R U being stung for your oil change. Don't be

[JimmyJames]

My S3 has been in for its first oil change (not first service).

I was told over the phone on booking that cost would be £165 inc vat.

Ok you expect it to be pricey but you don't really know what £165 gets you until you see your invoice.

When my car was returned washed/book stamped etc etc. I noticed they had invoiced alledgedly for filling my car with 12 x 0.5litres of oil to a cost of £95? 6litres in normal speak.

Funny that since the S3 states in handbook 4.5 litres inc oil filter approx. 1.5 litres over is not an approx. Was it a miss or poured over the service area or worse actually in the engine.

Wasn't happy about 12 x 05.l. Working out at £7.92 per 0.5 litre.
So i phoned the dealership and they said yes the S3 takes 6litres and i complained about being charged by the 0.5 l.

To make matters worse they told me they take the oil from a drum. So how can you charge by the 0.5l. What a rip off/racket/**** turpin.


Didn't like or feel convinced by this so took it up with Audi Uk.
They were spot on and confirmed 4.5l for S3 although sump can take more. They phoned the stealership and got the reply that there had been an admin error. What absolute lies.

You can't state £165 for this service if you haven't already decided on what the sum of parts, quantity and labour will cost. You can't go off the phone and come back to the customer and confirm its 6 litres when its not. You can't fill a car by 0.5litres and still somehow over fill it by 1.5 litres. Thats no admin error thats blatant fraud.:busted_cop:

Anyway AUDI UK were great and the stealership is refunding £31 by cheque.

SO to all of you out there WHAT quantity and cost are you really getting for your oil change and are you being RIPPED OFF.

Don't be if you don't get the answer you want then speak to AUDI UK. They'll Kick ***.

JJ

 

[Deleted member 21388]

Will have to remember this - mine is due in a couple of months for its oil change - will be watching the bill closely.
Do they still charge for filling up the washer fluid ?

Richard

 

[JimmyJames]

Will have to remember this - mine is due in a couple of months for its oil change - will be watching the bill closely.
Do they still charge for filling up the washer fluid ?

Richard

Yes they will if you let them. Provide the screen wash and the oil.

Thats what I'll be doing next time.

Castrol edge (4l) is £44.11 at the moment at Halfords but I'm sure you could get cheaper. Point here being that 8l works out at £88 as opposed to allegedlly £95 for 6 litres.

 

[julians]

I recently had the oil change service on my s3, and whilst the dealership used the correct quantity of oil (4.5litres), the price I was quoted for the work varied depending on who in the dealership I asked. In the end they did it for £140 inc VAT (because I told the girl on the desk thats what I had been quoted), but prior to that I had been quoted £200, £165, and £147, by three different people all in the same dealership.

They seem to just make it up as they go along, so maybe you can use this to your advantage.

 

[Staz]

A very interesting thread. Mine is due it's oil change in 2000 miles.

Can the oil change plus stamped book be done by VW/Seat?

 

[QuickNick]

A very interesting thread. Mine is due it's oil change in 2000 miles.

Can the oil change plus stamped book be done by VW/Seat?

Yup - had to a quote to service my gf's Skoda Octavia from the local Skoda garage (which is a bit out of my way) - rang the VeeDub garage out of interest (5mins from where I work) and they said yes, they could service Skoda's, Audi's etc. Was £50 cheaper too!

So long as any parts are of a similar quality to those that would be used by the main dealer (in the event of a warranty claim, if cheap stuff were used then the dealer would argue that that was the cause!), then you can get it serviced anywhere

 

[DaveS3Turbo]

I was invoiced £210. I refused to pay so they reduced to £165. I still refused as I was never charged this much even though there was an increase in oil.

In the end we got down to 115 or something like that.

David

 

[S3Alex]

I took out the offer of the first 3 services for £150 on mine which in retrospect seems like it may have been a good deal.

Have to see when they get me for the oil change in 6000 miles.

 

[h5djr]

My A3 is covered by a three year service and maintenance agreement with VW Finance so I don't suppose the dealer will charge any like these prices. The total amount of the invoice to VW Finance was £165 for my 1st full service at 18,263 miles. No doubt it would have been more if I was paying.

The last time I actual paid for a service myself was the 1st service on my previous A3 back in September 2005 and the total cost for the oil used was £29.36!!

 

[Lee_R]

My bother delivers oil to various dealers all across the midlands. The oil in barrels in no different at Audi to the oil used at Citroen, Ford etc. He delivers to one main dealer that is Ford/Kia/Hyundai/Skoda and they only have one type of oil to use in all those brands!

