Yes, I know, quoting oneself is oafish but I wanted to add something:
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Originally Posted by bwilson4web
The mileage database is unique and adds value. So my first thought is to add other metrics that are not being recorded by any user community:
1) engine oil test results - a place where members who test their oil can bring the results and compare them to the results of others. This allows us to develop a broader understanding of how different oils work and their wear patterns.
2) transaxle oil test results - same idea but another fluid
3) major repair records - a way to start tracking battery, engine or other major componet failures
What I'm describing is adding data recording and analysis so we can effectively become a voluntary fleet of hybrid vehicles. We still manage our individual vehicles but in sharing our results, we can gain insights and avoid problems others discover. Heck, I wouldn't mind if a 'recommended reminder' would pop up after entering a tank.
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There are competing web sites that to a greater or lessor extent allow folks to post 'technical write-ups' and pontificate on whatever moves the membership. IMHO, trying to do what they are doing 'only better' is death and won't work. What is needed is something unique and GreenHybrid.com has that with the mileage database and
NO ONE has figured out how to do it equal or better!
What I'm suggesting is a database for collecting oil testing results, both ICE and transaxle, and a log of major malfunctions, that provides value beyond the current ad hoc reporting systems. Doug has at least a dozen oil test results and I have six Prius transaxle oil test results, which I suspect we both would be willing to 'bootstrap' supporting vehicle databases. These are not someone's opinion but real, honest to God, lab test results and it is time to make a home for them so we don't have to be the "keepers."
Adding oil test results along with a log of major malfunctions would be something totally unique, like the mileage database, and would attract the types of disciplined posters who 'live in the real world.' It won't happen overnight, nothing good does, but it will happen overtime. Best of all, good folks like Doug won't have to carry the burden alone.
One other 'record' that I'd like to suggest is a little 'out of the norm' but I'd like to see tracking of used hybrid prices and possibly new ones too. One of the frequent questions asked is "How much . . ." and this is always answered by a cataphony of "I paid . . ." with no database record. This won't be competition for Blue Book or any other service because it will be driven by: (1) what individuals bought and sold, and/or (2) observed Ebay prices for deals. It also allows us to start noting what works and doesn't work.
GreenHybrid.com brought a disciplined approach to tracking vehicle mileage, a D*mn Good Thing! Do the same for the rest of our vehicle profiles and you will have made a major advance in the art.
Thanks,
Bob Wilson
ps. I will now get off of the soap box . . .