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 it's possible to provide reliability information on new models quickly. Also, any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

I've been collecting data on the 2004.5-2006 S40 for a while now, but the sample size remains marginal. There aren't yet enough 2007 and 2008 owners signed up to include those years yet. For all years, additional participants would help a great deal.

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 will receive full access to the results for free.

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

Auto reliability research

I've seen data like that skewed by people who couldn't be bothered to service their vehicles I used to own a 2001 Audi A6 and everybody and their mother extolled the virtues of this vehicle. It was total crap, more problems and headaches than not. I also still have a 1995 Jeep Gran Cherokee with the V8 that was listed as a don't buy by Consumer Reports and kellys Blue Book and Edmunds.com. I have had zero, and I mean zero, problems to date. Other than general servicing and wear and tear items. It's all in how you drive it. Both my 850 R's are beaten on, and I do my own service. Other that the usual problems, nothing out of the ordinary. Now to the non-mechanically inclined, this model would be a lemon. So I don't put much faith in these surveys. My two cents, with an extra five for good measure.

I don't think there's a source of reliability information out there that posts a decent repair rate for the 2001 Audi A6. It has one of the highest repair rates in TrueDelta's survey.

With any vehicle it's possible to have one that requires no repairs. This tends to be much more common than people realize, even with "worse than average" models. Though that Audi might be an exception :)

I personally review the thousands of repairs people report. The great majority of them have nothing to do with how the vehicle is maintained and cared for. For serious powertrain failures your point can be valid. But such failures are very rare. Much more common: electrical issues. What can be done to maintain an electrical system?