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.

Also, we can also have a quick initial result for the new 2009--if enough owners sign up and participate in the next few months.

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

 

It's been out for less than a year... isn't it a little too early to review the car for reliability?

Aside, it's a cool project. Good luck.

 

Initially the results will be more ****ogous to those of J.D. Power's Initial Quality study.

But data collection is continuous--this isn't just a one-time survey. Quarterly updates will reflect repair rates as the cars age. All results will include an average odometer reading, to make it clear what age cars the results pertain to. Once the sample size permits, there will also be adjustments for the odometer reading.

 

The problems I see with JDP:

1. They ask stuff TOO quickly. How reliable is the car in the first month? How about a year-three later?

2. Money questions, I started filling it out, but when the questions became none of their damn business, I tossed the survey and gave my five year old the $ they sent. Honda already knows what I spent on the car, so why tell them via JDP again?

 

When a model is new to the market, some people will find it useful to have an early read on reliability as opposed to no information at all.

My goal is to provide such an early read less than half a year after a new model goes on sale. For fall introductions, I intend to provide first results in February. But, unlike with JDP, these (plus another set at 3 years) won't be the only results, as I'm going to be issuing new results quarterly.

 

21 Fits signed up so far. Thanks, guys. It's enough to get started, though I'll need more for solid results.

Also recently got a burst of Nissan Versa owners, thanks to an assist from a Nissan forum admin. 22 of those. It'll be interesting to see how repair rates for the two compare.

Edit: Now 31 Versas.

 

I'm going to move this backto FIT Talk. thanks

 

Thanks.

This move has made a big difference. Up to 32 Fits last time I counted. At this rate I'll have some especially solid results on the car.

 

I just posted in the Newb's thread about the reliability of this car. I am definitely interested in this! Thanks!!!

 

I gave a quick mention over on clubsmartcar.ca about your endeavour.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'd love to be able to provide reliability information on the Smart. They're not available in the U.S. yet, but the manufacturer has offices set up not far from where I live with a bunch of the cars parked outside. Might be press cars.

 

Fit owners have been joining quite often recently. There are now 56 Honda Fits in the panel.

 

I just joined.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. 74 now enrolled. Just posted the latest results in a separate thread.

 

Actually, I have 3 - 2007 Fits in courier duty and 2 are approaching 100K already...but they don't want my data!

I can tell you that they are better overall than the Matrix's were at this stage. Let's see how they do to 200 and 300K tho', the Matrix's have done well down the long stretch, after a few fuel pumps and O2 sensors.

It takes a certain driver to love the Fit though; nevertheless, I have a few that love this car and a few that hate it. Keep in mind my youngest driver is in his 50's. One overall comfort complaint is no console. My complaint in that I have to order tires off Tirerack.com, local dealers just don't stock this odd size and we go through lots of tires!

 

What tires are you running? Michelin Harmony's would last you 70-80k.

I agree the tires are an odd size but they are cheap.

 

We NEVER get the rated mileage on tires and the local tire retailers pro-rate all my sets. We usually get about half...so if it's rated at 70K we'll get 35K. I think it's a heat issue, but the tires dudes say the highway speed driving shouldn't cause premature wear.

The best tires we've used on the Fits (so far) are the General Exclaims and the worst was the Kumho Ecsta...

Not sure what you consider cheap...I pay $300-400 for every set and use about 3 sets a year. Sometime more if there's road hazzard issues.

 

Nothing against your data, but including it with other cars that log more typical mileage could distort the results. I'd still like to sort out a way of making your info available.

 

Six 2008s now. Better, but will need a couple dozen for a result.

Updated result for the 2007 soon.

Everyone who has been helping out, thanks.

If you haven't yet joined, please consider doing so. Details here:

Auto reliability research

 

Tossed mine into the fray. Don't know if mine will throw the scales off as I've put almost 30k on it in less than a year. everyday driving to and from work and what-not.