mkaresh

Latest results -- for five model years -- at the end of the thread. Here I'll just post a bit about the research.

Because existing sources of auto reliability information left much to be desired, in late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that make the differences between cars much clearer. Results are updated four times a year, so any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

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, panel members receive full access to the results for free.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

Getting close to the August results. So far 314 Civic owners have signed up to help out, but a few more participants would certainly help.

For the details, and to sign up:

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

Up to 326 cars. I'm now weighing whether to collect data on the 1997. With older cars, the results will be messier, because maintenance history becomes a big deal. But 25 1997s are now enrolled. Anyone here have an opinion? Would repair rate data on cars these old be useful?

mkaresh

I went ahead and started collecting data on the 1997. Total of 359 Civic owners now signed up, hopefully 400 soon. Thanks, guys.

mkaresh

Next results next month. Currently two responses short of being able to post a result for the 2002 Civic.

mkaresh

Updated results next week. There are now a total of 384 Civics enrolled. Thanks, guys.

Can still use more cars, though. The larger the sample sizes, the more detail I'll be able to provide.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

In response to requests, I've added a Common Auto Repairs Database (CARDb) to the site.

Currently it's just possible to add common repairs to the database. When the database has been populated, owners will be asked to report whether or not their car has actually had these problems. So we can find out how common "common repairs" actually are.

My suspicion: usually less common than people think.

The form includes a field for a forum thread URL, so people can be directed here for thorough discussions if there is a thread discussing the repair.

Common Auto Repairs Database (CARDb)

mkaresh

Next set of results in February. More participants would still be very helpful. We especially need more 2008s.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Honda Civic reliability research

mkaresh

February results posted here:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

Next update in May. Additional participants always helpful.

mkaresh

Another update coming in May. We'll have solid results for the 2006 and 2007 (and some years of the previous generation), but the number of responses for the 2008 continues to lag. Very much need more of the current model year.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

Those results posted yesterday for five model years. All are better than average, though the 2002 and 2007 aren't better by much.

43 owners of the 2006 reported an average of 34 successful repair trips per 100 cars per year. For the 2007, 46 owners reported an average of 44. With these sample sizes, these results are virtually identical.

Results for the 2001, 2002, and 2003 are asterisked for insufficient sample size. More participants are needed for more precise results.

The full set of results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh

Next update in August.

Additional participants always helpful--535 Civics signed up so far.

To help us provide the best possible information for your model year:

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

Close to the next update. 568 owners now signed up, but more remain very much needed.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

That update in a week or so.

As always, additional participants would be helpful. Help provide the data, get free access to the results.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh

Those results posted. Depending on the model year, the Civic's repair rate varies from a bit better than the average to much better than the average. Amongh the current generation, the 2008 appears to have a lower repair rate than the 2006 and 2007, which are just a bit better than average.

For many years the sample size is small, so the result is asterisked and only visible to members on the site.

I'd like to get rid of those asterisks--need more participants.

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh

Updated results in November. So far 611 Civic owners have signed up. A great start, but more are needed.

Vehicle reliability research