Transmission types and which give most trouble in used cars

Transmission types in the market:

• Conventional automatic (torque converter): most durable (Toyota, Lexus, Mercedes). Fewest used-car issues. • CVT (Nissan, Subaru): smooth but shorter life, costly to repair after 150,000 km. • DCT (VW, Audi, BMW M, Porsche PDK): fast shifts but sensitive, needs regular service. Must be carefully tested before purchase. • EV: no conventional transmission, fewer issues — but the battery is the deciding factor.

Pre-purchase transmission inspection includes: fluid temperature, shift speed, vibration or delay, and TCU code reads.