B8 Mild Audi Franchise Rant

[Thundercliffe81]

Audi Sytner West and North Yorks are pretty shocking.

Took car in yesterday for 3 different things:

1) Replace 8K2863822Q gearbox undertray. Bought car 2 months ago and it's fallen off. Was dragged under car until I pulled over.

2) Resolve obvious creaking from B&O speaker housing in driver/passenger doors (as documented and fixed by @DeanoC on here last year.

3) Confirm my suspicion of wheel buckle (rear passenger side)


So, got a call.

1) They won't replace under warranty as it's a trim part subject to constant external impact or some ********.

2) Tech cannot hear any creaking from doors. You'll have to go out with him (not wasting my ****** time as it's obvious what you're trying to pull)

3) Cannot locate locking wheel nut so couldn't remove wheels. Visual inspection fine but wheel balancing weights are rusty. Pick up the ****** phone and ask me where it is then. It was literally in the boot. Or use your own.


Basically, car was bought in Newcastle and unless they were willing to pay, this Audi franchise wasn't doing anything. The Used Audi warranty or extended warranty is pointless. Guys on here with severe part failures have had the dealer simply refuse to pay for repairs. The attitude is appalling and it merely reflects what we're all seeing more and more on here. Blatant disregard for Audi policy (is there any?), customer after sales and used sales. Cowboys!

My conclusion? Sort it my ****** self or use a good, reputable independent specialist with access to the service database. This shouldn't be the case with any Approved Used Audi, let alone an RS4. The attitude is simple...if it wasn't bought from us, sod ya!

Oh, and I had to pay my own taxi home and back as they don't provide lifts or pay taxis.

Really??

Could I fight all this? Of course. But for me, why put all that negative energy into solving something that shouldn't exist? Guys, this audi customer service issue is becoming rampant. And Audi.de need to seriously pull their finger out and get a grip. The franchise is utter s*#*e. That's several garages under their control in Yorkshire I've dealt with now. Not ALL franchises are bad.I've had good dealings with Poole and @creweaudiparts

Pretty damn disappointed in all honesty but I think I'm gonna be a lot more hands on with this car.

@creweaudiparts if you could respond to my PM about that gearbox undertray that'd be great. You did respond last month but I'll be buying it off you now. Cheers bud.




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[no_idea]

Audi Sytner West and North Yorks are pretty shocking.

Took car in yesterday for 3 different things:

1) Replace 8K2863822Q gearbox undertray. Bought car 2 months ago and it's fallen off. Was dragged under car until I pulled over.

2) Resolve obvious creaking from B&O speaker housing in driver/passenger doors (as documented and fixed by @DeanoC on here last year.

3) Confirm my suspicion of wheel buckle (rear passenger side)


So, got a call.

1) They won't replace under warranty as it's a trim part subject to constant external impact or some ********.

2) Tech cannot hear any creaking from doors. You'll have to go out with him (not wasting my ****** time as it's obvious what you're trying to pull)

3) Cannot locate locking wheel nut so couldn't remove wheels. Visual inspection fine but wheel balancing weights are rusty. Pick up the ****** phone and ask me where it is then. It was literally in the boot. Or use your own.


Basically, car was bought in Newcastle and unless they were willing to pay, this Audi franchise wasn't doing anything. The Used Audi warranty or extended warranty is pointless. Guys on here with severe part failures have had the dealer simply refuse to pay for repairs. The attitude is appalling and it merely reflects what we're all seeing more and more on here. Blatant disregard for Audi policy (is there any?), customer after sales and used sales. Cowboys!

My conclusion? Sort it my ****** self or use a good, reputable independent specialist with access to the service database. This shouldn't be the case with any Approved Used Audi, let alone an RS4. The attitude is simple...if it wasn't bought from us, sod ya!

Oh, and I had to pay my own taxi home and back as they don't provide lifts or pay taxis.

Really??

