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.

We've been providing results for 2002 for some time, and a partial result for the 2003. More participants are needed to break out results by powertrain.

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

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TrueDelta.com
Vehicle reliability, fuel economy, and price comparison information

May resultsrecently posted.

For the B6 we have results for the 2002, 2003, and 2004. The repair rates are relatively high for the 2002 and 2003, and then a little better than average for the 2004. Either Audi improved, Audis wait until out of warranty to require attention, or this is just the small sample sizes talking.

All three results are asterisked for a small sample size. I'd like to get rid of these and provide more precise results in future updates.

To help make this happen:

Vehicle reliability research

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TrueDelta.com
Vehicle reliability, fuel economy, and price comparison information

Updated results recently posted. In addition to the 2002 and 2004, we also have a result for the 2003 this time around. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 vehicle per year, with asterisks for results with inadequate sample sizes, and average odometer reading in ():

2002: 122 (74700)
2003: 91* (68100)
2004 42* (39700)

The result for the 2004 looks too good to be accurate--and the sample size is small. But the reliability of the newer cars does clearly seem better--and the repair rates for the B7 are close to the result for the 2004. The question, of course, is whether the repair rates will remain low after the waranty runs out. Time will tell--and this survey will closely track the cars as they age.

With more participants, we could provide more precise results. Especially need more 2003s, 2004s, and 2005s. The 2005s are tough, because that was a short model year.

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

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TrueDelta.com
Vehicle reliability, fuel economy, and price comparison information

Next set of results in November, with a preview for members next month.

540 A4s signed up so far. A very good start, but more remain needed.

Vehicle reliability research

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TrueDelta.com
Vehicle reliability, fuel economy, and price comparison information

2004 a4s are known to have better reliability and fewer recalls

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Imma Drive it 'Till the Rings Fall OFF!


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