5W30 is the norm for most turbo petrols these days and a decent one from Comma/Millers etc will cost about £30-40 from a motor factor depending on prices at the time.

Audi are no different to other dealers, they will rip you off.

Saying that though, Stafford Audi have a fixed price of £79 for the basic service inc oil change (inc S3) so some of the prices on here are simple con jobs!

its money for old rope!

 

[h5djr]

If your car is set for Variable Service Intervals the the oil used must meet the VW 504.00 or 507.00 depending on the vehicle.

Castrol Edge 5W-30 meets the new VW 504.00 and 507.00 as does

Shell Helix Ultra VX 5w-30 also meets 504.00 and 507.00

and probably many other oils but both Castrol and Shell make cheaper oils which do not meet the required specs.

I know my own dealer uses the Shell Helix Ultra VX 5W-30 in my A3.

 

[Khufu]

Well, Im sitting here with an Audi Trade Parts Specialist leaflet with the price of oil they could supply it to us at...

 

[emzino]

At... hehe

Also, I can still can't blimmin work out how the dip stick works. Has anyone got a photo of what to look out for?

 

[Matt]

Its quite possibly the most useless dipstick in the world. I always struggle to tell how much oil is in there. Given up with it now and just top it up as soon as the light comes on.

Will watch out for quantity of oil on my service invoice as its due in 1,700 miles. Will also try to remember to top the washer fluid up aswell before it goes in... wouldn't suprise me if they drain it and refill and charge... or just charge without doing anything!

 

[leecs3]

all the main dealers are stinging customers for oil changes. My mum has charged £140 for 8 litres of mobil one by Mercedes leeds. Thats about double the highstreet price.

 

[Amchlolor]

Yes they will if you let them. Provide the screen wash and the oil.

Thats what I'll be doing next time.

Castrol edge (4l) is £44.11 at the moment at Halfords but I'm sure you could get cheaper. Point here being that 8l works out at £88 as opposed to allegedlly £95 for 6 litres.

I used to do this with a Renault I owned.
Used to buy expensive oil for them to use.
Until a mechanic I know laughed and said someone will be keeping the good stuff for themselves and putting the usual stuff in the car.
You've already demonstrated they cannot be trusted, so how can you trust them to use your oil, rather than the huge vat of trade stuff they ripped you off for in the first place?

I can't see they've got any other option but to let you watch.
Christ knows how that would work, they could have you sitting around all day.
Mind you, probably a nice waiting area, with coffee and plasma TV.
Wonder how they pay for that.....

 

[buckas]

last 2 services (free) were £165 - said Mobil 1 Oil on the invoice

 

[Jo Sharp]

Easy solution - buy an oil filter from Audi and do the oil change yourself. It only takes about 30 mins to drop the tray cover under the engine, drain the oil, swap filter, refill and replace the bottom cover.

 

[Staz]

Easy solution - buy an oil filter from Audi and do the oil change yourself. It only takes about 30 mins to drop the tray cover under the engine, drain the oil, swap filter, refill and replace the bottom cover.

Not everyone has the facilities to do this. Or the inclination!

 

[Matt]

Easy solution - buy an oil filter from Audi and do the oil change yourself. It only takes about 30 mins to drop the tray cover under the engine, drain the oil, swap filter, refill and replace the bottom cover.

Would that not invalidate your warranty?

I wouldn't do it anyway on such a new car. If it was an old banger I would but its not.

 

[N8]

My S3 has been in for its first oil change (not first service).

I was told over the phone on booking that cost would be £165 inc vat.

Ok you expect it to be pricey but you don't really know what £165 gets you until you see your invoice.

When my car was returned washed/book stamped etc etc. I noticed they had invoiced alledgedly for filling my car with 12 x 0.5litres of oil to a cost of £95? 6litres in normal speak.

Funny that since the S3 states in handbook 4.5 litres inc oil filter approx. 1.5 litres over is not an approx. Was it a miss or poured over the service area or worse actually in the engine.

Wasn't happy about 12 x 05.l. Working out at £7.92 per 0.5 litre.
So i phoned the dealership and they said yes the S3 takes 6litres and i complained about being charged by the 0.5 l.

To make matters worse they told me they take the oil from a drum. So how can you charge by the 0.5l. What a rip off/racket/**** turpin.


Didn't like or feel convinced by this so took it up with Audi Uk.
They were spot on and confirmed 4.5l for S3 although sump can take more. They phoned the stealership and got the reply that there had been an admin error. What absolute lies.

