mkaresh

I wanted more up-to-date auto reliability information that included actual repair rates. So in late 2005 I started conducting reliability research at TrueDelta.com. TrueDelta reports absolute repair rates 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 to the help of this forum's members, for which I am very grateful, we've been able to report results for the 2006. We haven't had quite enough responses for the 2005. Still need a couple more owners to sign up before the 2007 can be included--soon?

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, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Scion tC, free of charge.

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

Vehicle reliability research

taco

well we have a 06 tc bsp auto, bought aug05. today has 20,xxxmiles
times in shop twice for recalls, 1. sunroof panel applique, 2. side air bag sensor
and 4 times for oil changes
nothing else nothing has broke and absolutly no other problems.

BigMURR

I racked 17XXX miles on mine not a single mechanical problem yet. There are rattles which at times can be annoying but mostly overlooked. Nothing wrong electrically, overall a solid built car.

BigMURR

oh, I have a '06 5 speed.

J_Leon

I have an 05 BSP with 27,000 miles,so far not a single problem with it other than the common rattles on my hatch and by now Iam used to them!

paul34

I think you need to define "reliability" for people here.

Squeaks and rattles aren't going to keep you from driving the car, folks.

mkaresh

I'm afraid I was unclear, and many people have misread my post.

This is a formal survey. I don't collect responses in the thread. Instead, people sign up, and then report repairs the month after they happen in response to a monthly email.

If they have no repair to report, they just respond the first month and then the month after the end of each quarter (Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct) with an approximate odometer reading. This way I know they're still alive and participating, and will be able to report average odometer readings.

If the car went into the shop for something other than routine maintenance or a wear item (listed on the survey form), then the problem gets reported.

Even if it's just a rattle. If someone felt the rattle was worth the trouble of taking the car to the dealer, it counts. I will be able to separate out squeaks and rattles if necessary, but they're not reported as often as you might think.

I've designed the process to provide the highest quality results with the least amount of effort. Suggstions to further improve it always welcome.

I've tried to spell all of this out here:

Vehicle reliability research

If there are any other questions, I'll be happy to ask them.

1SXETC

a new car should not have ANY squeaks or rattles (or other defects)

some people were just so excited to get a tc that they are willing to ignore all the flaws for the simple pleasure of driving a novelty car that looks nice.

fox

I've had my TC for 9 months and i've put 16,XXX miles on it. One recall and i do all my own oil changes...not one problem yet!!!

SciontCya

Oh please. Every car I've ever owned or ridden in eventually gets squeaks or rattles.
BFD.

My tC has had zero issues, sans the new airbag switch recall - which i have not done.

16.6k miles, and lots of maintenance money spent to keep it that way.

buster71

I'm at 42K on my '05.

Sunroof popped at about 28k, but other than that, not a single problem at all. Mechanically it's been the most reliable car I've ever had. Believe it or not, I can't even seem to get the tread off my Potenzas as they keep telling me that my tires aren't even close to needing replacement.

Only routine maintenance has been done as spelled out in the manual.

brian

did no one read his post? he's not collecting info via this thread

1SXETC

93 Mazda protege (previous car, 3rd owner)= no rattles
89 Dodge caravan = no rattles
92 lincoln continental = no rattles
02, 05, 06 corollas = no rattles
Moms minivan = no rattles

my 05 tc with 35,000 miles= Rattle trap...and squeak trap. Basically an annoying noise nuisance trap.

still looks and performs way better than my protege, but come one, a toyota quality product should not be a rattle trap. Toyota is supposed to be above par, not at or below it.

stop comparing the tc to other cars. I DON'T CARE ABOUT OTHER CARS. I care about my tc, and why it rattles so much.

wibblywobbly

I've been signed up with truedelta for a while. He's trying to do a good thing and we should support him.

For everyone on here that complains about how Consumer Reports sucks, this is your chance to help in creating a new and (hopefully) better source of information.

scion2007tC

Nicely said, I have an 07 BSP tC and it has 5k on it so far, And NO squeaks, rattles or anything I love this car. Maybe toyota finally fixed this problem?

mkaresh

On the topic of the research, I now have 20 owners of the 2006 signed up. Five more and I'll start collecting data.

SciontCya

I signed up this morning.

Scott

emiller

40k miles.
1 time for the sunroof recall
1 time for a broken radiator cap
1 time for a leaking radiator and 2nd broken radiator cap(radiator problem caused by broken radiator cap rubber gasket blocking the overflow causeing high pressure)

mkaresh

Thanks for all the info.

Looking for four more 2006s (other years also needed). Those of you who have already signed up, thanks.

TC-N-Philly

Purchased in feb of 05.

2005 Scion TC / auto
now have 59K and not one problem