Hi Guys.
Just had this email from my service advisor at audi. Let me know what you think. (I'm actually trying to get the cost covered by the independent dealer I bought the car from a couple of weeks ago but I reckon they'll argue it. )
"""As the vehicle hasn’t got complete dealer history the manufacture given a percentage to cover repairs your outstanding amount to entitle you to goodwill would be cost of a full service £300.00.
And for the repairs contribution of £735.37 the prices are including vat
We have discounted as much as possible on the costing for you so there will be no further amendments given on the price quoted.""""
Adam
Look back through my posts - Mike J provided an interesting layout of the Q&A that Audi UK provide dealers relating to this issue. There is no requirement to have complete dealer history as can be seen in this Audi statement:
https://www.audi.co.uk/about-audi/latest-news/audi-uk-bbc-watchdog-oil-consumption-june-2015.html as long as you can demonstrate that the vehicle has been serviced in accordance with the service timetable/mileage and at a reputable service centre - if you have official stamps in the service book this should give them a first start for their investigation to validate your service history.
Definitely get in touch with Audi UK, report the nature of the problem with the car, get them to confirm that it falls within the vehicle window that could experience the problem. Provided it does, they will then advise you to contact your local Audi Centre and arrange for the oil test - at that point you might want to drop the bombshell that the dealer has above and say you feel it doesn't run consistently with the Audi statement - you can use emotive messages like "losing confidence in the Audi brand" and having "purchased an Audi because it is a premium brand but this experience does not seem to support that suggestion". See what they suggest at that point. The killer line in the dealer's response is "As the vehicle hasn’t got complete dealer history ....." - Audi do not require complete dealer history and it is against UK consumer law for them to require dealer history - as long as the car has been maintained in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
To support your case, you might want to contact the Hi-Q garages and the BMW dealer to see if they can provide you with the invoices. However, this is an Audi manufacturing fault and the problem is experienced in vehicles serviced 100% by Audi, so it is difficult for them to argue that the problem has been caused by incorrect servicing hence them carrying out so many repairs. There is a Class Action lawsuite against them in the US that means that they have to repair over 120,000 vehicles.
If this does not result in a revision of their position, you may want to consider your rights with your used car dealer - under the Sale of Goods Act you have 3 months to request to return the product for a full refund if it is "Not fit for purpose". I put my dealer on notice immediately I was aware of the problem and, in all fairness, he completely accepted the situation and his responsibilities.
I was very pleasantly surprised this week - mine went in for its second stage oil check and, even before it was completed - the service manager said that if the car failed the test then it would just be booked in for the repair. Audi UK informed me that they fully empower the Audi Centre to make the decision despite the dealers suggesting that they have to get clearance from Audi UK.
Get a case manager on the go at Audi UK and let him/her sort it - you may be pleasantly surprised.
