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.

Thanks partly to a strong response from members over at g35driver.com, I've been collecting data and reporting results on the G35 for a while now (384 owners enrolled so far). But I haven't been putting much effort into getting the word out to 350Z owners, because sports car owners tend to be less interested in things like reliability and prices. Sports car buyers tend to select a car for more emotional reasons. Which is certainly valid in my book.

But 45 350Z owners have signed up, and if enough are willing to participate I'll be happy to handle the analysis and provide the results. I start collecting data when 25 owners are enrolled for a model year. 2003 and 2004 are both about half way.

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

mkaresh

Closer. The 2003 in particular is now well over half way to the minimum sample size.

wannabuy350z

iTrader: (27)

I am getting ready to purchase a Z coming from a boosted IS300. which year has the less issues.

Cabriniman

Bumpity bump bump.

Hey everyone, let's get some reliability data going at TrueDelta.com. I've been reading the forums here for a couple of year (yes, not posting much) and finally bought a 2003 350z this past weekend and was shocked (yes, shocked ) that TrueDelta.com didn't have enough Z's to get good reliability data.

I've been a member of TrueDelta for over a year and it's a very non-intrusive and easy way to compile some cool info. My two cars that were part of the surveys before included a 2006 WRX (now traded for the Z) and a 2005 Legacy.

Comon everyone! Show some support! There are currently no other true sports cars with enough surveyors to compile data on TrueDelta. Let's make the Z the first!

Ziggyrama

iTrader: (15)

I just signed up my 03. Come on, let's get the numbers up!

Cabriniman

Come on guys/gals! Let's do this!

I'm counting on you!

I'll tell you how it works. You sign up and you will get an email once a month asking whether or not you went to the shop. You click yes or no and check in with mileage. That's about it. It's super easy and you get access to data on other cars which is cool.

Make it happen people!

mkaresh

Thanks, guys.

I should clarify one thing: an email goes out once a month, but unless you had a repair the previous month (not usually for most cars), you only have to fill out the odometer reading survey the first month then at the end of each quarter (four times a year).

Other months you have a choice between doing nothing and clicking a "check in" link to prevent follow-up emails from being sent.

If your previous two survey responses were within 5-7 days of the initial email, you don't even have to do this much; the system learns who needs the follow-up emails (people like me, who pracrastinate and forget) and who doesn't.

Bottom line: very little time is required.

One other clarification: I am collecting data on the 2004 and 2005 RX-8, so the Z won't be the first sports car. Sorry about that. It would be the first two-seater, though.

mkaresh

The 2003 is now just five owners short of the minimum to be included in the survey. The 2004 and 2005 are both about half way.

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

Vehicle reliability research

Results for 90+ other models will be released in early February.

mkaresh

I added the 2003 to this month's survey. More participants will probably still be required for a solid result, so I hope more owners will keep joining.

The 2004 and 2005 are both about 60 percent of the way to the minimum. I'd like to also get those included.

For the details, and to help make it happen:

Vehicle reliability research

da1023

just enrolled my 2003 350z

mkaresh

Thanks, I appreciate it.

We now have a decent sample of 2003s, but will still need more to provide a solid result. Hope to have one in August. The 2004 is about 2/3 of the way to the minimum. Other years are getting there, but not as close.

To help get your model year included in the survey results:

Vehicle reliability research

Z04

iTrader: (15)

added mine (2004)

WTX350Z

iTrader: (8)

done - 03

assfault

just signed up my 03

j.arnaldo

Signed up my '04 Touring Coupe! According to CR, "Zs" are reliable. Just the
nuisances (gas latch thingie, hatch door struts & the power window[s] glit-
ch) that have been mentioned here a 1,OOO times. Cooling system, AT (not so the MT, though), brakes, engine, body integrity, etc., are tops. "Recom-
mended" by CR!

mkaresh

Thanks, I appreciate it.

There should be a result for the 2003 in August. The 2004 is only four owners short of the minimum now, and other years are also close.

To help get your model year included:

Vehicle reliability research

scharky

signed up '04 as well.

mkaresh

Thanks, I appreciate it.

There will almost certainly be a result for the 2003 in August. Maybe the 2004 as well--depends on how many owners sign up and appreciate.

To view the latest results for 120+ other models, and sign up to participate (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh

We'll find out soon if enough owners of the 2003 have been participating for a result in August. A few more participants would certainly help.

The 2004 might also make it into the August results, but this is less likely without additional participants.

A few other years are now about 3/4 of the way to the minimum sample size. I hope to include these in the survey soon.

To help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

steambrick

put up my '03 touring

interested in the results