Audicare: Worth It?

[GT-R & S4]

I purchased an Audicare pre-paid maintenance plan when buying my '15 S4 three months ago. It is $829 for the basic package, which covers the 15K, 25K, 35K, and 45K scheduled maintenance. I would like to know what the costs would be if I went to a tuner/shop of my choice and had them perform any required service instead. I know this has been covered somewhere on this board before (probably many times) so can someone direct me to those posts?

[deanblitzer]

If you have the DSG then it's worth it. 6MT it's cheaper to do it yourself. The DSG flush is a big cost

[RickFLS4]

General consensus seems to be it is well worth it if you have DSG, not so much with 6MT and obviously not worth it if you perform your own maintenance. I've seen estimates of 35k mike DSG maintenance in other threads from $600-$800+ so that's why it makes sense for DSG.

Edit: also well worth it if you lease because it raises residual by 1% so the net cost is negligible.

[GT-R & S4]

Since I went Stage 2 with the DSG tune yesterday, I would like to take my S4 to the same tuner, who can do all the required maintenance. I have asked the tuner what the costs would be for having me bring my S4 to him for the 15K to 45K services. Obviously, this would eliminate any TD1 concerns for all but legitimate warranty claims. And for that I would one, only bring my S4 to Audi if it were a condition not caused by my tune, and two, would flash back to stock before bringing the vehicle back in.

[RickFLS4]

What will the tuner charge for the 15K - 45k maintenance intervals?

[B18b1ex]

Only big one is the 35k which has the DSG fluid change. The big problem is the cost of the fluid, if the tuner gets a good price you may save money but really how much will it be over the dealers price?

[phxS4]

I've always considered brining my car to Audi for the maintenance to have some perks. I.e. Loaners, push any recalls/sw updates, car wash and vacuum (if you want), and any other small freebies they have in the lounge. Plus, if for some ungodly reason something goes wrong on my car while doing whatever maintenance, I'd rather have Audi be responsible than a small business tuner. Just my perspective - others might not agree.

[MrFunk]

Since I went Stage 2 with the DSG tune yesterday, .

Congrats! You chose well...

[GT-R & S4]

Congrats! You chose well...

Thanks, I'm very happy that I've been able to open my S4 up to greater performance, while keeping the vehicle running at safe levels. At some point I'd like to put the car on a dyno, to see what AWHP it's actually putting out.

[GT-R & S4]

I've always considered brining my car to Audi for the maintenance to have some perks. I.e. Loaners, push any recalls/sw updates, car wash and vacuum (if you want), and any other small freebies they have in the lounge. Plus, if for some ungodly reason something goes wrong on my car while doing whatever maintenance, I'd rather have Audi be responsible than a small business tuner. Just my perspective - others might not agree.

Those certainly are advantages that you listed. But if my tuner, in this case Induktion Motorsports, can perform the same exact services at a competitive price, I will go with them. Their technicians are extremely knowledgeable about these vehicles, especially those that, like mine, they've tuned. And I have no doubt that Induktion would stand behind their work, if there ever was a case of something going wrong. Plus I don't have to deal with the hassle of flashing back to stock, just to take it into a dealer. Since I'm able to make dedicated appointments, I don't need a loaner car. And I would prefer not to have some staff flunky, "washing", my car, lol. Again, going to an Audi dealer may be preferable to some, but not in my case.

[q5 dave]

Those certainly are advantages that you listed. But if my tuner, in this case Induktion Motorsports, can perform the same exact services at a competitive price, I will go with them. Their technicians are extremely knowledgeable about these vehicles, especially those that, like mine, they've tuned. And I have no doubt that Induktion would stand behind their work, if there ever was a case of something going wrong. Plus I don't have to deal with the hassle of flashing back to stock, just to take it into a dealer. Since I'm able to make dedicated appointments, I don't need a loaner car. And I would prefer not to have some staff flunky, "washing", my car, lol. Again, going to an Audi dealer may be preferable to some, but not in my case.
Induktion are great people, that's where I've got all my work done. But just wondering, if you were planning on modding why purchase AudiCare?

If I were you just go to Audi Arlington, talk to Raquel request tech 5057 and ask them NOT to plug in to your car. I wasn't tuned at the time but had a bunch of vagcom mods and they had no problem helping me out.

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[GT-R & S4]

Induktion are great people, that's where I've got all my work done. But just wondering, if you were planning on modding why purchase AudiCare?

