Chevy Spark CVT's any good?

[mr_william_neel]

Hey guys I have some questions. Just picked up a used Chevy Spark earlier this year. It's a 2017 LT and we're at about 55k miles. The car is running and driving fine and on the surface we really like the car for what it is, a small cheap and presumably reliable transportation. Yes this one has a CVT and this is what concerns me. I like that the engine is timing chain driven in terms of maintenance and overall longevity of the vehicle. However, I hope it is not canceled out by the CVT. I am wanting to go in a month or two where I predict we'll be around 60k and do a drain and fill on the transmission. I understand the concept of the straw do-dad to check the fluid level. I've done a drain/fill on my 06' Sienna before and my '95 Civic. I think I can perform the job ok, I would just like to hear from people that have serviced their own Chevrolet (Spark) CVT's and lived to tell about it LOL. I understand it required a AC Delco fluid that is green.

Anyone here with high miles (over 100k) on a Spark CVT?

Thanks guys
William

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

Is that car even going to be in production anymore that's a good question with all GM products right now in my opinion.

 

[Oildudeny]

my wife's 2014 spark with cvt started acting up around 60k we traded the car in. even after a software flash of the cvt's ecu there was no improvement. hopefully they are better units now and you wont have issues.

 

[mr_william_neel]

Yeah that's the other thing. I found a guy on FaceBook with I think 2016 that made it to 118,000mi before it crapped out. I just cant seem to find anything on them or anyone with much experience with them.

 

[Oildudeny]

It sure does leave one disheartening, especially when vehicles without cvt's rake on the miles. My friends camry solara has 300k. Shifts and runs like butter.

Look into the Toyota yaris ia, very good car and has a traditional 6spd auto. I have the 2016 scion ia same vehicle re-badged.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted by Oildudeny


Look into the Toyota yaris ia, very good car and has a traditional 6spd auto. I have the 2016 scion ia same vehicle re-badged.


OP just got the Spark....

 

[dave1251]

Just maintain it with the spec fluid and change it prior to the recommended interval. It all you can do.

 

[mr_william_neel]

Yeah I'm still thinking I'll do a drain and fill after Christmas and see how it goes. When we got the car we got an extended warranty to cover it up to 100,000mi.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I haven;t heard of any problems with the Spark CVT, but of course it it is still relatively new.

You don't have to use the dealer fluid. Valvoline and Castrol both make good CVT fluid at a great price.

 

[nthach]

Supposedly GM Daewoo sourced the CVT from Jatco(no way in heck Hyundai Powertech will sell to GM) - and if that's the case, maintain it like a Nissan CVT.

 

[Jimzz]

I have not heard to many issues with GMs CVTs. But like all of them don't drive to aggressive and change the fluid to keep it healthy.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

It's a JATCO CVT, from what I understand, it's the same one in the Versa/note and Mirage.

If it were in a heavier or more powerful vehicle, I'd say it's not going to last. But Sparks are pretty low powered and light.

 

[mr_william_neel]

On top of it this is my first go around with Chevrolet.

 

[mr_william_neel]

When I bought this car, remembering all the drama on the news with the bailouts and apparent quality issues years back I figured GM had stepped up some, not being able to afford mistakes and all. Yeah it may be a good sign that no one has really heard anything. I'm gonna do my lil drain and fills and keep an eye on it. Like I said it's running like you would expect a fairly new car to run. I'm just not one to trade cars in. I'd like to see 150k or up out of up, preferably 200k.

 

[skyactiv]

Why must most everyone who buys a small car choose a lousy CVT over a 5 or 6 speed manual when it's available?

 

[Rmay635703]

Originally Posted by skyactiv
Why must most everyone who buys a small car choose a lousy CVT over a 5 or 6 speed manual when it's available?


Fear, stupidity, need to text?

I've never driven an auto econobox I liked, every ecobox is a million X better in manual trim, they also are more reliable

 

[The Critic]

GM CVT7 Transmission = Jatco JF015E = Nissan RE0F11A

Nissan used this transmission in the 13-16 Sentra and the 12-13 Versa. Its reputation is not exactly spectacular.

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...4/acdelco-cvt-fluid-19260800-nissan-ns-2

 

[JTK]

Does your 2017 have a dipstick to check CVT fluid level? Good thing about jatco CVTs is, they're generally very easy to do drain and fills on. I'd do some drain/fills on it ASAP at this mileage. Just make sure it's a suitable fluid.