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.

Already over 100 B7 owners have signed up to participate, and we've been able to provide results for the 2006 and 2007. But more participants would still be very helpful. The larger the sample size, the more accurate the results and the more detail I can provide.

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

 

Up to 120 B7s. But still need more for all years, especially 2008.

 

The latest results, just posted this week, include better than average repair rates for the 2006 (which includes the 2005.5) and 2007 A4. Will this change for the better continue as the cars age? Time will tell.

With prompt, quarterly updates, TrueDelta's process will closely track the cars as they age.

To view the latest results, and sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

 

Testing

 

damn man that seems like a lot of work to be doing but i hope its all going well and look forward to seeing the results over time

 

It's been a lot of work, but it's going well. The largest challenge is getting enough people to participate.

 

Having technical difficulties posting. Workarounds?

 

Looks like they fixed the glitches!

Updated results in August.

Additional participants always helpful. Especially need 2008s and (when it arrives) 2009s.

Vehicle reliability research

 

Don't be discouraged with the lack of responses. The B7 group is by far the smallest of the A4 groups on this site. I think there are only a few who come here regularly.

I'll sign up.

 

Thank you for the kind words, and for signing up.

We're actually doing well with many years of the B7. But the 2008 did fall just a bit short of the bare minimum sample size in the current survey, so more partipants would certainly help.

Vehicle reliability research