Scion xB reliability - how does it compare?

mkaresh · 05-10-2007, 10:01 AM

In late 2005 I started conducting my own reliability research. I'm reporting absolute stats like "times in the shop" that will make the differences between cars much clearer. Relative ratings obscure too much--how large is the difference between "better than average" and "worse than average"? I’ll also be updating results four times a year, so there will be information on new models sooner.

I'd like to include the xB in this research, but not enough owners have signed up yet. Both model years are about halfway to the minimum of 25.

In comparison, 94 Nissan Versa owners are currently enrolled in the panel, such that I'm about to release reliability information on that car.

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 · 07-08-2007, 10:50 AM

I'm not sure why I wrote "both model years" above, since the first-gen car ran from 2004 through 2006.5. At any rate, the 2005 is closest to the minimum, with 15 owners signed up. Just need ten more.

The 2006 would be even closer to getting started if I included the 2006.5. I might do this, as none of the changes for 2006.5 should affect reliability.

mkaresh · 09-08-2007, 11:33 AM

Currently just three owners short of being able to start with the 2006-2006.5.

2005 is 2/3 of the way to the minimum.

mkaresh · 10-24-2007, 11:58 AM

Started with the 2006-2006.5. Getting close with the 2005.

blimey · 10-24-2007, 12:44 PM

Joined up.Shouild be interesting to watch as it builds info. Thanks for the heads up.

Padanky · 10-24-2007, 12:47 PM

Scion is #3 in reliability, 1st and 2hd is Honda and Acura. So, just consider Scion 2nd right now. Toyota itself has dropped but Scion is in the top three. I heard this on the news the other day, and the reporter miss pronounced "Scion" wrong too, go figure!

mkaresh · 11-20-2007, 11:59 AM

How did they pronounce it, Sky-ahn?

Should have initial results for 2006/2006.5 in February (and perhaps the 2008 as well). Getting close to being able to start with other model years.

Auto reliability research -- need more xB's!

mkaresh · 12-15-2007, 03:13 PM

Getting close to those initial results. Participating members will get a "sneak peak" about a month from now.

mkaresh · 02-07-2008, 01:40 PM

The initial results will be released in a week or so. They will be asterisked, for a marginal sample size. Need more participants!

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh · 03-13-2008, 03:33 PM

There will be another update in May. Still need more 2005s to incude that year.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh · 04-09-2008, 02:53 PM

The 2006 and the 2008 will be in the May results, though the former might have an asterisk for marginal sample size.

The 2005 is now just five owners short of being included as well.

Vehicle reliability research

ahughejazz24 · 04-30-2008, 06:28 AM

I thought Lexus was the most reliable car out there? I remember they were #1 for like 13 years in a row.

shortbusdriver · 06-03-2008, 01:16 PM

52k problem free miles so far

mkaresh · 06-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahughejazz24

I thought Lexus was the most reliable car out there? I remember they were #1 for like 13 years in a row.

I think this might be true in JD Power's Initial Quality Study, which measures problems in the first 90 days.

I'm providing much more detail to car buyers than JD Power does. Also, I think it's important to look beyond "the best" to "good enough that other factors should determine which car to buy."

Results recently posted for the 2006-2006.5 xB. Better than average, which isn't exactly a surprise.

Next update in August. I'd like to start including the 2005 in the survey, but need a few more owners to sign up first.

For the full set of results, and sign up to help (if you haven't already):

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh · 06-30-2008, 01:23 PM

Next update in August.

Additional participants always helpful.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh · 08-22-2008, 10:33 AM

That August update posted. Very low repair rate for the 2006 xB. Not enough participants for earlier years yet--next time, if a few more owners sign up and participate.

Full set of results:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh · 10-19-2008, 02:35 PM

Another set of results soon. Additional participants would be very helpful.

Vehicle reliability research

mkaresh · 12-04-2008, 02:36 PM

In the latest results, the 2006 Scion xB had a repair rate 14 successful repair trips per 100 cars per year, which is much better than average.

With more participants, we could provide more precise results, and include the 2005 as well.

For the full set of results, and to sign up to help:

TrueDelta Vehicle Reliability Survey results

mkaresh · 02-08-2009, 04:30 PM

Updated results have been posted. The repair rate of the first-gen xB remains very low.

For the first-gen xB we currently have a full result for the 2006 and a partial result for the 2005. We'd like to provide full results for all model years--just need more participants.

TrueDelta does now have a separate page of reliability results for each model. The one for the xB is here:

Scion xB reliability comparisons

ja3hawk · 03-19-2009, 09:54 AM

I've read through many reviews. The reliability rating of the xB seems pretty high. We are talking about a Toyota here...

Consumer Reports loves these cars.