If I were you just go to Audi Arlington, talk to Raquel request tech 5057 and ask them NOT to plug in to your car. I wasn't tuned at the time but had a bunch of vagcom mods and they had no problem helping me out.

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When I purchased the S4 I did not have plans to mod, and purchased an Audi Care package. After driving it for a couple of months, I decided I had to have much better acceleration, so opted to go with the Stage 2 mod. And by the way, even though I purchased my S4 from Audi of Arlington, I have chosen another area Audi dealership to perform any necessary warranty work, if it is ever required.

[q5 dave]

When I purchased the S4 I did not have plans to mod, and purchased an Audi Care package. After driving it for a couple of months, I decided I had to have much better acceleration, so opted to go with the Stage 2 mod. And by the way, even though I purchased my S4 from Audi of Arlington, I have chosen another area Audi dealership to perform any necessary warranty work, if it is ever required.
I said the same thing when I got my q5..... that lasted 5 days before an intake went on, now 6 months later and I'm $5k deep in mods [emoji1]


Anyway good to hear. Hopefully you won't need warranty work performed but it's nice having a few mod friendly dealers around the DMV.

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[seldon]

What about the later stages of Audicare -- 55k and after?

[Works2shoot]

And by the way, even though I purchased my S4 from Audi of Arlington, I have chosen another area Audi dealership to perform any necessary warranty work, if it is ever required.

I am in the same boat. While I was waiting for all the paperwork to be processed I went over and asked a service advisor if they could scan my car to see how many times launch control was engaged in the 3k miles the PO had the car. The guy had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. Went to Audi Tysons and they hooked me up.

[GT-R & S4]

What about the later stages of Audicare -- 55k and after?

Good question, but considering how I go through cars, I probably won't have this S4 much after the 30K to 40K mark.

[GT-R & S4]

I did receive a quote from Induktion for the 15K, 25K, 35K, and 45K mile services, of which Audi Care would cost me $829. Ed gave me a very competitive price, plus, I think my car would be far better taken care of than by a general Audi dealership. I don't need to have a fancy waiting room, a loaner, or other, "extras", that I'm sure contribute to cost.

[GT-R & S4]

Can anyone provide a breakdown of what each service interval would cost? For example, I believe each one would include oil/filter change, so that's approximately $100 right there. At 15K or 25K I believe the air/pollen filter would need to be changed, so that's $129 approximately. Then between the 35K and 45K mile services, doesn't that include transmission fluid/seal change, as well as engine plus, brake flush, etc.? I'm sure all of that would be well over the $829 the Audi Care package is, if performed separately at a random non-Audi shop. Thoughts?

[The Fat Kid]

It seems like you already purchased Audicare? Can you get a refund on it?

The DSG service alone is going to cost ~$800, so there is no need to add up every service interval to figure out if Audicare makes sense.

Money does not seem to be a major issue (at least based on your cars) and you do not need a loaner car; just pay a little more for the servicing to be done at your tuner if being TD1'd is a concern, and then flash back to stock if you have a warranty claim.

[GT-R & S4]

It seems like you already purchased Audicare? Can you get a refund on it?

The DSG service alone is going to cost ~$800, so there is no need to add up every service interval to figure out if Audicare makes sense.

Money does not seem to be a major issue (at least based on your cars) and you do not need a loaner car; just pay a little more for the servicing to be done at your tuner if being TD1'd is a concern, and then flash back to stock if you have a warranty claim.

I haven't reached out to the Audi dealer where I purchased the Audi Care package, with regards to requesting a refund. I agree with just about all you stated above, especially the part about minimizing the instances I could be at an Audi dealer and having a technician scan for TD1.

[drob23]

I haven't reached out to the Audi dealer where I purchased the Audi Care package, with regards to requesting a refund. I agree with just about all you stated above, especially the part about minimizing the instances I could be at an Audi dealer and having a technician scan for TD1.

Unless they are complete dicks and enter TD1 manually, they won't scan you for TD1 while doing audicare maintenance. The only time you'll get TD1 is when they go to flash an update to one of the on-board ECU's. For example: steering update, transmission software update, airbag update...all of that requires billable hours and Audi will TD1 scan before pushing the software update. Most SA's will hold off on performing updates if you ask them. I still don't have the steering software update that was introduced almost 2 years ago. I've been to the dealership 4 times since.

