Crap car, crap Audi centre,crap Audi customer care

[installer69]

I wouldn't usually name and shame but I am so frustrated with the response from both mentioned parties in the case of my S4 crap car that I felt the need to vent my anger.

Amersham Audi have decided to not accept my rejection of the vehicle on the grounds that all of the problems that I have experienced have or will be rectified under the warranty! Oh goody.

If anyone out there has the details of a solicitor that will assist in my case bring them on.

How many times and with what severity does a car have to malfunction before you can refuse it?

Anyway, Audi Customer Care are just as unhelpfull. Their answer is that it is the Audi centre's decision to accept a rejection and that if they do Audi UK will support them.

Unfortunately they could not provide and answer as to how they will assist the customer. Fobbed off in other words. i.e. my contract of sale is with the Audi centre, they just import them!!

What next, a letter to Germany? Anyone want to translate for me?

I will know contact the legal department at the finance company as they are jointly responsible under this tri-party agreement.

I'll let you know how I get on but I will never buy another Audi again.

*First posted on Audi-sport.net [img]images/graemlins/soapbox.gif[/img]

[stephencam]

Hi

How long have you had your S4 V8? What is wrong with it etc? [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]

[installer69]

3 Months!

At collection O/S/R door stuck shut. Alarm not functioning. Interior light wouldn't turn off.

Went back, diagnosed door lock mech. Had to order door panel as this would be broken when removing. Factory back order. When it was in I asked if they could check the whining noise at 2,500 rpm.

Diagnosed alternator but turned out to be pulleys. Also looked at fuel gauge not reading after filling. Diagnosed sender.

Asked to look at difficulty engaging reverse when warm when it went in for the alternator noise. Diagnosed gearbox. On back order.

Oil light came on on boxing day 120 miles away from home. Couldn't open bonnet to top up. Had to be recovered home.

Wipers hit windscreen frame at motorway speeds.

I hate this car. [img]images/graemlins/rant.gif[/img]

[stephencam]

I am having a few probs with my S4 as well, only minor compared to yours though I suppose.

I have an annoying rattle from under the car at low RPM, knocking noise from steering column (dashboard needs to come out!!), rear left suspension damper is faulty and being replaced, left hand side xenon headlight leveller replaced.

I love the car but the probs are starting to niff me off [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]

Going into the garage next thursday (again!) to be sorted.

I have complained to Audi customer services so they are aware of the situation.

I live in hope that it will all be fixed [img]images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[samtheman]

oh man!! you guys need to get some good old B5 S4's!! i've had mine for nearly 9 months now and i haven't had anything go wrong with the little beauty!! [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img] (touch wood) [img]images/graemlins/24430-audibash.gif[/img] i hope you both get things sorted out tho.. [img]images/graemlins/s4addict.gif[/img]

[stephencam]

Thanks mate

I sure it will be sorted out in time [img]images/graemlins/nodder.gif[/img]

[installer69]

Stephen,

how long have you had yours?

Did you find customer care as hands off as I did?

Craig

[PhilT]

Firstly appologies for not having read this earlier.

I'm shocked, well the more I think about it, I'm not. I'm yet to have a pleasant relationship with a reliable Audi dealer.

There was a pretty good legal group involved with the RS4 wheel issue. Has anyone got their contact details? I'm pretty sure I have it some, but I've got to find it!!

Good Luck,

[installer69]

The thing is will you car ever be the same once a major operation such as the dash coming out/going back in is carried out. Ask yourself this - has your audi centre ever replaced a dash on one of these? If not, how do you know you won't have rattles for the next 3 years?

Same with my gearbox.

I'm thinking of writing to auto express to see if they'll take up my case. New model/public interest/flashy car ad and all that.

What does the ad mean? That the S4 is a load of bull?

[PhilT]

Maybe it's worth speaking to the Advocate for the S4. You have a situation that would probably interest him. If you write to Audi AG, I'm pretty sure English will be OK. We always have Conti!!

[chris22]

Feck me, I feel for u mate [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img]
This should never happen to a 40k car.
If I collected mine and had all probs I would have walked away, [img]images/graemlins/bigwave.gif[/img] but never mind.
If I were u I'd tell Audi I want this sorting and tell them your solicitor will get involved [img]images/graemlins/rant.gif[/img]
See a solicitor and see were u stand.
Ask Jon from Leeds for advice, I think he had bother with an RS4, he maybe able to help/advise.
I had similar bother with a 60k AMG Merc and in the end had to cut my losers and trade it in for an Audi.
Ive never so much has changed a bulb in my S3(which you would expect)but there is doggy batches out there Ive been there, seems like luck of the draw which it should'nt.
I know Audi usually give you 30 day's to change the car which you've expired but come on if there are any sort of dealer they will come to some arrangment with u. I would'nt want the bloody car now.
Good luck mate and stand yer ground.
Bass.

[installer69]

Cheers Phil.

It's hard to put into words how disappointed I am with the car. Especially after waiting so long and paying full retail!

I still remember working at a VAG dealer and driving my first RS2 on an overnight roadtest, the owner's words ringing in my ears 'the warning light only comes on if you drive it hard'

What he'd failed to tell me was that it only had 1/4 tank of fuel and you can see the gauge move when you boot it.

Oh, but the face of the nissan twin turbo driver was worth my weekends beer money.

I've had a few cars and bikes since then. I nearly bought a new M3 but just couldnt live with the rear wheel drive and missing rear doors.

But when I had my old M3 serviced the quality of the dealership really was far superior to that of the Audi network. More polished, perhaps, and really not any more expensive.

Oh well, time will tell.

Any info on complaining (my friends say I always do anyway) is greatly appreciated.

[Witchfinder]

I've heard a lot of horror stories about Audi customer care. Are they really that bad, and is there really any alternative for servicing and maintenance of something like an S4 or RS4?

[daddyjohal]

i would certainly agree on the service front from BMW dealers. when i had my M3 i had superb service from Sytners of Leicester. Leicester Audi are pretty good too mind you, but not quite in the same league. Price wise, the M3 was cheaper to run and service by a long shot.

[stephencam]

I have had my S4 for about two months now (purchased it as an ex-demo)

The local audi garage have removed dashboard's from new A4's before and have had no trouble with them afterwards.

I have dealt with Audi customer care in the past, i found them to be total crap but they seem to be more helpful this time round.

Anyway, I work for a firm of lawyers/advocates so if they piss arse me about then I will take them to the cleaners! [img]images/graemlins/rocketwhore.gif[/img]

Only time will tell if they sort the probs out correctly. Goes in next Thursday but i suspect they will keep it for some time.

Even though I am having probs with it I still think the car is great, apart from it drinks too much fuel!! [img]images/graemlins/062802drink_prv.gif[/img]