ColtS5
02-12-2018, 09:09 AM
Hello,
I have owned over six Audi’s since 1989 (‘89 90, ’93 90, ’00 S4, ’04 S4, ’09 S5, ’15 S5), so I have been impressed with the cars and company for some time. I do have a minor complaint, and it might be the local dealer, not Audi related.
It seems when I go to the local dealer, warranty work is denied until I cause a fuss. The first time, was for a steering wheel button that fell off (10kmiles). The second time was when the satellite antenna needed replacing (17k miles). And today, I was charged $150 to replace S5 grill badge, after the “5” disappeared or came off (25k miles). The battery was replaced under warranty (22k), which was the only time I did not have to fight for such a result. The warranty is supposed to be good through October, 2018.
The badge issue is upsetting, as I could have purchased the badge for $35 (see below), and installed it myself. When I called the dealer, to check on their price, I was told it would be a warranty item if they installed it. So I scheduled an appointment, and waited while they installed it.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/s5-grille-emblem-chrome-red/8t08537362zz/
I agreed to have a four wheel alignment ($190) though I usually wait until after the winter season was over and fell out of my chair when I was presented a bill for over $350. The dealership took pictures, to show Audi there was not any damage (car not wrecked) and they would “try” to warranty the work.
Yes, this is a very small item and one I would have gladly paid $35 for the part above, and replaced myself. The other alternative would have been to leave the damaged badge alone, and explain my poor experience to others at our Audi GTG’s, or at Cars and Coffee events!
That said, I have been a champion of the brand for years, happily buying coffee mugs, shirts, and license plate frame, along with a new custom plate with “TAZIO” as homage to Tazio Nuvolari, and even my gym bag (which has seen better days, but is held together with duct tape and I’m going to use it to the end!) and have certainly aided in several of my friends moving to Audi ownership (this past year, two former college friends purchased an A5 and S5 convertible, after seeing my car and my talking them into it). Again this might just be a dealer being stingy, and if so, that is a shame as they are the only dealer in Indianapolis. Our local Audi group even presented the dealership with a gift I had made up, when the rededicated the facility a few years back!
If I break something, it is on me. For example, I damaged a side “rock guard” on a curb, and purchased a new one and clips, and paid for it to be painted and installed. All good! But if something breaks…and the car is under warranty, why should I have to plead and beg for parts to be covered? And, why would I have this dealership service the car (35K service next year) when I have been shorted on the warranty?
They might very well come back and warranty this, but, I have once again had to ask and beg which is getting old in my opinion. Thanks in advance for giving this a read, and for creating such a platform that allows us to communicate.
I have owned over six Audi’s since 1989 (‘89 90, ’93 90, ’00 S4, ’04 S4, ’09 S5, ’15 S5), so I have been impressed with the cars and company for some time. I do have a minor complaint, and it might be the local dealer, not Audi related.
It seems when I go to the local dealer, warranty work is denied until I cause a fuss. The first time, was for a steering wheel button that fell off (10kmiles). The second time was when the satellite antenna needed replacing (17k miles). And today, I was charged $150 to replace S5 grill badge, after the “5” disappeared or came off (25k miles). The battery was replaced under warranty (22k), which was the only time I did not have to fight for such a result. The warranty is supposed to be good through October, 2018.
The badge issue is upsetting, as I could have purchased the badge for $35 (see below), and installed it myself. When I called the dealer, to check on their price, I was told it would be a warranty item if they installed it. So I scheduled an appointment, and waited while they installed it.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-volkswagen-audi-parts/s5-grille-emblem-chrome-red/8t08537362zz/
I agreed to have a four wheel alignment ($190) though I usually wait until after the winter season was over and fell out of my chair when I was presented a bill for over $350. The dealership took pictures, to show Audi there was not any damage (car not wrecked) and they would “try” to warranty the work.
Yes, this is a very small item and one I would have gladly paid $35 for the part above, and replaced myself. The other alternative would have been to leave the damaged badge alone, and explain my poor experience to others at our Audi GTG’s, or at Cars and Coffee events!
That said, I have been a champion of the brand for years, happily buying coffee mugs, shirts, and license plate frame, along with a new custom plate with “TAZIO” as homage to Tazio Nuvolari, and even my gym bag (which has seen better days, but is held together with duct tape and I’m going to use it to the end!) and have certainly aided in several of my friends moving to Audi ownership (this past year, two former college friends purchased an A5 and S5 convertible, after seeing my car and my talking them into it). Again this might just be a dealer being stingy, and if so, that is a shame as they are the only dealer in Indianapolis. Our local Audi group even presented the dealership with a gift I had made up, when the rededicated the facility a few years back!
If I break something, it is on me. For example, I damaged a side “rock guard” on a curb, and purchased a new one and clips, and paid for it to be painted and installed. All good! But if something breaks…and the car is under warranty, why should I have to plead and beg for parts to be covered? And, why would I have this dealership service the car (35K service next year) when I have been shorted on the warranty?
They might very well come back and warranty this, but, I have once again had to ask and beg which is getting old in my opinion. Thanks in advance for giving this a read, and for creating such a platform that allows us to communicate.