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.

I'd like to include the S-Type in this research. Just need more owners to sign up to participate. (The new XF is already included, partly thanks to this forum.)

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

 

There are already more XFs signed up than all years of the S-Type put together. S-Type sales haven't been strong, so it's going to be hard to get enough owners involved, but I'd really like to be able to provide reliability information on the car.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Closer, but not there...

 

Results for the new XF in November. But still not enough S-Types to include any year in the main survey.

To help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

 

Make that August for the initial XF resultgot enough late responses to get to the minimum.

Would like to include the S-Type in the survey. Just need more owners signed up to participate.

Vehicle reliability research

 

2000 to 2002 have too eventually replace everything
2003 and up pretty darn good vehicles

 

I would like toquantify the amount of improvement over the years. If we can get enough owners involved, we can do this.

 

31 S-Type owners signed up so far. A good start, but more are needed. It's not going to be easy, since fewer were sold than, say, the BMW 5-Series (281 so far). But it can be done.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Another dozen owners have signed up, so getting there.

 

We recently added UK powertrains for many Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes, Saab, and Volvo models. Also added those for the XF.

Can do the same for the S-Type, if there's interest from owners in participating in our real-world gas mileage survey. Unlike other such surveys, it includes information about driving style and driving conditions.

Just let me know.

 

52 S-Type owners now signed up. Most for any year is 18, for the 2003.

 

The 2003 is now just a few participants of getting included in the main survey. Getting there...

 

59 owners now signed up. The 2003 is just a few short of the minimum.

For the details, and to sign up to help:

Car reliability research

 

The X-Type has now been included in the survey. The S-Type still isn't there yet...

 

66 S-Type owners now signed up, vs. 77 for the X-Type.

 

Updated results for 250+ other cars recently posted. We remain a few owners short for the 2003 S-Type, and other years about halfway.

To help get your year included:

Car reliability research

 

The 2001 seems to be stuck a few owners short of the minimum.

Other years are getting closer, though.

 

I signed up today, hopefully the S-Type database will grow.

 

Same here.

 

Thanks, guys, I'm certainly doing what I can to grow it. The 2003 continues to be stuck a few short of the minimum needed to get started--some of the other model years are catching up.

Car reliability research