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.

Until now I haven't done anything to get the word out to Jaguar owners, because I figured the chances of getting a sufficient sample were slim. But the 2003 X-Type is halfway to the minimum, and a couple of other model years aren't far behind.

So, if enough people here are interested, I'll be happy to collect the data, analyze it, and post the results. We would finally find out how large the difference actually is between the X-Type and other competing cars.

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

 

Mine is simple..

2003 X-type 3.0L automatic..New in 01/03

Repairs..

01/04
Upgrade to ECM software

11/06
Dash vents replaced
Vanity mirrors in both sun visors replaced

12/07
Throttle Control valves O rings and gaskets replaced.


Currently 31,000 miles

 

great idea...but takes dedicated participation. I see short term success...with long term difficulty in getting 'members' to stay current.

 

I've designed the whole process around this problem. If I relied on people to visit the site, log in, etc. it would never happen.

Instead, participants get a monthly email. If they've had no repair, most months they can ignorethe emailor simply click a "check in" link to stop follow-ups from being sent.

If they have a repair to report, or it's the end of the quarter (when everyone reports at least an approximate odometer reading), then you just click the appropriate link in the email. It takes you straight to the survey, no need to log in.

The response rate is consistently in the low 40s, which is very high compared to other similar surveys.

 

good idea. i like it....

 

Sorry, but this is a bad method to get a good statistical sample...you're going to a "JAGUAR" enthusiast site to get real-world data? Most people on here are very meticulous about their car, which is predominately why they're on here in the first place. Most of these cars are rigorously maintained unlike your average Joe's vehicle.

Just my $.02. Good luck w/the site.

 

i joined!

 

A few people have suggested that this will be a problem. But I don't believe it will be. First off, during the first five or so years of a car's life maintainable parts rarely fail. Instead, most problems are electrical, and there's no way to maintain the electrical bits.

But I do regularly ask participants if they visit a forum for the car once a week or more. So once the sample sizes are large enough it will be possible to analyze whether this variable has an impact.

I can say that the currently reported repair rates for other models are very much in line with expectations based on other sources.

Still looking for more X-Types. There are far fewer of these on the road, so these results will only happen if owners step up and make them happen.

With the 2003 now only 11 owners short of the minimum.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Total of 32 owners signed up. The 2003 remains closest to getting started, but not there yet.

Results for 120+ other models will be updated in the next week or so. I'd like to have the X-Type in future sets.

Vehicle reliability research

 

The XF will likely be in the August results. There are many more X-Types out there, at least so far, so it should be possible to get a sufficient sample size here as well.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Closer, but not there yet.

Help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

 

More X-Type owners have signed up, for a total of 45, but still not enough to include any model year in the survey.

Help get your year included:

Vehicle reliability research

 

I'm in.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it. Total of 54 X-Type owners are now signed up.

Results were recently posted for a number of other models:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

I'd like to include the X-Type in future updatesand both the 2002 and 2003 are now about 3/4 of the way to the minimum sample size.

 

I've been a member for a while. Just updated the data this week :-)

 

Thanks, Boz.

Most of the surveys have no minimum sample size. But the main reliability survey does, and the X-Type still isn't there yet.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Nearly as many XF owners signed up as all years of the X-Type combined...

 

I wish. At least on my 2002 X type. I'd need an additional sheet of paper for all the odds and ends I've had replaced. I consider a transfer case "maintainable."Granted, this was the first NA model year.

Anyway, I like the idea and I'll sign up!

 

by the time enough x-type's sign up, i will own a different car. lol

 

It certainly seems that way. Though the 2002 is just a few cars short of the minimum, it's taking months to get them.

Car reliability research