Reliability information could be much more helpful. So in late 2005 I started collecting my own data. The focus is on concrete, readily comparable stats like "times in the shop." Results will be updated every three months.

Participants 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, those who help provide the data will receive full access to the results free of charge. Currently 56 2007 G35 owners are signed up, a good number, but more would certainly further improve the results.

Details: Vehicle reliability research

Update: Especially interested in 2008s. If enough owners of the 2008 sign up in the next few weeks, we can have a result in February, months ahead of anywhere else.

 

I'll be glad to help out, but I won't be getting my G until 7-7-07.

 

How statistically reliable will these results be? .... with only a handful of participants... ?

 

They tend to be stable within a couple tenths of a repair trip per year once there are at least 25 responses, with an average of six or more months each.

When starting something new like this, you've got two choices. Insist on it being perfect, in which case you'll never get started. Or start small, and keep building and improving. I'm doing the latter, which is generally the only way something like this gets done.

Think about it this way, if you talked to a couple dozen people about the repair histories of their cars, would you feel there was any value in the information they provided?

 

Sorry but that site seems pretty lame. JMO.
Pay $$ to give someone stats? I get paid to participate in a few recognizable stat/data collecting surveys a couple times a year...
Not sure I understand the purpose of the site you're advertising here

 

You seem to have thoroughly misread the information about the research. Sorry about that.

The real deal:

Those who participate pay nothing. The only people who will pay are those who want the results but who feel others should do all the work of providing and analyzing the data. And this option is not yet available. So it's not even possible to pay me for anything right now.

The point is to have this information available to you. How many of those surveys you get paid a buck or two to participate in provide you with detailed results in return? I'm guessing none of them.

So, that's the difference with my research. The results will be better, they'll be available to everyone, and they're free to everyone who helps out.

 

Up to 72 2007s. A high repair rate was reported in the latest results, but nearly all repairs were either dislocated sunroof trim or the passenger's seat heater. Most likely these problems will not affect more recently produced cars. So the next update, in November, could include a lower repair rate for the new 2007.

The larger the sample size, the more detail I'll be able to provide. So more participants are always helpful.

 

Good concept, I joined and will input all of my trips to the dealer.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it.

There are actually two surveys. The most important one collects data going forward, with links to the survey in monthly emails. All it requires is an approximate odometer reading the first month then at the end of each quarter, and a one-page repair trip survey the month after any repairs.

The second, Repair History Survey is for people who want to report repairs that occurred before they joined, or whose cars (unlike the G35) are not yet included in the first survey.

 

I will do my part. Just signed up.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it.

Next results soon. 34 responses for the 2007 sedan. Good, but could be better.

I'd like to have quick results on the 2008, but this will depend on how soon owners sign up. 11 so far, so a decent chance of initial results in February. I'd personally interested in seeing how the 2008 compares to the 2007. First-year issues all sorted out?

Vehicle reliability research

 

I finally got around to enrolling on your website.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. With sample sizes more is always better

 

There are now 499 Gs in the panel. #500 today?

Only four models are better represented, and two of these are only a couple dozen ahead.

The more participants there are, the more precise and detailed the results can be.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Latest results recently posted. Participation has been excellent.

The 2007 continues to have a worse than average repair rate, largely due to two common problems: seat heater wiring and a piece of sunroof trim.

Next update in August. Additional participants always helpful.

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

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results