B7 RS4: more trouble than it's worth

[Coaster]

After 13 months of ownership of which I was in possession of the car for just 10.5 months I have thrown in the towel and sold my car back to the dealer I bought it from. Not only has it been non-stop trouble but they (Audi main dealer) have demonstrated a complete inability to resolve the issues with the car. The problems started from day one when I realised the car did not have the centre armrest that the advert had claimed. They continued with a sequence of problems that seem to affect a lot of these cars; sticking clutch, brake judder, TPMS failure etc. etc. The thing that broke my confidence was the incompetence of the fitters at Audi as the car went in 2-3 times for each issue. In the end I have driven almost the entire Audi range as courtesy cars but this is not why I bought an RS4.
Of course there was the option to go to an independent specialist but I am not prepared to pay to put right a car bought in good faith from a main delaer within 1 year. The car has left me with the feeling that Audi are out of their depth with the RS4.

[toyneg]

That's not good! They are certainly not all bad. Can I ask which Audi dealer you have been using?

[Coaster]

That's not good! They are certainly not all bad. Can I ask which Audi dealer you have been using?

Nottingham

[toyneg]

Sorry I haven't got any experience of them personally but down south, Camberley are regarded in high regard so I travel 50 miles or so to use them even though I have a dealer on my doorstep. The difference in service has been night and day. For example I had a bill from them for £1600 to replace all the top arms and bushes, rob at camberley spoke to Audi HQ on my behalf and they ended up doing all of the work for £400. It is unfortunate you've had these issues and experienced bad service from Audi so I totally get why you'd throw in the towel but just wanted others to know it isn't always like that.
Have you decided what to replace her with?

[Surrey Sam]

Ross as per our emails, you've had a torrid time with what should be a great car. It's a shame, but hope you find something suitable to replace it with.

[PetrolDave]

The car has left me with the feeling that Audi are out of their depth with the RS4.

The problem you had was a poor/bad/incompetent DEALER, not with AUDI - this problem happens with most (all?) car brands, so I think it's very unfair of you to say the problem is with either Audi or the RS4.

Having said that, I do feel for you - owning an RS4 IS a great pleasure (I've owned mine for over 7+ years and have no intention of selling it). When I found that the local dealers were not giving me the quality of service I expected I found a competent local independent (I realised the problem was the dealer not the car or Audi).

[Audi Pardner]

Sorry to read of your woes and that you've left the clan, though I can understand why given the shoddy service you've had. As a matter of interest, did you take up the issue with Audi UK as I've found them pretty good when I've had the odd dealing with them. They certainly need to be told if one of their dealers is so cr*p. Hope you get something you can really enjoy.

[John Johnson]

Going slightly off topic , I have rarely used my dealer for servicing ( wife has for her thing ) only parts ... What are gilders sheffield ( or whatever they are now depending on who owns them jct600 I think ) like ? Pm if you like

Ta!

[TimDogg]

I always use MRC and other independents - Audi only ever see 2.0 TDi models and have little experience with the RS4 (apart from Camberley) it seems.

[neckarsulm]

Nottingham Audi = Sytner Group
"Sytner Group aims to delight not only its customers, but also its employees. The results of our staff satisfaction survey suggest the firm is not falling short on its mission. Working in one of Sytner's 130-plus dealerships, which between them represent more than 20 of the world's most desirable car manufacturers including Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and Rolls-Royce, is a passion for employees who love their jobs and are proud to belong to the company, winning positive scores of 76% and 82%, both top three results"

[vestax32]

I always use MRC and other independents - Audi only ever see 2.0 TDi models and have little experience with the RS4 (apart from Camberley) it seems.

+1

[Boggle73]

John Johnson, I have had loads of problems with Gilder Audi but had nothing but praise for JCT Boston Audi.
I am going to give Sheffield Audi another chance as JCT now own them. They were good enough to let me have the RS6 for the day when the TT was in last month.

Are you local to Gilder/JCT? I'm not far away myself.

Jay.

[John Johnson]

I did fear that , yes I'm South Sheffield s20
When I've been in they are a bit up their bottoms

[Graeme4130]

Nottingham Audi = Sytner Group
"Sytner Group aims to delight not only its customers, but also its employees. The results of our staff satisfaction survey suggest the firm is not falling short on its mission. Working in one of Sytner's 130-plus dealerships, which between them represent more than 20 of the world's most desirable car manufacturers including Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and Rolls-Royce, is a passion for employees who love their jobs and are proud to belong to the company, winning positive scores of 76% and 82%, both top three results"

I bought a car through Harrogate Audi, who are also Sytner group. They were genuinely head I'm hands disinterested after the sale - I would never ever deal with Sytner again

However, both Bath and Swindon Audi are exceptionally good and have many master techs who know RS models and their various foibles well

[WillRS]

I'd definitely recommend Camberley Audi - Rob and Russel have been very helpful with me and my car.

I've always made sure I can have a courtesy car (unless its a waiting appointment) so i've never minded how long the car has been in for which makes it a much less stressful experience in my opinion. (especially when last time it was a brand new A6 avant S-Line!)

I still find the labour rate of something like £132 an hour inc vat pretty horrendous but if the job is done quickly and efficiently and you don't have to go back for the same problem then I guess its worth it.