55k Oil change at dealer, got my laugh for the day

[sacandagaD]

Contacted Audi of Watertown, Ct today for an oil change appointment for 55k. I don't mind paying for that, but it's all I really want done by them.

SA emails me back saying I need the full 55k service (basically plugs, cabin filter, oil change ) and inspection of various components. Says it takes 5 hours and will be $ 850, $ 250 of which is parts. Told him I've already replaced the cabin filter and will be doing plugs myself, and just want a price for the oil change.

5 hours labor, what a joke.

[Willënskraft]

What does the manual include for the 55k interval?

[sacandagaD]

VALENTI AUDI

Vehicle: S4 Engine: 3.0L
Model Year: 2011 Transmission: DSG / S-tronic
Interval: 55K Maintenance

Parts
Description Quantity Part Number Amount
Engine Oil Filter 1 06E115562A $15.75
Spark Plugs 6 101905611A $108.00
Air Filter 1 8K0133843 $31.00
Dust/Pollen Filter 1 8K0819439B $27.60
Plug with Seal/O-Ring 1 N 0138157 $0.80
Synthetic Engine Oil (Quarts) 6.9 ZVW352540S DSP $54.03

Total Parts: $237.18











Labor
Description
Battery - Check for damage or corrosion, replace if necessary.
Brake System - check for damage, leaks, pad thickness, fluid level
Cooling System - check level, add if necessary
Cowl Drain - check for obstruction, clean if necessary
Doors - lubricate door hinge mechanisms
Drive Shaft Boots - check
Engine Compartment - check for leaks
Engine On Board Diagnostics - check fault memory
Exhaust System - check for damage, leaks
Horn - Check Function
Lights - check all lights, check headlight adjustment
Road Test - check
Service Reminder Display - reset
Snow Screen for Air Cleaner - clean
Tires and Spare - check for wear and damage, check pressure
Transmission and final drive - check for leaks
Underbody - check for damage and leaks
Wiper Arm Pivot Points - lubricate
Wiper/Washer/Headlight Washer - check adjustment and function, add fluid if necessary
Air Cleaner - clean housing, replace filter element
Dust and Pollen Filter - replace
Engine Oil Filter - replace
Plug with Seal/O-Ring - replace
Spark Plugs - replace
Synthetic Engine Oil - change

Total Labor $544.50
Shop Supplies $10.00
Recycling Fee $0.00
Sales Tax (6.35%) $50.27
Total $841.95

[mr shickadance]

Contacted Audi of Watertown, Ct today for an oil change appointment for 55k. I don't mind paying for that, but it's all I really want done by them.

SA emails me back saying I need the full 55k service (basically plugs, cabin filter, oil change ) and inspection of various components. Says it takes 5 hours and will be $ 850, $ 250 of which is parts. Told him I've already replaced the cabin filter and will be doing plugs myself, and just want a price for the oil change.

5 hours labor, what a joke.

the hours are just what is standard, i'm sure it takes them less time, but they are going to bill for the hours the book says.

$250 for parts is not terrible, our plugs are not exactly cheap plus dealership mark up.

[audi49]

Unfortunately as Audi has (earned) it's luxury car status in this country, the dealers are jacking up the service costs. Our dealer here just got a fancy new building (awesome bldg by the way), but now their rates are helping pay for it unfortunately.

[sacandagaD]

the hours are just what is standard, i'm sure it takes them less time, but they are going to bill for the hours the book says.

$250 for parts is not terrible, our plugs are not exactly cheap plus dealership mark up.

I agree, I don't find the parts prices ridiculous on their own.

[Okedokey]

Why dont you just do the oil yourself?

[S4NJ]

Why dont you just do the oil yourself?

Or just take it to a 10min quick oil change spot..


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[essfour]

^HAHA i got it.

http://jalopnik.com/lazy-idiots-at-l...pan-1748394648

[S4NJ]

Hahaa yup that's the article lol


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[tqpolo]

Kidding right?

Or just take it to a 10min quick oil change spot..


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[sacandagaD]

I think we've pretty much covered the whole quick lube option as not being ideal, lol!

