Used Vehicle Reliability Information, Websites, Etc.

Silverton · March 12, 2009

Since I'm casually looking at getting into the truck world (last one I had was a company chevy work truck back in 01), I've been looking at a lot of reviews and reliability info online. I just saw MSN Autos' reliability information for 99-04 Chevy's and it isn't good. By contrast, the Dodge Rams over the same period had significantly better marks. That caused a head scratch! MSN uses some outfit called Indentifix (sounds like a dental product) to get it's data.

Anyone recommend or have an opinion on these types of reliability sites?

Zembonez · March 12, 2009

OK... you asked for opinions.

I buy about 200 cars a month. I have been in the car business in one form or another for 30+ years. I see a lot of good and bad. I've been to and looked at all of the so called "best buys" as rated by websites and magazines.

I have yet to find anything related to these ratings that was even close to being the truth. Most web based "reliability ratings" are a total joke. Consumer Reports and the like are HORRIBLE and filled with ridiculous errors... Much of the data is subjective and the people they have as "editors" are basically just people who sat in class long enough to get a journalism degree. Many don't even actually own a car! Sites that rely on people writing in reviews are even worse. Most people simply do not understand enough about their vehicle to know much more than where to put the gas and the key. I do not trust those poor idiots to "review" anything.

Find a truck you like. Take it to a good trustworthy mechanic and have it looked over from bumper to bumper. The money you spend will save you tons. Even if you have to take 2 or 3 to him before you get the right one, you'll save yourself a lot of headache.

Do not buy anything Chrysler with a 4.7 V8.

killterrorists · March 12, 2009

Try www.ConsumerReports.org you might have to pay, I don't remember. You could also go pick up their current issue in stores right now. The 2009 auto issue is nothing but unbiased info about vheicles. There is mostly info on 10 year old and newer vheicles.

VMax2007 · March 12, 2009

Try www.ConsumerReports.org you might have to pay, I don't remember. You could also go pick up their current issue in stores right now. The 2009 auto issue is nothing but unbiased info about vheicles. There is mostly info on 10 year old and newer vheicles.

You are joking, right?

Silverton · March 12, 2009

OK... you asked for opinions.

I buy about 200 cars a month. I have been in the car business in one form or another for 30+ years. I see a lot of good and bad. I've been to and looked at all of the so called "best buys" as rated by websites and magazines.

I have yet to find anything related to these ratings that was even close to being the truth. Most web based "reliability ratings" are a total joke. Consumer Reports and the like are HORRIBLE and filled with ridiculous errors... Much of the data is subjective and the people they have as "editors" are basically just people who sat in class long enough to get a journalism degree. Many don't even actually own a car! Sites that rely on people writing in reviews are even worse. Most people simply do not understand enough about their vehicle to know much more than where to put the gas and the key. I do not trust those poor idiots to "review" anything.

Find a truck you like. Take it to a good trustworthy mechanic and have it looked over from bumper to bumper. The money you spend will save you tons. Even if you have to take 2 or 3 to him before you get the right one, you'll save yourself a lot of headache.

Do not buy anything Chrysler with a 4.7 V8.

I was hoping you would see this post. That's exactly what I was looking for, a knowledgeable answer based on extensive experience. That is much more reliable in my opinion!

So the 4.7 is junk, eh?

killterrorists · March 12, 2009

Well the unbiased part was a bit of a joke but I have never personally had problems with a vheicle recomended by CR. So I speak from my own experience since I have had good luck with their ratings.

Nick The Great · March 12, 2009

I didn't think Consumer Reports and unbiased could go in the same sentence.

I don't know how exactly they get their ratings, but I think it is probably the highest bidder

brims · March 12, 2009

Do not buy anything Chrysler.

Good advice.

Zembonez · March 12, 2009

I was hoping you would see this post. That's exactly what I was looking for, a knowledgeable answer based on extensive experience. That is much more reliable in my opinion!

So the 4.7 is junk, eh? :Lil:

Not knocking Dodge but yes. The Hemi is holding up well... 5.7 if I remember right. I don't think there is an objective way to produce a reliability site. Too many people enter their "opinion" and too few have enough actual experience to even be there. All it takes is one "I hate <insert brand here>" to skew the results.

Sorry but I believe that to be as honest as I can be.

In order to have actual reliability ratings, you would have to get input from everybody (or at least a huge sample) that owns a particular vehicle. Happy owners never chime in. Unhappy owners are the only people that contribute. It's a flawed method of reporting. Consumer reports uses this method exclusively on vehicles. I can't endorse that.