[mkaresh]

I wanted more up-to-date auto reliability information that included actual repair rates. So in late 2005 I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now reports absolute repair rates that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so it's possible to track cars closely as they age.

We've had very good participation by Fusion, Milan, and MKZ owners. Now that the second-generation cars are out, we hope to have stats for them as soon as possible--it's entirely a matter of how quickly enough owners get involved.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Fusion, for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help:

Car reliability research

 

[mkaresh]

Re: Fusion, Milan, Zephyr price comparisons, reliability

Well I now have 15 Fusions and 1 Milan enrolled, so I'm going to start collecting this data next month. A few more would be a big help.

 

[mkaresh]

Re: Fusion, Milan, Zephyr price comparisons, reliability

Updated count: now have 24 Fusions and 2 Milans signed up. Those of you who have been helping out, thanks.

I've started collecting data, but more participants would be very helpful. The larger the sample, the more precise the results will be. Because I don't yet have enough data on them, the Fusion And Milan will not be in the initial group of results, which I'll release next month. They will likely be in the next set, which will be released in February.

 

[mkaresh]

Re: Fusion, Milan, MKZ price comparisons, reliability

With 19 cars participating, I've been seeing an average of 0.5 trips to the shop per car per year. This is quite low for any first-year design, much less a domestic.

Apparently this isn't just a factor of my small sample size, as the big consumer org just announced similar results.

With the Five Hundred / Freestyle, I've seen a large improvement from 2005 to 2006. So the 2007 Fusion could be even more reliable.

If you want to see this research continue, please consider joining the panel. All results will be free to participants.

 

[chris06fusion]

Re: Fusion, Milan, MKZ price comparisons, reliability

Joined! :klavergreg:

 

[02HD677]

Re: Fusion, Milan, MKZ price comparisons, reliability

As you well know, Consumer Reports is already way ahead of you. I will continue to participate.

 

[mkaresh]

Re: Fusion, Milan, MKZ price comparisons, reliability

They do currently have the advantage of a much larger sample, which is the only thing I cannot personally control. In many other aspects TrueDelta's research is far superior. I've probably already posted the link to my editorial on the problems with CR's approach, but here it is again:

Seven serious problems with Consumer Reports

I've posted the first results of my research:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

I didn't have enough data on the Fusion to include it among the publicly available results. It is among the 14 models whose "unofficial" results are visible to members who are signed in. Very low rate for a first-year design, 0.4 trips/year.

I'll next issue results in late Feb/early March. Results for the Fusion should then be more solid, especially if more Fusion owners help out.

 

[mkaresh]

I'll be releasing the next set of results in a few weeks. The Fusion will be among them this time, but a few more cars would definitely be helpful.

 

[mkaresh]

I just posted the latest results in the news forum. More participants would be very helpful.

 

[mkaresh]

Latest counts:

2006: 46
2007: 13 -- could really use more of these to see if there's any difference in the second year!

 

[otaku]

I just signed up and will be reporting my info!

 

[mkaresh]

Thanks.

 

[SoCalFusion]

Not trying to be a smart azz but with Consumer Reports out there with ratings of "thousands" of vehicles, why would someone use your site??

 

[mkaresh]

No problem, thanks for asking.

My methods are better, and my data is more recent. On average, my results are over ten months "fresher" than theirs. Currently I'm reporting on owner experiences through March 31, 2007. Them: through March 31, 2006. And in August, when I update results to include data through June 30th, they'll still only be reporting through March 31, 2006. Do you want to know how reliable a car was a year ago, or how it's been doing lately?

My full critique:

Consumer Reports survey critique

People should take a much closer look at how CR collects data and reports results.

They have one significant advantage: larger sample sizes. The more people who participate in my research, the smaller this advantage becomes.

 

[mkaresh]

The August results will include the 2007 after all. Repair rate is even lower than for the 2006, as is often the case with the second year. Details in a few weeks.

 

[mkaresh]

Next set of results in November. More participants would certainly help, especially 2007s and 2008s.

 

[kevjur]

You can sign me up if you want: 2007, V6,SEL,AWD.

 

[MilansFreak2007]

I'm in too I have a 2007 V6 Milan premire.

 

[mkaresh]

[quote author=kevjur link=topic=49050.msg1731178#msg1731178 date=1190447156]
You can sign me up if you want: 2007, V6,SEL,AWD.
[/quote]

I appreciate it, except I can't sign you up, as I need a bit more info than you have here.

Details about the research and links to the enrollment form are here:

Vehicle reliability research

 

[mkaresh]

Next results in a few weeks. If you haven't responded yet, please do so. And if you haven't signed up to participate yet, please consider doing so. Especially need 2008s for quick results on the new model year.