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.

A model / model year combination is added to the survey whenever 25 or more owners have signed up to participate. So far this includes a few years of the S60 and V70, the current S40 and V50, and the 2003-2007 XC90. But in all cases the sample sizes are marginal, and additional participants are very much needed.

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 help get your model year fully included:

Vehicle reliability research

This post has been edited by S60 R: Mar 17 2008, 11:36 AM