You can't state £165 for this service if you haven't already decided on what the sum of parts, quantity and labour will cost. You can't go off the phone and come back to the customer and confirm its 6 litres when its not. You can't fill a car by 0.5litres and still somehow over fill it by 1.5 litres. Thats no admin error thats blatant fraud.:busted_cop:

Anyway AUDI UK were great and the stealership is refunding £31 by cheque.

SO to all of you out there WHAT quantity and cost are you really getting for your oil change and are you being RIPPED OFF.

Don't be if you don't get the answer you want then speak to AUDI UK. They'll Kick ***.

JJ

Thanks very much for posting this, this is what I love about forums you think of a potential or problem and someone else has usually experienced the same thing or has the answer!

My A3 - 2.0 TDI Sportback DSG 08 plate has hit 15k now is the 'Service Due' is showing up on the DIS, an oil service, I believe the main service is due in another 2k.

So I got ringing around my local Audi dealers in the North West and its amazing how the prices vary so much!! Most dealers have said to me though, its better to just have the 1st main service carried out, which includes the oil change, oil filter and pollen filter. The cheapest was Stockport Audi coming in at £197 after a bit of haggling and playing the dealers off against each other Does that seem like a good price?

I'll get it done in the new year now, as I won't be driving the car until then going back down south for christmas and taking the van.

Thanks

N8

 

[emzino]

Easy solution - buy an oil filter from Audi and do the oil change yourself. It only takes about 30 mins to drop the tray cover under the engine, drain the oil, swap filter, refill and replace the bottom cover.

Is there a DIY on how to do this? I really need to get axel stands =/

 

[JimmyJames]

I used to do this with a Renault I owned.
Used to buy expensive oil for them to use.
Until a mechanic I know laughed and said someone will be keeping the good stuff for themselves and putting the usual stuff in the car.
You've already demonstrated they cannot be trusted, so how can you trust them to use your oil, rather than the huge vat of trade stuff they ripped you off for in the first place?

I can't see they've got any other option but to let you watch.
Christ knows how that would work, they could have you sitting around all day.
Mind you, probably a nice waiting area, with coffee and plasma TV.
Wonder how they pay for that.....

You are absolutely right bowfer and yes I'll plank my **** in view of the service area while slurping "kid on" expensive coffee.

You know its not so much the oil type I'm really concerned with here but the lies they told or the back tracking they did to cover their **** when i put Audi UK on to them. Premium rip off more like.

Cheque for £30 arrived back today showing invoice return of 4 x 0.5 litres.

Now if i think back to my previous Sportback I'm sure they did the same. So WHAT really concerns me although it will NEVER happen to me again is the fact that there is more than a good chance that ALL owners who have had servicing through this garage are being fraudulently charged for oil they never got or as they put it ADMIN ERROR.

My other point in my first post is still valid that they are already setting everyone up for being overcharged by being able to tell servicing customers how much this service costs when booking OR IS THIS SERVICE NOW SUDDENLY £30 CHEAPER TO ALL WHO GET THIS SERVICE. I DONT THINK SO.

Totally rumbled.

jj.

 

[Lee_R]

Thanks very much for posting this, this is what I love about forums you think of a potential or problem and someone else has usually experienced the same thing or has the answer!

My A3 - 2.0 TDI Sportback DSG 08 plate has hit 15k now is the 'Service Due' is showing up on the DIS, an oil service, I believe the main service is due in another 2k.

So I got ringing around my local Audi dealers in the North West and its amazing how the prices vary so much!! Most dealers have said to me though, its better to just have the 1st main service carried out, which includes the oil change, oil filter and pollen filter. The cheapest was Stockport Audi coming in at £197 after a bit of haggling and playing the dealers off against each other Does that seem like a good price?

I'll get it done in the new year now, as I won't be driving the car until then going back down south for christmas and taking the van.

Thanks

N8

Fancy a drive down to jct 16 of the M6 to stafford Audi and its only £79 there, save yourself a ton for christmas and they will do it while you wait. Sorted!

 

[N8]

Full 1st service for £79? Including oil change & pollen etc?

 

[leecs3]

anyone tried buying there oil from the main dealer parts desk? I'd be very surprised if a 4litre tub of oil would cost £80 from the parts desk. Buy your oil from the dealers before the service then book it in and tell them the oil is in the boot!