Could I fight all this? Of course. But for me, why put all that negative energy into solving something that shouldn't exist? Guys, this audi customer service issue is becoming rampant. And Audi.de need to seriously pull their finger out and get a grip. The franchise is utter s*#*e. That's several garages under their control in Yorkshire I've dealt with now. Not ALL franchises are bad.I've had good dealings with Poole and @creweaudiparts

Pretty damn disappointed in all honesty but I think I'm gonna be a lot more hands on with this car.

@creweaudiparts if you could respond to my PM about that gearbox undertray that'd be great. You did respond last month but I'll be buying it off you now. Cheers bud.




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Finding a good franchised dealer does seem a lottery. My local one is pretty good, seems a rarity.
They are family owned as opposed to being part of a multi national. I wonder if that is the key?

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[Thundercliffe81]

Finding a good franchised dealer does seem a lottery. My local one is pretty good, seems a rarity.
They are family owned as opposed to being part of a multi national. I wonder if that is the key?

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Yeah I'd say it's a positive factor for sure. It appears the smaller ones are more personal. No surprise there. But when you're surrounded by one franchise, it's difficult. Short of driving over 100 miles, it won't be resolved.

Again, it could be fought. But it's just time, money and energy I'd rather keep for other things. Lesson learned.


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[D0C]

That's shocking. Surely it should be a comprehensive warranty if bought through Audi?

 

[Thundercliffe81]

That's shocking. Surely it should be a comprehensive warranty if bought through Audi?

It does say all parts. I'm sure. It's the extended ones that are often limited. This is a used approved. Bah. I'll keep it for something costly or major. They really are a pain to deal with.


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[Daniel1512]

its just something else we get ripped off for in this country . Its a massive **** take as per usual

 

[Thundercliffe81]

its just something else we get ripped off for in this country . Its a massive **** take as per usual

I know man. The warranty is starting to feel like insurance. If the gearbox/drivetrain/engine had a catastrophic fail then I'd need it. But still, as I said...they've turned around to guys in here and that out said "It's not economical for us to repair". So, what's the point in having it? Should you be prepared to battle it out through trading standards etc every time you want Audi to do their job? Just sours things I guess.


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[Daniel1512]

you could be a pain in there **** and invoke this
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases/
see what they say then

 

[Thundercliffe81]

you could be a pain in there **** and invoke this
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/section75-protect-your-purchases/
see what they say then

If I'd used my credit card then this could be helpful haha. I think the key is just being lucky enough to find a good dealer. Audi had the car I wanted with the spec I wanted. I don't think the warranty was a huge factor.

Does anybody know what after market warranties are the best for these cars at all? Ones that actually do what they're supposed to?


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[no_idea]

If I'd used my credit card then this could be helpful haha. I think the key is just being lucky enough to find a good dealer. Audi had the car I wanted with the spec I wanted. I don't think the warranty was a huge factor.

Does anybody know what after market warranties are the best for these cars at all? Ones that actually do what they're supposed to?


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I think the Audi warranty is one of the better ones! I did a bit of research and that's what I found, but I would be pleased to be enlightened.

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[Thundercliffe81]

I think the Audi warranty is one of the better ones! I did a bit of research and that's what I found, but I would be pleased to be enlightened.

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Ask @Robbe what he thinks of the warranty Again. It depends what franchise. That's the common denominator I'm seeing. It's not a warranty. It's an insurance policy. It's different to manufacturer warranty from new.

Bah. I'm angry! Haha.


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[Terminator x]

My dilemma is use Audi for servicing or go Indie. Car only 9 months old. My worry is impact when selling it used and potential warranty issues in and out of warranty period eg goodwill.

TX.

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[Thundercliffe81]

My dilemma is use Audi for servicing or go Indie. Car only 9 months old. My worry is impact when selling it used and potential warranty issues in and out of warranty period eg goodwill.

TX.

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I honestly don't think it matters with RS cars. I think if you had full service history from the likes of MRC or Unit 20 etc. Or just a respected independent, enthusiasts would prefer that.

Big known issues like DRC was for the B7 and B8...as long as they're sorted by Audi but even then, decent indie garages have access to the Audi service schedule now. I think trends have changed.


