The Long-Term Test Diary is a running, dated series of entries attached to one Garage vehicle — think of it as a public logbook rather than a single review. Owners post updates at whatever interval fits (monthly is typical), each entry logging mileage, anything that broke or needed servicing, and a running satisfaction note; the site pulls a cumulative summary to the top of the diary automatically as entries accumulate.
At a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum diary length | 3 entries to be listed publicly |
| Entry frequency | Owner's choice; monthly is typical |
| Required per entry | Mileage, any issues/service, satisfaction note |
| Cumulative summary | Auto-generated from entries as they accumulate |
| Eligibility | Verified Owner badge required to start a diary |
How this differs from a standard review
A standard review is a single snapshot, usually written once ownership has settled in. A Long-Term Test Diary is the opposite: it's meant to capture how an ownership experience changes — the things that only show up after 6, 12, or 24 months, like a specific rattle developing, real depreciation, or how a battery pack's range actually holds up. It only becomes useful once there are a few entries, so a diary isn't listed publicly until it hits 3 entries.
What each entry should include
- Current mileage and date since your last entry.
- Anything serviced, repaired, or that went wrong, with rough cost if you're comfortable sharing it.
- A short satisfaction note — has anything changed since the last entry?
- Optional photo update.
How the cumulative summary works
Once a diary has enough entries, the page automatically generates a summary block above the entry timeline: total mileage logged, count and rough category of any issues reported, and a simple satisfaction trend (improving, steady, declining) based on the owner's own notes over time. This is a summarization of the owner's own entries, not an independent rating.
| Diary stage | What's shown |
|---|---|
| 1-2 entries | Entries only, not yet listed publicly |
| 3+ entries | Public listing, entry timeline visible |
| 6+ entries | Cumulative summary block appears at top |
| 12+ months active | Eligible for the site's Long-Term Ownership roundup features |
Starting a diary
- From a vehicle in My Garage, select "Start a Long-Term Diary."
- Requires a Verified Owner badge for that vehicle.
- Post your first entry immediately, covering the car as of today.
- Set a personal reminder cadence (monthly is most common) to keep entries coming.
A diary can be paused or archived if you sell the car or stop updating, but entries already published stay live and attributed — they're a historical record, not something you can retroactively erase because the story turned less favorable.
Why diaries matter for shoppers
Long-term diaries are the closest thing on the site to independent longevity data, since they capture real issues as they emerge rather than a single point-in-time impression — a diary that goes quiet after month 3 is itself a data point worth noticing.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need to post an entry?
Do I need to be a verified owner to start a diary?
Can I delete an old entry I regret?
What is the cumulative summary based on?
What happens if I sell the car mid-diary?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
