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 it's possible to provide reliability information on new models quickly. Also, any significant changes in a model's reliability become apparent quickly.

There aren't enough owners signed up yet to include any model year in the main survey. But the 2005 is 3/4 of the way, and most other years are about half way. So not too far to go.

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 help get your year of the MINI included:

Vehicle reliability research

 

The 2003, 2005, and 2008 are now all just a few cars short of the minimum. I frequently get emails from people asking if we have reliability stats for the MINI. I'd really like to be able to help them, so hopefully we'll get some results for the MINI soon.

 

We have results for the MINI based on owner experiences through June 2009. In terms of successful repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 120

2008: 83

2005: 147

In all three cases the sample sizes are very small, so these results are asterisked and only visible to members on the site itself. The actual repair frequency for the 2008 and 2009 is probably in between those two results, around 100.

Though imprecise, these results do indicate a worse than average repair frequency.

A big thanks to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

MINI Cooper reliability comparisons

 

188 MINI owners now signed up. A good start, but more are needed to provide precise results for all model years.

To help get your year fully included:

Car reliability research

 

We have results for the MINI based on owner experiences through September 30, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 86

2008: 120

2005: 136

All are worse than average. Small sample sizes for the 2005 and 2008.

A big thanks, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in February and May. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

MINI Cooper reliability comparisons

 

We have results for the MINI based on owner experiences through December 31, 2009. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 68, average

2008: 97, worse than average

2006: 141, worse than average

2005: 105, about average

Small sample sizes for all but the 2009.

A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in May and August. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

MINI Cooper reliability comparisons

 

Just enhanced the related repair history survey so that it can (optionally) be used as a personal car maintenance record.

As always, more participants would be helpful. Updated Car Reliability Survey results in May, with a preview for participants next month.

Car reliability research

 

We have results for the MINI based on owner experiences through March 31, 2010. In terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 77, average

2008: 96, worse than average

2006: 118, worse than average

2005: 94, about average

2003: 44, better than average but very small sample size.

Small sample sizes for all but the 2009.

A big thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

MINI Cooper reliability comparisons

 

We have updated results for the MINI based on owner experiences through June 30, 2010.

Other sources of car reliability information won't cover the more recent months until the summer or even fall of next year.

Repair frequencies, in terms of repair trips per 100 cars per year:

2009: 64, about average

2008: 81, about average

2007: 106, worse than average

2006: 100, worse than average

2005: 128, worse than average

2003: 26, better than average but very small sample size and the results for other years strongly suggest that this one is not accurate

Small sample sizes for all but the 2009, though the 2006 and 2007 are close to the minimum for full results.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in November and February. With more participants, we could provide more precise information and cover all model years.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help:

MINI Cooper reliability comparisons

 

Starting this month we have a new question to measure, as objectively as possible, the severity of a problem. Many people have been asking for reliability stats that weight problems by how severe they are, and once we have enough responses with the revised survey we'll start providing this.

Also, updated reliability stats this month.

As always, the more owners participate, the better the information we can provide to everyone.

Car reliability research