Buying a B7 without FASH?

[scoobyjam]

Hi all,

New member thought id say hello and ask a quick question. I have been looking for a B7 RS4 and found one with a good spec, good condition apart from drivers bolster, low miles and at a reasonable price.

Currently moving forward with the purchase but have just found out that it possibly doesnt have FASH as I was initially led to believe by the dealer.

Is this an issue I should be wary of?

The details are:

The car has approx 21000 on the clock is a '56' so coming up for 4 years old and has had one service around 14000 miles at the end of 2009. Am I a correct in thinking it should have had first service at the end of 2008 latest and therefore should now be due another one?

I have raised it and was told that it was correct although I have insisted they check the full history for me again.

What do you think? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks, James

[bluenosewrx]

Hopefully not from Autoprestige in Bradford is it???

Mac

[scoobyjam]

Hi Mac,

No its not mate, I have heard a few stories.

Its a dealer, an approved car, but discovering this has given me second thoughts, or am I wrong?

[neckarsulm]

No more than 2 years between services, simple as that!
Make sure you call Audi to make sure they don't have a service on record that could make you question the mileage on the clock

[HYFR]

Audi Approved ? shouldnt be for sale by a main dealer if its not been serviced by Audi in the first two years ... call Audi Customer Services ... oh and if it turns out to be true, dont buy it

[bluenosewrx]

As above, why would you not have a full history with one of these cars??? you need the re assurance that its been maintaned(sp) to a degree.

Mac

[approved]

walk away.

enough nice cars out there to be choosy.

[Dom81]

Just to be clear, there appear to he two questions here. Should you buy a car with questionable service history - certainly not. Is an Audi service history always best once a car's out of warranty - not so sure. For those who don't have a letter guaranteeing 5 years DRC cover with no stipulations, then it's probably best to stick with Audi in case they invoke the apparent FASH requirement. For those who have the letter, I would have thought a specialist history once over 3 yrs old (e.g. from MRC) would inspire more confidence than one from a regular dealer.

[Steve_C]

There could be an issue with the validity of the extended warranty from the dealer and the 5 yr DRC warranty if the car has not got FSH (whether by Audi or specialist). Also, a car without FSH with have a lower value than one with FSH.

I would walk away unless they can prove FSH to you (i.e. you need to see a service by the car's 2nd birthday).

[scaghead]

agree with all the above....has it had the oil changed more regular though?? that would worry me more, a four year old motor that had only had one oil change..more so than the service issue with that mileage.. 1 previous owner??

[approved]

if your stood in an audi dealer paying audi money then the car has to be right, and it isnt..

walk away.

there is no debate really..

if the car is cheap and they will warrant it etc and you dont mind then have a deal, but otherwise, walk away..

it has not been serviced as per the audi schedule which is already over generous, so leave it well alone.

[svassileou]

My car, with less than 19,000 miles on the clock, on an 07 plate, has had two services (the first of which involved DRC work) and one brake fluid change.

As has been said, you may wish to err on the side of walking away. There are other cars out there and, as cars come out of warranty, you might find that more make their way onto the market over the next few months.

[scoobyjam]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

OK, I have now contacted Audi Customer Services and they have confirmed that it was registered 30/11/06 and has had one service in the Audi Network on 07/09/09 at 13025 miles.

I have gone back and asked the question again armed with this info, and I now told that it seems to have had a service before this but at non audi garage. There is no stamp but there is paperwork to back this up which I have now asked to see.

Does this invalidate any DRC issues or warranties etc?

Thanks guys.

[MB2]

I don't think it "invalidates" the DRC warranty but may make a claim trickier. If an Audi dealer get them to put in writing DRC will be warrantied for 5 years they will/can do this to get the sale. I don't think is that sinister as once over 3 years people may well prefer a specialist though brake fluid should be done every 2 years also mileage is quite low.

[steverobb1973]

Hi all,

good condition apart from drivers bolster, low miles ......

........The car has approx 21000 on the clock .....

Thanks, James

Bolster wear at 21,000 miles - surely that should send alarm bells ringing....