Hyundai reliability - how does it truly compare?

[mkaresh]

In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "trips to the shop" that will make the differences between cars much clearer. I’ll also be updating results four times a year, so there will be information on new models sooner.

I’ve started collecting data on a number of Hyundai models, including recent years of the Sonata, Tucson, Santa Fe, and Entourage. Full list of models I'm collecting data on at this point here:

Models included in TrueDelta's vehicle reliability research

Even for these years, a larger sample would be very helpful. Other years are getting close to the minimum I need to start with them as well.

To encourage participation, panel members will receive full access to the results free of charge.

Details: Vehicle reliability research

Comments, questions, and suggestions welcome.

[mkaresh]

Still looking for more Hyundais. Latest results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

New results on the 23rd.

[Jed118]

Interesting... do you have any room in there for 84, 86, and 87 Ponys?

The Chargers are crap because Spikie puts them together!

[mkaresh]

I don't think I'll be going back nearly that far. Too many variables with cars that old.

[Jed118]

Haha and the only time they are in a shop is to get a safety. ONCE it was there for a blown tranny, but I replaced it (just using the hoist)

-Jed

[mkaresh]

So for a car's 20th birthday, you get it some rustproofing?

[MechaniX_034]

Is driver abuse a factor in your survey?

[mkaresh]

No, not yet at least. Quite a few people ask about this. But the fact of the matter is that very few of the repairs people report could have been caused by abuse. Lots of bad sensor and other electrical issues, for instance.

If I was only measuring powertrain problems, driver abuse might be a factor. But since I collect data on all problems, it's not.

I also suspect that people who abuse their cars are least likely to partipate in research like this.

[MechaniX_034]

Actually, quite a few of the people here participate in motorsport events and these tend to cause and/or accelerate consumable component failure; it would help if you put down your research demographic so that you can target a specific user group. That way you can be sure to get precisely the people you want.

Example; you may want to eliminate all sporting drivers or exceeding a certain level of modification. Or select only cars with owners that adhere to the prescribed service cycles. Inversely, you can target vehicles that do not use the prescribed oil viscosity because of owner discretion etc. etc. etc.

[Coal_forge]

I think most performance based drivers care for their cars more. I seem to always find granny's car burning oil than jonny ricer's.