How long would you stay servicing at a main dealer?

c_tahoe · Feb 11, 2016

Hi,

I bought my A5 2012 with 22k on the clock in July from Salisbury Audi. I am due a service soon and wondering what peoples thought's were on whether to stay with the main dealer while the warranty is running and the car is still of high value for re sale purposes? Or to go with a independent specialist in Berkshire (which I don't have any contacts)

How much is the official Audi stamp worth if I decided to sell the car at some point or part ex it back with Audi? Maybe they won't offer a top price if it's a 3rd party stamp if at all turn me away?

They say they will price match local garages who offer the same service and parts but not sure how easy it is to obtain?

The offer on 3-5 year old A5's at the moment is £390 for a Major and Minor service in succession inc pollen filter. This is a saving of £78 with Reading Audi for the up front payment. (Ill be going onto a long life service)

What's your thoughts?

Thanks in advance

beemerboy9 · Feb 11, 2016

When faced with a recent major repair on my wife's VW, a full main dealer service history was worth £2,000 off the bill.

DrEskimo · Feb 11, 2016

beemerboy9 said:
When faced with a recent major repair on my wife's VW, a full main dealer service history was worth £2,000 off the bill.

Yea I have experience of this as well. The A5 2.0TFSI had issues with excessive oil consumption, and having FASH was pretty important in getting the fix for free. Also had the common problem of the window regulator failing and got the work done for £100 as apposed to £1200 due to my service history. For that reason, I would probably persist with main dealer servicing, although I completely agree that they over charge (like the pollen filter for £50 which actually costs bout £6 and 1min to swap!!) and possibly do a worse job....

...such is life....

Dippy · Feb 12, 2016

IMO what @beemerboy9 and @DrEskimo describe is the only real reason to keep a full official Audi dealer service history. But if you think there is a risk of such an issue then it is a really good reason indeed. Saving less than £100 each year doesn't seem attractive enough to lose that service history and risk any 'goodwill'.

I think the reason to go to an independent is for the quality of service rather than saving money. I used to get my B5 S4 serviced by MDM Technik in Marlow because not only was it a bit cheaper than a dealer, Mark was an excellent master tech and I was confident that I'd get a good service. Unfortunately there are all too many tales about service problems at official dealers.

JohnboyC · Feb 13, 2016

I have recently acquired a 3.0tdi A5 Quattr Sline black edition coupe that has just turned 38k miles.

If it did not have full Audi service history I would not have bought it.
I have also has the stronic gearbox oil changed by Audi as this will be recorded by them as having been done - so 12 month warranty will be valid in the event the gearbox develops any problems.

I have also taken out a Audi service plan for next 2 services at £25/month for 18 months.

HaWhen it comes the time to sell I think a raft of Audi dealer service stamps just gives the buyer a smidge more confidence

c_tahoe · Feb 15, 2016

Dippy said:
IMO what @beemerboy9 and @DrEskimo describe is the only real reason to keep a full official Audi dealer service history. But if you think there is a risk of such an issue then it is a really good reason indeed. Saving less than £100 each year doesn't seem attractive enough to lose that service history and risk any 'goodwill'.

I think the reason to go to an independent is for the quality of service rather than saving money. I used to get my B5 S4 serviced by MDM Technik in Marlow because not only was it a bit cheaper than a dealer, Mark was an excellent master tech and I was confident that I'd get a good service. Unfortunately there are all too many tales about service problems at official dealers.

I will make a note of MDM as I am looking for a local specialist for any jobs that would be too costly via a dealer!

JohnboyC · Feb 19, 2016

Agreed ! I will get my car serviced by Audi - but any big jobs that need doing will be done at an Indy !

bikreligion · Jun 30, 2016

as a auto mechanic for 36 years i would think twice about taking the car to a dealer unless its under full warranty,the way they pay there people in service is a crime when you base there salary on commission you cant run a honest service center, find a local repair center with a good and honest repair history and you found someone for life.

deanshaw24 · Jul 13, 2016

bikreligion said:
as a auto mechanic for 36 years i would think twice about taking the car to a dealer unless its under full warranty,the way they pay there people in service is a crime when you base there salary on commission you cant run a honest service center, find a local repair center with a good and honest repair history and you found someone for life.

Bang on! I used be be a technician for Audi up until 3 months ago and I can say people do not do the job properly, when they are bonused on effiencey it's quicker to throw your spark plugs in the bin instead of fit them. They don't care. Take it too a Indy 100%

deanshaw24 · Jul 13, 2016

It's one of the reasons I left and I've started my own garage.

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How long would you stay servicing at a main dealer?

c_tahoe

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beemerboy9

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DrEskimo

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Dippy

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JohnboyC

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c_tahoe

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JohnboyC

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bikreligion

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deanshaw24

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deanshaw24

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