A6 reliability - better information

[mkaresh]

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.

Over 200 A6 owners are already enrolled to participate. But this is for all model years, so more are still needed before we can provide results for most model years.

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]

Updated results for the 2001 and 2002 in early May. Other years likely in August.

To help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

[mkaresh]

Posted those results. The repair rate for the 2001 is quite a bit worse than average, while the 2002 is about average. Both sample sizes are small, so these results are asterisked.

I'd like to get rid of those asterisks and include additional model years in future updates, but need more owners to help make this happen.

For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

[mkaresh]

Next update in August. So far 226 A6 owners have signed up to participate, but this is for all model years. So additional participants would be very helpful.

To help get your year included in the results:

Vehicle reliability research

[mkaresh]

So far it looks like we'll have enough responses for only the 2002 and 2003 to include them in the August results.

If you've signed up to participate but haven't yet responded to the survey (via a link in the email you received), please do. And if you haven't signed up yet, I hope you'll consider doing so. I'd really like to have these results in August.

Vehicle reliability research