So far been super happy with my A3, and it's time for the first of it's 2 free services. Booked in with the local dealer, and dropped off as arranged first thing this morning. An hour or so later I get an email with a link to "Audi-Cam" which a video of their "technician" measuring the tread depths and brake pads. Along the top of the video is a list of 4 things that need attention.
This isn't particularly a rant about what they found, but more about the language user by their automated sytem and attitude towards pricing.
First off, there are 2 sections which relate to windscreen wipers. The first is called "Wiper Blades and Lock Operation" which is £54 all in to supply and fit 3 new blades, and in all honesty they do need changing. The second cost was for £17.50 labelled "Wipers and Washers" which is clearly a generic category, and the work involved is to realign one of the washer jets as it's not spraying effectively (yup, that's chargeable work even if you buy their wiper blades). Not particularly annoyed by this, but it's surely an easy win to make your customer happy when fitting the blades?
The third section was titled "Check Transmission Oil Change Due Date", s-tronic gearboxes need a change 36k. The car was booked in on 34k and no mention made at the time so I was completely unaware. The thing that enraged me was the ludicrous quote of £315.77 to change it. 20 seconds on Google found menu pricing published on the website of the next closest Audit dealer £225 for the same work, followed up with a confirmation chat with their service assistant.
The last section was "Visual Check of Brake Pads - Rear" and you can probably guess where this is heading. First off it states they are 65% worn, and underneath it states in capital letters "WE ADVISE THIS BE CARRIED OUT". Well of course they do, particularly when they charge an eye watering £298.70 to change them, and that's just the pads remember. Aside from the fact they clearly don't need changing any time soon, a check on the other Audi site and the same work is priced £139.
Suffice it to say it was then challenged with the service team, as soon as I said the cost of the gearbox change was ludicrous they price matched the other dealer. Fine and dandy, but they've already p***** me off, and that was before I even got the brake pad...
If I didn't know about cars and agreed them do all the work I would have given them £686.40 on a 15 month old car (granted I still need 3 wiper blades, and the gearbox oil change was due even though I had no idea).
So, in the very first interaction with them since buying a car they tried to scalp me for work that wasn't needed yet and overprice me for other items. The result is they've lost a customer who is now sat itching waiting for the customer satisfaction survey from Audi. I filled out their in-branch survey while I was there, and that wasn't the 5 stars they were likely expecting.
This isn't particularly a rant about what they found, but more about the language user by their automated sytem and attitude towards pricing.
First off, there are 2 sections which relate to windscreen wipers. The first is called "Wiper Blades and Lock Operation" which is £54 all in to supply and fit 3 new blades, and in all honesty they do need changing. The second cost was for £17.50 labelled "Wipers and Washers" which is clearly a generic category, and the work involved is to realign one of the washer jets as it's not spraying effectively (yup, that's chargeable work even if you buy their wiper blades). Not particularly annoyed by this, but it's surely an easy win to make your customer happy when fitting the blades?
The third section was titled "Check Transmission Oil Change Due Date", s-tronic gearboxes need a change 36k. The car was booked in on 34k and no mention made at the time so I was completely unaware. The thing that enraged me was the ludicrous quote of £315.77 to change it. 20 seconds on Google found menu pricing published on the website of the next closest Audit dealer £225 for the same work, followed up with a confirmation chat with their service assistant.
The last section was "Visual Check of Brake Pads - Rear" and you can probably guess where this is heading. First off it states they are 65% worn, and underneath it states in capital letters "WE ADVISE THIS BE CARRIED OUT". Well of course they do, particularly when they charge an eye watering £298.70 to change them, and that's just the pads remember. Aside from the fact they clearly don't need changing any time soon, a check on the other Audi site and the same work is priced £139.
Suffice it to say it was then challenged with the service team, as soon as I said the cost of the gearbox change was ludicrous they price matched the other dealer. Fine and dandy, but they've already p***** me off, and that was before I even got the brake pad...
If I didn't know about cars and agreed them do all the work I would have given them £686.40 on a 15 month old car (granted I still need 3 wiper blades, and the gearbox oil change was due even though I had no idea).
So, in the very first interaction with them since buying a car they tried to scalp me for work that wasn't needed yet and overprice me for other items. The result is they've lost a customer who is now sat itching waiting for the customer satisfaction survey from Audi. I filled out their in-branch survey while I was there, and that wasn't the 5 stars they were likely expecting.
they lasted a couple of years, then fitted some £1.99 each blades from Wilkos', lasted longer than the £20something a pair ones from Halfords. And just bought a set of rear pads for my 330ci, £16.50. Glad I never have to deal with dealers.