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[cosmicblue]

I honestly don't think it matters with RS cars. I think if you had full service history from the likes of MRC or Unit 20 etc. Or just a respected independent, enthusiasts would prefer that.

Big known issues like DRC was for the B7 and B8...as long as they're sorted by Audi but even then, decent indie garages have access to the Audi service schedule now. I think trends have changed.

I think keeping the service work inside the Audi network matters greatly - especially on an RS:

1) The RS is an enthusiast type of vehicle and therefore a tendency to 'baby' the vehicle - a dealer FSH is preferred, some dealers will flinch at trade-in time, preferring to dispose to the trade rather than retail the car.

2) When your car is in the dealership it's hooked up to the Audi system in Germany and get's all the software updates (dependent on the factory fit options in your specific car). Indies can't do this.

3) Experience has shown that when a catastrophic failure happens outside of the initial Warranty period Audi UK are more likely to be sympathetic to a contribution towards the cost - if the central Audi system is missing service records or there are indie records in the service history then they do a flat 'no'.

The worst rip off on a service is oil - supply your own.

 

[cosmicblue]

I think the Audi warranty is one of the better ones! I did a bit of research and that's what I found, but I would be pleased to be enlightened.

I did the same earlier this year for my departed RSQ3 - the Audi Warranty is run by a dodgy sounding company called Lawshield (think about that for a moment) is the best of a bad bunch with the only positive part being genuine Audi parts.

The small print is worrying - in the old car they would pay for gearbox internals but not the case...the parts catalogue only shows the whole transmission, probably not covered then. Even so with the lack of choice I did take one out - Audi repairs for even relatively simple issues are always eyewatering.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

I think keeping the service work inside the Audi network matters greatly - especially on an RS:

1) The RS is an enthusiast type of vehicle and therefore a tendency to 'baby' the vehicle - a dealer FSH is preferred, some dealers will flinch at trade-in time, preferring to dispose to the trade rather than retail the car.

2) When your car is in the dealership it's hooked up to the Audi system in Germany and get's all the software updates (dependent on the factory fit options in your specific car). Indies can't do this.

3) Experience has shown that when a catastrophic failure happens outside of the initial Warranty period Audi UK are more likely to be sympathetic to a contribution towards the cost - if the central Audi system is missing service records or there are indie records in the service history then they do a flat 'no'.

The worst rip off on a service is oil - supply your own.

There's truths in that.

But there's also faults. A troubling pattern that I found when shopping around (and I went through many) for my B8 RS4 was, the dealer didn't even 'know' or understand the actual service schedule for this car.

The front final drive, rear final drive ATF and S-tronic services were frequently missed as various dealers throughout the country were working off of the wrong schedule. Not only that, Audi only recorded the main services. I.e. The oil, 19,000 and 38,000 inspection services etc.

Countless times I was given a one sided print off with 3 inspection services and told "There is the FASH". Disturbing. I had to ring round dealers myself to chase the individual service invoices for vehicles and in a lot of cases, the findings were troubling. Some cars going 20K+ over the S-tronic oil change. This 'is' common. I wouldn't be interested in a software or map update over a full mechanical service history from an owner that properly cared about the car. ANY day of the week.

Just a snippet from the guys at RS246.com. Learned more here in a few hours than I did from multiple Audi dealerships.

I see your point with recalls, critical calibration etc and more so with cars on PCP or lease. But used cars outside of 3 year/60k mile warranty? I think it's a different ball game. Even with PCP and new cars, just take a look at the latest platform forums. People are not best pleased with Audi right now on the forums. And they are knowledgeable owners forums too. Been with Audi 8 years now and there's definitely been a drop in standard.

Not all. I'd never say that. Had some great experiences from smaller franchises. It's not gonna change owt but I know what I'll be doing from now on.


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[Thundercliffe81]

I did the same earlier this year for my departed RSQ3 - the Audi Warranty is run by a dodgy sounding company called Lawshield (think about that for a moment) is the best of a bad bunch with the only positive part being genuine Audi parts.

