Servicing - Audi vs Specialist

[Riko0073]

hey guys

Just coming up to my 1st service for oil and inspection (only 400 miles apart so makes sense to do both at same time), usually just use Audi for this but being quoted close to £400 at Audi and £150 at a local Audi specialist.

Clearly big difference and the specialist will be using genuine parts with upgraded oil etc so should be fine for warranty shouldn’t it?

Is it worth going back to Audi for a discount/price match or just go with the specialist?

£250 a big difference but would I then not have the electronic service record as you no longer have a service book to stamp?

Any suggestions/recommendations appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Terminator x]

Watching this as I have same dilemma. Used audi for the S3 and RS3 not so sure for the 4 now.

TX.

Edit - some specialists do have access to electronic system so can update it post service.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk

 

[cuke2u]

If they are a Audi specialist, or Seat, VW etc., then they should have access to the electronic stamping.

 

[Jsmills]

The only other consideration is are you going to have it outside of warranty? Audi are good at goodwill as long as you have full Audi history.

Also will you be selling private at the end? Personally I wouldn’t touch a newish car without a full dealer history.

If your leasing or PCP (returning/px) at end and your agreement allows I’d go for the cheapest.

 

[cuke2u]

Having said that my service plan costs £9.56 a month over three years for fixed servicing. If my maths is correct then that is £114.72 a year peace of mind...

 

[Daggerit]

Audi can't stop any warranty claims if the specialist has used genuine parts, so I wouldn't worry so long as that's the case.

As said before, if they're a proper Audi specialist centre then they'll be able to update the electronic logbook for you. I took my wife's Skoda Fabia to a VAG specialist and they sorted the logbook no worries.

Something else to see about is the Audi price match if you can get a written quote from the specialist. I don't know if it's a national thing or not, but up where I am they'll match any genuine quote for like-for -like services.

 

[pagenotfound]

Do you know if there are any service campaigns outstanding for your car? Whilst these are free regardless, it may be more convenient to get them done in one appointment.

Personally, as I'm not concerned with resale or Audi goodwill on mine (because I won't get any) I'd favour the specialist but if future resale value is a factor then the dealer may be the best bet especially as buyers of an S4 are likely to be more wary of the service history.

 

[Riko0073]

Thanks guys, I’ll check with Audi on any price match but can’t see them dropping to £150, worth a call though!

I’m on a PCP currently but not sure what I’m doing long term with the S4, May keep it long term so a dealer history could help for future re-sale possibilities.

 

[jpda4]

my 1st service countdown is down to 300 miles (18700 from new since jan 2017) to inspection service, rang for a price today 19k miles 2 year major service due. oil, oil filter pollen filter, £380. Asked about the non audi service route, can do it if use audi approved parts and the service knows how to work to audi standards, i did say i would hope if chose a non audi garage they would know how to change oil and filter, i could do that myself, to which they give a little laugh. I just left it at that.
I will pass 19000 this weekend, then intend to get new front tyres and follow up with a service expensive weeks ahead

 

[BeagleKCH]

My car has done 61,000 miles. For the first service I used an Audi dealer (knowing no better). When it came to the second service, I was staggered by how much Audi wanted (particularly for changing the gearbox oil) so I looked around. I discovered that I had an Audi independent in my small town. They were way cheaper and what is equally important for me, could do it on Saturdays. For straightforward servicing I have used them since. For warranty stuff I have gone back to the dealer. I needed my air conditioner condenser replacing (damage outside warranty) and had to go back to the dealer because the independent did not have the equipment to re-gas (apparently the type of gas used in the B9 is new and needs new specialist kit). By law, for some years, providing they use genuine parts, your warranty is not affected if you choose to go to an independent. I have not found Audi dealer's to be particularly good in the customer care department. Sure, they have a dozen flunkies giving you coffee and biscuits, but my own experience is that once they have sold you the car, they frankly don't give a sh*t. IF I buy another Audi, I suspect that they will be so keen to sell me the car, that they won't give two hoots as to whether you have a dealer history or not.

 

[maui]

My lease company assigned an independent for one of my services.
TBH was less hassle than the dealership services I’ve had.

That and every service I have had done at a dealer has meant I have had to leave the car for an extended time, or return it for further work/parts they did not have in stock, or worse they changed the servicing schedule.
This is different Audi dealerships btw.

 

[BeagleKCH]

That mirrors my experience of the dealers.

 

[A4A4]

Ditched the dealerships along time ago...

Find yourself a good Bosch (VAG) specialist.

Cost me an extra £10 for them to access/update the online database for servicing records.