 

[Lee_R]

Stafford Audis Services

Basic Service:- £79
01: Note any damage to body
02: Fit car protection kit
03: Check operation and condition of lights
04: Check condition of wiper blades
05: Test screen wash and top up reservior with all seasons additive
06: Inspect cooling system for leaks and test antifreeze strength
07: Inspect condition of drive belts
08: Top-up brake fluid levels
09: Top-up battery electrolyte level
10: Top-up power steering level
11: Replace oil filter
12: Drain and refil engine oil
13: Visual inspection of front brake pads
14: Check wheel bearings and ball joints
15: Inspect tyres and set tyre pressures, report tread depths
16: Assess brake, steering and suspension performance
17: Check for abnormal noises on road test
18: Check operation of heating/cooling system

Full service £189 (Extra if on longlife)
01: Note any damage to body
02: Fit car protection kit
03: Check operation and condition of lights
04: Check condition of wiper blades
05: Test screen wash and top up reservior with all seasons additive
06: Inspect cooling system for leaks and test antifreeze strength
07: Inspect condition of drive belts
08: Top-up brake fluid levels
09: Top-up battery electrolyte level
10: Top-up power steering level
11: Replace oil filter
12: Drain and refil engine oil
13: Visual inspection of front brake pads
14: Check wheel bearings and ball joints
15: Inspect tyres and set tyre pressures, report tread depths
16: Assess brake, steering and suspension performance
17: Check for abnormal noises on road test
18: Check operation of heating/cooling system
19: Check condition/operation of seat belts
20: Adjust handbrake
21: Inspect brake hoses and pipes
22: Inspect suspension mountings
23: Inspect shock absorbers
24: Inspect drive shafts, joints and gaiters
25: Inspect track and rod ends
26: Examine condition of exhaust and mountings
27: Diagnostic tune and report, electronic diagnostic check and report
28: Check spark plugs
29: Assess engine performance and noise levels
30: Check clutch for free play
31: Check gearshift quality/auto gearbox operation
32: Check steering for feel, stability, pull or wander
33: Check operation of instruments
34: Replace spark plugs
35: Check horn operation and tone
36: Check heated rear screen
37: Check central locking, electric windows, electric sunroof/mirrors if fitted
38: Lubricate linkages and cables
39: Check power steering hoses
40: Top-up gearbox level
41: Top-up differential oil level
42: Check prop shafts and universal joints
43: Inspect fuel tank and fuel lines
44: Inspect underbody for corrosion
45: Examine steering rack for play and oil leaks
46: Check power steering hoses and pump for leaks
47: Remove road wheels
48: Inspect brake linings front and rear
49: Lubricate back plate slide points and handbrake levers etc
50: Ensure caliper operation is normal
51: Refit road wheels
52: Torque wheel bolts to correct setting
53: Lubricate all door locks and hinges
54: Check air filter, clean or report
55: Provide defect report

Cambelt £249 pus service cost,

 

[Amchlolor]

So WHAT really concerns me although it will NEVER happen to me again is the fact that there is more than a good chance that ALL owners who have had servicing through this garage are being fraudulently charged for oil they never got or as they put it ADMIN ERROR.

I honestly think this fraudulent practice is endemic to the 'premium' end of the car market, I really do.
The garages prey on the fact that a huge proportion of their clients have money to spare and are completely ignorant when it comes to cars.
They couldn't tell you how a car works, it just 'does'.
So the nice smiley service representative phones up and says "Hello Mrs.Poncenby-Smyth, the technician has spotted one of your tyres is a bit iffy, shall we replace it?", the client trusts them and they replace a perfectly good tyre for a much higher price than the high street
All the time, knowing full well the client will never, ever check.
It's an abuse of trust, at best.
It's fraudulent, at worst.

One case which perfectly demonstrates this is a friend who had an A3 on a full service agreement (PCP)
He put it in for a service, they phoned to say it needed 4 new tyres.
He said "fine, you're paying for them anyway"
When he went to collect it, no new tyres.
"Ah yes, that was a mix up"
Lies lies lies lies lies.

BTW, I think you should report them to trading standards.
They will go through all historical service records, if they decide there's a case to answer.
You're a knowledgable bloke, you will be able to put a good case forward.

 

[N8]

Good point bowfer. How you getting on with the D3?

 

[Amchlolor]

Good point bowfer. How you getting on with the D3?

Aye, fine thanks.
Did panic in a kneejerk kind of way and look to get an estate (3-series touring or A4 Avant) when the new little one came along 6 weeks ago.
But the cost of cancelling the D3 lease was prohibitive.
I'm past that now, I've figured out how to get all the baby stuff in the boot without too much hassle.
Had a tussle with a Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring special edition on Tuesday.
That's a car with 234bhp and less weight.
D3 kept up with it no problem at all, which amazed me.
Checked the oil yesterday, still showing full after 9000 miles.
The A3 would have seized solid 6000 miles ago!!!