The small print is worrying - in the old car they would pay for gearbox internals but not the case...the parts catalogue only shows the whole transmission, probably not covered then. Even so with the lack of choice I did take one out - Audi repairs for even relatively simple issues are always eyewatering.

It is part of the appeal with these glitzy PCP deals. I was drawn in for years haha. There are less headaches that's for sure. But, recently the quality of repairs and who pays for what seem to be becoming a trend which is worrying. My B8.5 S4 on PCP was in a few times. One recall and a couple of trivial things.

My B9 S4 on PCP. Wow, countless dodgy repairs, parts not being in, getting lost, replacing full MMI unit after only 4 months...there was loads of stuff.


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[cosmicblue]

Yeah - getting the right bits serviced at the right time especially on an RS is a 'mare, the last car was the same - in fact the dealer (Stratford Audi) missed the opportunity to lift a leg over the 3 year pano roof service...

As an aside - the MyAudi app seems to get the RS service requirements listed correctly.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

I think keeping the service work inside the Audi network matters greatly - especially on an RS:

1) The RS is an enthusiast type of vehicle and therefore a tendency to 'baby' the vehicle - a dealer FSH is preferred, some dealers will flinch at trade-in time, preferring to dispose to the trade rather than retail the car.

2) When your car is in the dealership it's hooked up to the Audi system in Germany and get's all the software updates (dependent on the factory fit options in your specific car). Indies can't do this.

3) Experience has shown that when a catastrophic failure happens outside of the initial Warranty period Audi UK are more likely to be sympathetic to a contribution towards the cost - if the central Audi system is missing service records or there are indie records in the service history then they do a flat 'no'.

The worst rip off on a service is oil - supply your own.

I do agree with point 3 though mate. And that's the predicament for me. Getting an Extended Audi warranty after this used one runs out. JUST INCASE.

Which will cost me over £1200. Daylight robbery for 'potential' peace of mind eh?


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[Thundercliffe81]

Yeah - getting the right bits serviced at the right time especially on an RS is a 'mare, the last car was the same - in fact the dealer (Stratford Audi) missed the opportunity to lift a leg over the 3 year pano roof service...

As an aside - the MyAudi app seems to get the RS service requirements listed correctly.

I found the app really redundant on my B9 S4. It's probably been updated obviously. As I said earlier, it's not worth getting massively upset over. What's more saddening is, I never expected it to be any better than it was. And that's just through experience over last few years.

For the record, Poole Audi are flipping marvellous But I live over 250 miles away haha.


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[NevMan]

My dilemma is use Audi for servicing or go Indie. Car only 9 months old. My worry is impact when selling it used and potential warranty issues in and out of warranty period eg goodwill.

TX.

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It is a dilemma, but I am probably with you on this one TX. I always take my Audi’s under warranty (to be fair, yet to have one that isn’t ) back to Audi, as if it was me, I would probably only buy with FASH. But if I was buying an older one then would potentially be ok with FSH.

 

[D0C]

Yeah - getting the right bits serviced at the right time especially on an RS is a 'mare, the last car was the same - in fact the dealer (Stratford Audi) missed the opportunity to lift a leg over the 3 year pano roof service...

As an aside - the MyAudi app seems to get the RS service requirements listed correctly.

Is that Stratford London, or Stratford-upon-Avon?

 

[cosmicblue]

Avon...

 

[Pinky1959]

Thundercliffe 81 , I would be checking with Audi re warranty regarding the under tray as the clips should not break after only two months.
I would also be writing to the CEO of the garage you took the car to about the service (lack of ) you received.

 

[Thundercliffe81]

Thundercliffe 81 , I would be checking with Audi re warranty regarding the under tray as the clips should not break after only two months.
I would also be writing to the CEO of the garage you took the car to about the service (lack of ) you received.

CEO of Sytner Group? They seem to forget they're an Audi garage before they're a Sytner garage. TBH, you're right. But I'm just avoiding them altogether. Not worth my time. I'd like to find a couple of really choice places in West Yorkshire. Visiting CM Tuning tomorrow. Think I'll just order the undertray from Crewe after the Miltek is fitted. Thanks though, you're right...


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