Re: Audi #3 in JD Powers Survey!

["Jon" <jwilliam@ns1.water.net>]

> From:          ScharfR@aol.com
> Date:          Wed, 26 Mar 1997 18:08:00 -0500 (EST)
> To:            MSV96@aol.com, quattro@coimbra.ans.net
> Subject:       Re: Audi #3 in JD Powers Survey!

> In a message dated 97-03-26 12:38:46 EST, MSV96@aol.com writes:
> 
> << I feel that Audi deserves
>  kudos for this rise in percepted quality!!!  >>
> 
> The Vehicle Durability Index study is not a measure of "perceived" quality,
> rather, it is a measure of real "things gone wrong."  Same applies with the
> "Consumer Reports" TGW summaries in their extremely useful April auto issue.
> 
> However, you have reasonable justification to be a bit sceptical of this
> particular J.D. Power study (Vehicle Durability Index). The statistical basis
> is rather small, especially for manufacturers like Audi.  However, anybody
> who impugns the validity of the "Consumer Reports" reliability data (the red
> dot/black dot summaries) simply has not done their homework.  The data and
> sample size of the CU study is better quality and broader based than anything
> commercially available.  And that's the rub.  CU doesn't sell their data --
> to anybody.  On the other hand, one might say that J.D. Power exists ONLY to
> sell data ... and follow-up studies ... and special consulting services ...
> and syndicated research ... and....
> 
> So, do you smell a personal bias here?  I'll fess up.  I respect "Consumer
> Reports" data gathering and analysis capability.  I don't always agree with
> the conclusions _as_they_ apply_to_ my_unique_circumstances.  That's the
> distinction.  I see a lotof what I consider mindless bashing of CU, but I see
> very little criticism of the data, methodology, results, etc.  In my opinion,
> it's good policy to never ignore facts, just come to your own conclusions.
>  (The above is definitely my opinion - everybody should have one -- but
> represents no vested interests)
> 

I glance at, then ignore Consumer Reports when it comes to car 
purchases.  If I paid attention I would never have owned any of my 
four VW's, all of which were great cars, nor would I have 
purchased my current Audi Coupe.  

I was always confused by their methods of obtaining information for 
their reliability surveys.  I assume they only poll their subscribers 
because I have never once received anything from them even after 
having purchased a new car.  JD Powers DID contact me and I let them 
know the truth: the 94 Golf III GL was one of the most reliable cars 
I had ever owned.  And if I hadn't seen that GTi VR6 on the lot I 
would still be driving it today :)  

Virtually all the models I owned were "used cars to avoid".  And all 
were great.  If I want to know about microwaves or lawnmowers, I look 
them up.  But car purchases are way too subjective and way too 
personal.

Jon
___
jwilliam@water.net
87 Coupe GT