36 votes
After the stage 1 APR tune almost immediately roasted my IS12's wastegate, I'm about 4 months into an APR stage 3 IS20 setup. Aside from a persistently unenjoyable power delivery, the car's been reliable so far.
Currently at 97K, went APR 87 IS20 at 81K about this time last year. Was 87 stg 1 IS12 at 64K spring 2021. So far only issues was wastegate related from my used turbo, and oil consumption.
About a year ago, I installed the DTR6054, HPFP and LPFP, APR's Intercooler, intake, and of course the necessary tune and TCU tune to run the car on 93. I have quite enjoyed it over the last year, but it did lose some of the punch at low RPM that it had with the IS38 turbo and Stage 1 tune.
I just replaced my 2015 TSI 1.8 after it lost all compression on #4 cylinder. It is IS20 turbo with the APR tune.
12k+ miles later and the turbo is working great, with a single caveat. Every so often I will get some turbo surge under WOT high boost conditions.
The turbocharger that APR uses is an actual Borg Warner unit that they modify the housing on. We never have to do any modifying of the APR K04 or the downpipe when installing them.
I have 40k on my car (30k on stage 2) and it's flawless.
There are IS38s that have failed under stock conditions. You're not going to gain much insight here. Some fail, most don't.
I'm APR stage 2 currently waiting on a Golf R Turbo and a tune for that! Currently limited by my tires and suspension(only lowering springs, still too soft)
I don't have the valve lift K04 but my APR K04 works great. Power and reliablility. I have it on my base 2010 TT Quattro and it is so much more fun now.
Write your review about turbocharger APR
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads OEM Alfa Romeo got the first review!
The brake caliper OEM BMW got the first review!
The brake pads OEM Infiniti got the first review!
For wiper blades PIAA already 100 reviews.
For battery Energizer already 25 reviews.
In the rating best water pump already 12 brands participate!
In the rating best timing belt already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best head gasket already 3 brands participate!
In the auto rating oil filter for Volkswagen Passat already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for Mazda 5 already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating tires for Subaru Outback already 50 brands participate!
For cabin filter Fram already 25 reviews.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
The brand is registered in USA. Official website: https://www.goapr.com.
In March 2026, PartReview users have a mixed opinion of APR turbocharger.
PR Score — 75 out of 100, based on 11 reviews and 36 votes. 7 positive reviews, 3 neutral reviews, 1 negative review. Average rating — 3.7 (out of 5). Vote balance: 27 up, 9 down.
In the ranking of the best turbocharger this part is at position 3, behind BorgWarner and Garrett , but ahead of OEM Volkswagen and IHI.
Users also evaluated the qualities of APR turbocharger:
Other car-specific ratings this part participates in:
There are 3 comparisons of APR turbocharger with other manufacturers on PartReview.
In particular, see which turbocharger are better: Garrett or APR, BorgWarner or APR, OEM Volkswagen or APR .
