Don't know if it is age or is it modding, or driving like a granny.
I know this thread is over 6 years old, but still with the Original turbo and approximately 200,000 miles on the car (320,000 kms).
I know not to let the engine just hum along at 62 MPH, but to exercise it once in a while with its full range of motion from humming along at 35 MPH and low boost because of flat terrain and tailwinds pushing in the right direction.
But so far (December 2016), there are only 31 people that have taken the vote ( I did because it is approaching 250,000 miles) and it(the turbo) is still hanging in there. 380,000 is not that far away from 400,000 Kms).
But the funny part it, I have not brought the car to a stealership yet for routine maintenance. I have always brought it to independent shops that know how to repair the various parts of the engine , brakes , electric etc.
So, maybe I am lucky, maybe I have learned how to drive these things, and just maybe the EPA can get stuffed as I drive past the gas station with a 20 to 25 year old car in the near future, as I still will be getting 45MPG - 5.0 L/100km.
My mechanic said my turbo is leaking some oil. Should I start looking for a new turbo?
--Get a second 'opinion'. lots of things can leak oil from various parts around the engine. If its leaking to the intake, is it because the copper seal by the thrust bushing is gone, and the oil is leaking from the bearing into the intake port, and then being trapped into the intercooler? or is it leaking into the exhaust side, and getting gummed up with the VNT actuator ring and coming out of the exhaust as unburnt oil?
If you get straight answers to the above questions, then fine, start searching for a new turbo, else see what opinion number two gives you, and go with what you think is best for you. 2K for a new turbo, or a couple of hundred (and a new mechanic) for whatever is the source of the leak in the first place.
Boy it sure is cold in Upper Canuckistan today.