More useful reliability research
 

Because I think Consumer Reports has shortcomings, and they don't seem inclined to address them, I've started conducting my own reliability research. Normally I start collecting data when I have 25 cars, but for 2006s I start with a dozen because the model year in only about halfway over. I'll still wait until I have data on 25 cars before I report anything.

Anyway, so far I'm only collecting data on a single GM car, the Hummer H3. But I'm only two short of the minimum on the HHR.

Unlike with CR and JD Power, if you help out with the research then access to the results will be free.

Details: www.truedelta.com/reliability.php

15 HHRs are now signed up, so I started data collection this month. Hopefully I'll have data on 25 soon.

Those of you who have been helping out, thanks. 25 HHRs are enrolled, of which 18 have been completing surveys.

I just sent the data to the analyst. Preliminary results for the HHR:

1.2 trips to the shop per year, which is about average for a domestic vehicle.

The 2007 Dodge Caliber is at 1.4, which given the sample sizes is about the same.

The 2006 Honda Civic: 0.9.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that these are both first-year designs, which many times are posting higher repair rates than later years.

I'll be releasing official results in a couple of weeks.

The HHR had the smallest sample of all the models I sent to the analyst. More participants would be very helpful.

I just signed up for the panel.

Thanks. Nice color combo.

So - I'm signed up. What do I need to do to input any useful information?

The process is described here:

http://www.truedelta.com/reliability.php

You'll receive a monthly email with a link to the survey starting early next month. Most months you only need to respond if the HHR's been in the shop for something other than maintenance. Every third month (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct) you just have to submit an odometer reading so I know to include your vehicle in the analysis. This permits a quarterly update of the results.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I signed up.

Theresa

I just signed up as well.
Karen

dear karen 1953,

My HHR has been received. I did not opt for undercoating as I would not want it to affect the warranty. Hope this is the correct choice.

pccman