Ask an expert

The reason manufacturers have adopted CVT transmissions is largely due to pressures to improve fuel consumption, so yes, that is likely to be the reason for the change in claimed consumption.
As we've stated before, manufacturers are all claiming that CVT's have become more reliable in recent times. However, for us the jury is still out as the latest wave of CVT's haven't really been around long enough for us to get a feel for there long-term reliability.
Earlier ones are to be treated with caution as they are manufactured as a non-servicable unit and parts are not available. In the event of a failure, a complete new 'box is the only option.

Sorry - our last 2 posts were being loaded at the same time.
If only modern CVT's were as simple as the old DAF Variomatic! Whip it open and change the belt!
As I've said above, there is a potential risk with the CVT in parts availability.

Thank you for your help, who knows they may eventually symplify CVT!

Should car manufacturers start taking more responsibility for failing CVT transmissions? The CVT has ruined the reputation of the Primera and the Civic as second hand vehicles. My neighbour's Mitsi Colt failed at 80,000km due to the CVT gearbox. Do you think its likely that car manufacturers will rethink the CVT and go back to the hydraulic 4 speed? I notice Honda has already taken this step and Mazda has not even flirted with CVT

Car manufacturers are under pressure to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. As transmissions play a big part in fuel efficiency, a majority of Japanese manufacturers have gone the CVT way, where most European car makers have chosen either multi speed transmissions such as BMW's 8 speed 'box or the dual clutch DSG type transmission.
Enthusiastic drivers generally don't like the indirect feel and flare that a CVT has, hence Mazda has chosen to go with a 6 speed transmission, making their product feel more "European-like" to drive.
Honda went away from the CVT with the Jazz but copped some flack as it was less fuel efficient and initially had no ESP, but presumably the CVT problems were costing them too much in warranty repairs.
Nissan, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, some Honda and Toyota models and even Subaru (generally recognised as a "driver's car") are all using CVT's in recent times. These manufacturers are all telling us that new technology in CVT's should be much more reliable, but as they've mostly only adopted the technology recently, we don't have any long-term data to work on, so for us, the jury is still out.
As to manufacturers taking responsibility, it's a hard one. Generally the transmissions last well beyond the 3 year warranty and manufacturers will often apply goodwill warranty if failures occur beyond the warranty expiry date, so it could be argued that they are already taking some responsibility.
In the mean time, let's hope the assurances we are being given in relation to the new technologies are well-founded.

Anyone contemplating buying a car with cvt trans. should check out this site....cvt New Zealand 2010 Ltd. They are a specialist based in Tirau.The person with the Skyline especially should check this site.The Skyline apparently use a special version of cvt,put me off buying one.

About 4 yrs ago, my son purchased a P12 Primera Wagon with 80km and CVT. At 115k it shattered the belt due to the dealer putting ATF in it prior to sale. NZCVT supplied an exchange unit and now has another 70km on it. Serviced at 140k with CORRECT fluids and about to have another. Runs like a clock. He is extreemly happy with it and has no plans to change.
The secret is service as you should. It would have been great to go the dealer but was too far down the track.