[emnahum]

I haven't reached out to the Audi dealer where I purchased the Audi Care package, with regards to requesting a refund. I agree with just about all you stated above, especially the part about minimizing the instances I could be at an Audi dealer and having a technician scan for TD1.

Let us know what happens. I'd be surprised if they refunded it.

[GT-R & S4]

Let us know what happens. I'd be surprised if they refunded it.

I have requested a refund. Since I haven't used any of the package yet (I haven't even been to my 5K/six-month service, which is free), I can't see why there would be any issue with cancelling this and issuing a refund.

[The Fat Kid]

I have requested a refund. Since I haven't used any of the package yet (I haven't even been to my 5K/six-month service, which is free), I can't see why there would be any issue with cancelling this and issuing a refund.

I was under the impression that you were not able to get a refund, which is why I asked in my earlier post...

I was correct based on the Audi-Care PDF: "Audi Care/Audi Care Select may not be canceled and are non-refundable." http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/myAudi/Service/2015-Audi-Care-Brochure-Combined-resize.pdf

[emnahum]

I was under the impression that you were not able to get a refund, which is why I asked in my earlier post...

I was correct based on the Audi-Care PDF: "Audi Care/Audi Care Select may not be canceled and are non-refundable." http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/myAudi/Service/2015-Audi-Care-Brochure-Combined-resize.pdf

That was my impression, it was part of the business model. Part of what makes it profitable is that some people won't use it.

[Trevor08]

I would say it mainly depends on the shop that you would have it done with. My shop priced out the services that would be done at 55, 65, 75, 85 and it's much cheaper to do it independently. Audi Quoted me $800 for the 55/65 and $800 for the 75/85.

[dltl]

That's incorrect. It is refundable. When I bought my CPO, the dealership advised that I still have AudiCare for my 35k and 45k service, but they advised that, at any time, the owner could cancel it and receive a very nominal refund. I believe they said most owners don't know they can ask for it or go through the hassle of cancelling because the refund, depending on which services are left, was $50 (in my car's situation).

[skiracerblah]

I just dropped off my car at dealer for the 45K mile Audi Care service. The 55K and 65K extended Audi care MSRP is $799

[RickFLS4]

Good question, but considering how I go through cars, I probably won't have this S4 much after the 30K to 40K mark.

Getting rid of the car before 35K maintenance would definitely mean Audi Care is not worth it.

[GT-R & S4]

I was under the impression that you were not able to get a refund, which is why I asked in my earlier post...

I was correct based on the Audi-Care PDF: "Audi Care/Audi Care Select may not be canceled and are non-refundable." http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/myAudi/Service/2015-Audi-Care-Brochure-Combined-resize.pdf

We will see, as I've requested a refund from Audi of Silver Spring, where I purchased the Audi Care package. I haven't used any of the package yet, in fact, I haven't even been to the free, 5K mile/six-month service.

[The Fat Kid]

That's incorrect. It is refundable. When I bought my CPO, the dealership advised that I still have AudiCare for my 35k and 45k service, but they advised that, at any time, the owner could cancel it and receive a very nominal refund. I believe they said most owners don't know they can ask for it or go through the hassle of cancelling because the refund, depending on which services are left, was $50 (in my car's situation).

How could $50 even be considered a refund? The only way it makes sense to buy Audi Care is if you have the DSG for the 35k service appointment, so you just paid $800 for a couple oil changes? It is like those "great deals" on TV where the product only costs $20 but the non-refundable S&H is $200.


We will see, as I've requested a refund from Audi of Silver Spring, where I purchased the Audi Care package. I haven't used any of the package yet, in fact, I haven't even been to the free, 5K mile/six-month service.

I can see your side and why it could make sense to get your money back. Maybe it is left up to the dealer's discretion and Audi just covers its butt in the literature?

[GT-R & S4]

I was under the impression that you were not able to get a refund, which is why I asked in my earlier post...

I was correct based on the Audi-Care PDF: "Audi Care/Audi Care Select may not be canceled and are non-refundable." http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/myAudi/Service/2015-Audi-Care-Brochure-Combined-resize.pdf

Well, sad to say this is true. I called the person I purchased the Audi Care package at Audi of Silver Spring yesterday to request cancellation and refund, and was told immediately and flatly, "No!". I tried to reason with this person, stating that I had not used any of the maintenance package yet (not even my free, 5K mile service), and was told repeatedly that Audi Care cannot be canceled, stays with the car, and no refunds are possible. I could tell there was no reasoning with this person, as all they could do was give me a parrot-like recitation of the AoA company line. I'm sure someone in AoA has the authority to cancel the package, but if they are anything like the corporate type I spoke to yesterday, then its doubtful. If you've ever dealt with someone before who was all strictly business and you were only dollars and cents to them, then you know what I mean.

