:40:26Z")
An interesting link for turbocharger doubters: [http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/about/pr\_061218.jsp](http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/about/pr_061218.jsp) Original engine and turbo at 1,000,000 miles on a Saab SPG 900. My parents are in a similar state in their late 80’s 740 turbo with original turbo/engine at 300k miles+