Hi,

I see that the VW group, including Skoda, have slipped in the Which reliability ratings.

I wonder how much of the unreliability statistics comprise coilpack failures and what the stats would look like without them?

Regards: Jim Ford

Jim,

I haven't seen the report, but did they lump all the various "brands" (VW, Skoda, Seat, Audi) into one and then rate their reliability like that?

I'm eager to see the next Top Gear JD Power survey - as that appears to be the best survey / report based on actual owner's experiences and opinions.

Originally posted by devonutopia in this post

I'm eager to see the next Top Gear JD Power survey - as that appears to be the best survey / report based on actual owner's experiences and opinions.

You're only saying that because Skoda usually does ok in the JD Survey

This is true, but that is a true, genuine owner response. Not just someone who is reading up on stuff and maybe taking one out on the occasional test-drive - IMHO, I must add.

Having been a past subscriber to Which, and taking a big interest in their white goods surveys, I have come to the conclusion that Which use comments form a) their own staff and old ladies with nothing better to do. I base this informed comment on the results on a field I know plenty on and my expierience tells me the total opposite to what Which say.

As for the JD Power survey. that is a far bigger repsonse base and a far better way of judging cars IMHO.

Andy

My sentiments exactly - just better put.

Anyone know when the JD Power is being done up next?

Originally posted by devonutopia in this post

I'm eager to see the next Top Gear JD Power survey - as that appears to be the best survey / report based on actual owner's experiences and opinions.

That'll be the same JD Power survey that asked for my opinion less than 2 months after i bought the Octavia.

Has anyone seen the JD power survey forms? Its a lot more about the dealer than the car - and lists faults in numerical rather than importance values...

ie "bulb went" is same as "new turbo needed", I don't pay too much attention to it these days.

I agree totally with Kentish - Which reports have no credibility in my book.

They pontificate as if they have the clout to influence products and services, which they don't!

Also, having seen various reports on products that I know very well due to my day job, I have to say that the quality of their research and hence end conclusions leave a lot to be desired.

End of rant!

John.

I just dug the JD Power questionnaire out of a drawer..

I bought the car in the middle of March 2003, the questionnaire is dated June 2003.

How exactly am i supposed to give an objective opinion of a car i have only owned 10 or 12 weeks?

Frankly, i think the survey is a waste of time. If i have a problem, i'll scream blue murder at the Dealer's, filling out some poxy form isnt going to do me any good.

But What Car? and Top Gear mgazines only have to come up with 11 months worth of editorial. Just think of the extra effort they would have to put in without meaningless surveys.

The car's are supposed to be three years old, which is why it's the ultimate indicator at a car's long-term reliability,etc. I'm expecting a form to be sent to me next summer - three years, gone so quickly. :( obviously enjoyed it too much.