[sonia]

I think Audicare it is worth it, but let me explain why. I'm a second owner, and one of the reasons I chose to buy this car was the audicare remaining time/miles. I'm new to Audi, thus I didn't know much about its reliability. So, this extra package really made a difference in my decision. I paid less than $350 for a rear brake pads replacement and a programmed service (35K), I thought it was a good deal.

If you're considering selling the car before hitting 40K, I would definitely recommend it.

[GT-R & S4]

I think Audicare it is worth it, but let me explain why. I'm a second owner, and one of the reasons I chose to buy this car was the audicare remaining time/miles. I'm new to Audi, thus I didn't know much about its reliability. So, this extra package really made a difference in my decision. I paid less than $350 for a rear brake pads replacement and a programmed service (35K), I thought it was a good deal.

If you're considering selling the car before hitting 40K, I would definitely recommend it.

I agree with that point. Selling an S4 and offering the remaining Audi Care package as part of the sales price could be a factor in a potential buyer's decision. I just wanted to have my service performed by my tuner, because they offered a very, very competitive price compared to the Audi Care package, plus less instances where an Audi mechanic could, "accidentally", scan for TD1.

[Classy]

I agree with that point. Selling an S4 and offering the remaining Audi Care package as part of the sales price could be a factor in a potential buyer's decision. I just wanted to have my service performed by my tuner, because they offered a very, very competitive price compared to the Audi Care package, plus less instances where an Audi mechanic could, "accidentally", scan for TD1.

Yes. It does "remain with the vehicle" as stated. When I bought my vehicle, the mileage was 51K. Audicare was purchased with the vehicle and when I took the car in for a prepurchase inspection, they completed the 45k service.
So that was nice. Wasn't and wouldnt really be a selling point for me-even if I had more intervals left, but its worth advertising I guess.

Sorry you can't get your money back :( I wouldnt purchase it either..

[RickFLS4]

I think Audicare it is worth it, but let me explain why. I'm a second owner, and one of the reasons I chose to buy this car was the audicare remaining time/miles. I'm new to Audi, thus I didn't know much about its reliability. So, this extra package really made a difference in my decision. I paid less than $350 for a rear brake pads replacement and a programmed service (35K), I thought it was a good deal.

If you're considering selling the car before hitting 40K, I would definitely recommend it.

If OP is going to sell a tuned / modified car, it is very doubtful the sale will be influenced much by whether or not he has Audi Care. Additionally, the buyer will be in the same position as OP with respect to bringing the tuned car to an Audi dealer. You also don't get any credit when trading in the car if you buy Audi Care, so it is hard to see much benefit of buying Audi Care if the car won't be kept least through the 35K mike service interval. You'd just be paying for the next guy's service with little or no recovery of Audi Care price.

Anyway doesn't matter as it sounds like OP is stuck with it.

[emnahum]

I agree with that point. Selling an S4 and offering the remaining Audi Care package as part of the sales price could be a factor in a potential buyer's decision. I just wanted to have my service performed by my tuner, because they offered a very, very competitive price compared to the Audi Care package, plus less instances where an Audi mechanic could, "accidentally", scan for TD1.

Sorry to hear it. Don't forget to mention it when you sell it!

[GT-R & S4]

If OP is going to sell a tuned / modified car, it is very doubtful the sale will be influenced much by whether or not he has Audi Care. Additionally, the buyer will be in the same position as OP with respect to bringing the tuned car to an Audi dealer. You also don't get any credit when trading in the car if you buy Audi Care, so it is hard to see much benefit of buying Audi Care if the car won't be kept least through the 35K mike service interval. You'd just be paying for the next guy's service with little or no recovery of Audi Care price.

Anyway doesn't matter as it sounds like OP is stuck with it.

Perhaps I am stuck with it. I contacted Audi of America and requested a cancellation of the package. The initial reply was a recitation of the Audi Care plan being non-refundable. But it also indicated that they would see if an exception could be made in my case. We'll see. If they say no, then I'll keep contacting Audi of America until I can actually reach someone with executive authority. As far as keeping the car, I imagine I'll have it for three to four years, so I'm sure I'll be through the 35K service by then.