 

[edition]

Just rang Harrogate Audi to see what they wanted for the 2nd service with long life oil.

A3 3.2


£447.00 plus VAT
£62 Haldex plus VAT


Didn't seem like very good value!

 

[N8]

Aye, fine thanks.
Did panic in a kneejerk kind of way and look to get an estate (3-series touring or A4 Avant) when the new little one came along 6 weeks ago.
But the cost of cancelling the D3 lease was prohibitive.
I'm past that now, I've figured out how to get all the baby stuff in the boot without too much hassle.
Had a tussle with a Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring special edition on Tuesday.
That's a car with 234bhp and less weight.
D3 kept up with it no problem at all, which amazed me.
Checked the oil yesterday, still showing full after 9000 miles.
The A3 would have seized solid 6000 miles ago!!!

Nice! How would you compare build quality/ride/interior to your A3?

 

[Wilkinson]

Hi Guys,
Just read this post and will add my "experience" with Audi dealer. Car went in for its first service. When I got it home I dipped the oil only to find that it was still dirty. Admittedly it was better than before the service but still very noticeably dirty. Clearly it had not been drained properly or the filter not changed. Went back and the service manager dipped it. Without question he said "we'll change it again now sir while you wait". I asked if they drained via the sump plug or sucked it out. The answer was "both". I also pointed out that I had been charged for topping up the washer bottle when it was full. I was given a bottle of screen clean concentrate in way of compensation.
On another occasion the courtesy car I was given had no oil showing on the dipstick when I dipped it which I always do before a long journey. Had to top it up myself!!! Also the front nearside tyre was underneath the legal limit !
Really professional work practice !!!

A3 2.0 Sportback t fsi

 

[N8]

They are monkeys! What dealer you deal with, I see your in the North West

 

[mattandrew]

Done the oil & filter, pollen filter, fuel filter and cleaned the K&N today along with the cam belt and glow plugs. Ill dig the invoice out tomorrow and post the prices for all the parts retail and trade. Most service items from the Trade parts specialist are in whats called a parts club price and surprised me how cheap they were.

 

[N8]

Good lad matty

 

[DiscoPanda]

I trust that you guys are fully aware that you do not need to get your car serviced by an Audi dealer to keep your warranty.

You can take it to any independent/street garage, supply your own OEM parts and good oil and get your service book stamped and your Audi warranty is unaffected. The only thing required is that the garage be VAT registered and as I mentioned, you need to use genuine parts. Thats you sorted!

 

[Amchlolor]

Nice! How would you compare build quality/ride/interior to your A3?

No problems with build quality at all.
Only problems I've had have been creaky door seals (fixed) and leaky tyre valve (fixed).
The ride is infinitely better than the A3 S-line.
But Alpina replace the standard shocks with Bilsteins.
Comfy ride and great handling.

 

[Audi-k]

Bought my A3 TDI S line with 26000 on the clock when the 2 years free servicing deal was being offered by most dealers. Service due message came up at 35000 miles so I booked it into Doncaster Audi. Told them about the free servicing deal and they said no problem so took it along.
2 hours later got a call to say the following
Needed pollen filter. £36
Needed DSG oil and filter. £175
Needed fuel filter. £44
Needed brake fluid chage. £67
Explained the free service thing and they said ' yes this only covers engine oil and filter'.
So I rang Audi warranty claims department and they told me everything was covered except the brake fluid as this was a consumable.
Went back to dealer, explained what Audi warranty had said but they still insisted I had to pay for the 4 items.
After 2 days arguing with them I finally got to see the service manager and they eventually conceded that they would do the servicing free, except the brake fluid change.

The free service deal, which they all signed up to at the time, only pays back to them a percentage of the service bill. Now 'times is ard' they are trying to push this little scam and get the customer to stump up the percentage they do not get back from Audi warranty.
Be Warned!

 

[Staz]

Right my car is booked into Bedford Audi for them to look at my squealing brakes and the oil change is due in 1000 miles. Next week I'll be going back up to North Yorkshire so I called York Audi who quoted £117. It was £120 but I said I didn't want the screen wash so he took the £3 off.

I then phoned Harrogate Audi who quoted £160! He seemed suprised when I said I could get it cheaper elsewhere.

I then spoke to Bedford who quoted £150 but I mentioned the York price and he managed to drop it to £125! Awesome!

Thanks again JJ for starting this thread.