[pdqgp]

Reason 1,234 that I don't bring my cars to dealers. I've caught them several times from all brands lying and being very underhanded. Not sure why so much lately in recent years but it's crap. I grew up in a family that owned several dealers too and the one thing I can say is my parents, especially father, ran a very above-board group and am shocked that in today's climate where service dollars are so critical that people risk their reputations.

[CaptSlow]

Dealer quoted me 1,500 for 55k.

[GeoJoe]

Hate car dealers? Watch this and you'll have even more reasons why.

[S4NJ]

1800 cheaper yea right. How's Tesla $1,800 cheaper???


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[jsh139]

Hate car dealers? Watch this and you'll have even more reasons why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMWmYJOa-BM

Truth.

[mr shickadance]

Hate car dealers? Watch this and you'll have even more reasons why.

meh, the thing about dealerships are somewhat of a self correcting problem. Dealers who are shady are soon found out, and dealers who are decent, make customers for life.

Hate them or not, no one has a gun to your head when you choose to service your car forcing you to a dealership (yet) you can take your car to an indie shop where it will be cheaper, and work quality will be equal.

[Senseless]

-Did it all myself except the oil change ($110) and drive shaft boot inspection. Not just to save money, but because it was a fun project and I know for sure it was all completed.

[sacandagaD]

meh, the thing about dealerships are somewhat of a self correcting problem. Dealers who are shady are soon found out, and dealers who are decent, make customers for life.

Hate them or not, no one has a gun to your head when you choose to service your car forcing you to a dealership (yet) you can take your car to an indie shop where it will be cheaper, and work quality will be equal.

True, but if you do go elsewhere, I just can see them giving shit if there's a problem and you don't have a proper 55k dealer service.

Update: SA emailed me back and said OK to just the oil change for $130 so I'm good with that.

[BlownOne]

I juts ordered a oil change kit from Europa with a new magnetic drain plug, filter and 7qts of motul synthetic for $76 plus $13 shipping. Diy and then you know it's done right.

Will

[dizzlesizzle]

^HAHA i got it.

http://jalopnik.com/lazy-idiots-at-l...pan-1748394648

Thats funny it made it to jalopnik...I remember reading the story when he posted it here not to long ago...

[chaos2984]

How did that make you laugh. I don't get it. 850 is a normal price for something like that. 500 some in labor isn't bad. With all that is done the labor does add up. a normal car is going to run you 500 for a 50k. With cheaper labor rates and parts it does make sense.

[SportVier]

Wow. Glad my CPO purchase included Audicare through 85k...

[Usa]

Hey Saratoga! I'm in Cohoes, try Langan Audi and ask for Ryan. It's closer and they have good service but I wouldn't buy a car there, dealers are dicks.

[Sundowner]

Why dont you just do the oil yourself?

there used to be a time (at least around here) when Audi dealers were quite reasonable with service costs. It was to the point where for $90, I'd drop off my wife's car for the regular service, take a loaner for the day, and come back at the end of the day to a serviced and washed car. that time was like 2 years ago. Now I go to take my S4 in for an oil change and they tell me that they want $450 for it. welp, go fuck yourself Audi.

Apparently Audi, as a car company, has some very expensive and dubious ways of processing oil though their engines, which is also a matter of litigation for 2.0T and TDI owners.

[pdqgp]

True, but if you do go elsewhere, I just can see them giving shit if there's a problem and you don't have a proper 55k dealer service.

they'd have to prove cause. no one is required to go to a dealer for routine maint. Have a receipt from an authorized shop showing the proper service and you'd be fine in fending off any type of claim otherwise.

[chaos2984]

they'd have to prove cause. no one is required to go to a dealer for routine maint. Have a receipt from an authorized shop showing the proper service and you'd be fine in fending off any type of claim otherwise.

+1

[mr shickadance]

True, but if you do go elsewhere, I just can see them giving shit if there's a problem and you don't have a proper 55k dealer service.

