Using a specilaist garage vs. dealer network

[GlynRS2]

Where do you stand if you choose to use a specialist garage to service and work on your B7 RS4 rather than an Audi dealer, in terms of the warranty?

The reason I ask is because I have been distinctly unimpressed by my local dealers and really have absolutely no trust in their ability to work on my car. Of course I have the option of travelling out of area and using a diiferent dealer, but obviously this is inconvenient. I am not looking to save money, rather just get the job done properly.
From what I understand of the EU block exemption rule change is that the Audi warranty should still be valid as long as the specialist garage follows the full Audi service procedure and uses genuine parts. Is this correct? What do you think of this option?

[minou]

Iam not certain of the legal answer but whilst I think you are right I suspect that Audi could be awkward. Perhaps ask the specialist garage what their experiance is of this situation and see if you can speak to an existing customer of theirs who had need to go back to Audi within his/her warranty periodand find out what Audi's reaction was.

colin

[GlynRS2]

May be I will write to Audi Customer Service, let them know what I think of my local stealers and ask what the legal position is.

[gw007]

A mate of mine bought a modified A3 2.0T from Fontaine (who I understand mod the odd Audi) a few months ago and it had been serviced with Fontaine as well. He needed to get something repaired under warranty (airbag I think) and initally Audi said that they couldnt repair it under warranty as it had been serviced by a 3rd party. A few phone calls later and it was ascertained that the car had been serviced using genuine Audi parts/procedures and they upheld the warranty and the work was done.

So, yes I think you can get it serviced by a specialist and maintain your warranty, but it might be met with some resistance initially.

[DuncS3]

worth considering possible trade in ramifications?

[GlynRS2]

I guess the hunt will go on for a decent Audi dealership!

[LegalEagle]

If it's not too far, speak to Steve at Wimbledon Audi. Absolutely exemplary service.

[Andyuk911]

I just heard of a good will on a clutch yesterday, so I would not risk it

[alastairg]

Glynn. EU law is clear. Service the car as per audi using OEM parts and warranty stands. However the real issue is goodwill. That grey area that in my past experience a main dealer supporting your claim helps.
Try other main stealers.......................I was at Harrogate Audi (part of Sytner group) end of last week having a very close look at a B7 black avant !!!

[Andyuk911]

I have just had a call re the quality of service I have had, so Audi UK seem to be checking up

[lengster1]

I wouldnt hold your breath on anything changing with the quality of service!They will just have a few more meetings to discuss there poor feedback,ive given honest but very poor results with relevant explanation for giving the poor scores and you never here anything.

[tombs]

Audi will honor the warranty providing servicing and parts are oem parts and scheduled correctly. One good place to go to is APS http://www.autops.co.uk/html/workshop.html

Extract from their website:
"Owners whose vehicles are covered under an existing manufacturer’s warranty need not worry about invalidating this when using APS for their servicing needs. The newly introduced “Block Exemption” rule allows out of dealer network servicing taking place without impacting on your warranty."

Also remember some people that work at Audi dealerships aren’t as passionate as we are about our cars...it’s just a job to some. If you’re not happy I’ve always found a call or letter to the MD or head of sales or servicing has done the job. Or try another dealer until you do find the service you'd expect.