Update: SA emailed me back and said OK to just the oil change for $130 so I'm good with that.

i hear you, personally i bring my car to the dealer at the recomended service intervals, but I also do my own DIY work as I feel that oils needs to be changed every 5k rather every 10, and some things I can do myself, with better products, for cheaper cost (brakes etc)

the service intervals for me, are just something I can show the next buyer as hey, I have evidence I took this car to every single service done by audi professionals

[doug97gxe]

Hey Saratoga! I'm in Cohoes, try Langan Audi and ask for Ryan. It's closer and they have good service but I wouldn't buy a car there, dealers are dicks.

i think he needs to update his location.. he is in CT now

[mr shickadance]

there used to be a time (at least around here) when Audi dealers were quite reasonable with service costs. It was to the point where for $90, I'd drop off my wife's car for the regular service, take a loaner for the day, and come back at the end of the day to a serviced and washed car. that time was like 2 years ago. Now I go to take my S4 in for an oil change and they tell me that they want $450 for it. welp, go fuck yourself Audi.

Apparently Audi, as a car company, has some very expensive and dubious ways of processing oil though their engines, which is also a matter of litigation for 2.0T and TDI owners.

was the service schedule also every 5k miles instead of every 10k? i mean i get what you are saying, prices creep up, also with different engines come different amounts of oil etc. not sure what you mean by that?

[The Fat Kid]

Find a good indie VW/Audi shop in your area, and keep all your receipts if you are concerned about a future warranty claim. I think Brian's Garage in Needham, MA used to charge me something like $62 for an oil change on my B6 A4.

I paid for Audi Care since it is a good deal just for the 35k DSG service, so I am covered for a few more years.

[sacandagaD]

i think he needs to update his location.. he is in CT now

I am in CT ( Torrington ) during the week for work, so I use the CT dealership nearest me. Langan in Latham is a hassle to get to on the weekend.

[sacandagaD]

How did that make you laugh. I don't get it. 850 is a normal price for something like that. 500 some in labor isn't bad. With all that is done the labor does add up. a normal car is going to run you 500 for a 50k. With cheaper labor rates and parts it does make sense.

It's not the money, it's the principle of it all. I don't mind paying for tangible value, just don't charge me $ 400 to check some fluids and my brake pad thickness.
I am sure most people wouldn't even think twice about paying $ 850, but I would think members of this forum in particular can relate to why it is a joke.

[Chandler]

^HAHA i got it.

http://jalopnik.com/lazy-idiots-at-l...pan-1748394648

That's the first thing I thought of when someone mentioned the 10 minute oil change places.. xD

[doug97gxe]

I am in CT ( Torrington ) during the week for work, so I use the CT dealership nearest me. Langan in Latham is a hassle to get to on the weekend.

That's a haul man wow.. I'm assuming RT 8 to 90 to 87?


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[chaos2984]

It's not the money, it's the principle of it all. I don't mind paying for tangible value, just don't charge me $ 400 to check some fluids and my brake pad thickness.
I am sure most people wouldn't even think twice about paying $ 850, but I would think members of this forum in particular can relate to why it is a joke.

Yea I see your point of view. But the service isn't designed for us Knowledgeable gear heads. Its to the person who doesn't care and wants their car serviced to the recommended service by the mfg is all. If you look at its its just a marketing thing and make it look like your getting more for your value. But most cars no days are a quick 2 min look to see if you need brakes front and rear and checking of fluids. But the work your getting on the other had is worth it anyways. So I see what your saying. But they are also trying to provide a perceived value to the normal cust to justify the 850.

[sacandagaD]

That's a haul man wow.. I'm assuming RT 8 to 90 to 87?


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You got it, 8 can be fun when it's dry and without traffic, which is rarely. Usually I stay in CT during the week, but it still rolls up 250 miles on the car going back and forth each weekend. At least gas is cheap in Lee, Ma. Shell V-power $ 2.27 gallon, .

[doug97gxe]

You got it, 8 can be fun when it's dry and without traffic, which is rarely. Usually I stay in CT during the week, but it still rolls up 250 miles on the car going back and forth each weekend. At least gas is cheap in Lee, Ma. Shell V-power $ 2.27 gallon, .

8 gets nasty when it snows too I hope u have some great tires on her


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[sacandagaD]

8 gets nasty when it snows too I hope u have some great tires on her



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Yeah, the Berkshires can get nasty. Unfortunately, I've only got DWS-06's, so will drive my SUV if it looks like a bad day coming. Been lucky this year, weekends have missed us in NW CT all the way up to the Adirondacks. Usually we get slammed.