Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
Today's "Report from intensive care"
I went to visit my comatose defective 2004 Audi A8 at the dealer's service
department today.
Since I am paying for this brand-new expensive car and have not seen it in
1-1/2 weeks, I decided to pay it a visit before I wrote the lease payment
due at the end of this month.
I got a glimpse of it sitting (lying?) in a service bay. Not much was
happening. I believe my defective 2004 Audi A8 is in a coma. I wanted to
give them a DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate") order to save it a prolonged agony
but it was lunchtime and the help were chowing down.
Later in the day I received a call from the "attending physician" (a/k/a
Joel the shop foreman) informing me that although they have an idea what is
wrong with my defective 2004 Audi A8 they do not have the parts available to
"cure" it. They did strip some parts from a car in their stock to test their
diagnosis, but they could not do a permanent "transplant" with these parts
and had to wait for a suitable organ donor or something.
No date was given for arrival of the missing organs and the return of the
vehicle to me (not that I want it back anymore but I'd like to have
something to show for those lease payments.)
If this is what you want in your future, head for your nearest Audi showroom
and order a defective 2004 Audi A8. Enjoy.
Flowers and get-well cards can be sent to:
David's 2004 A8 Lemon
c/o Prestige Audi
14800 Biscayne Blvd
North Miami, FL 33181
I went to visit my comatose defective 2004 Audi A8 at the dealer's service
department today.
Since I am paying for this brand-new expensive car and have not seen it in
1-1/2 weeks, I decided to pay it a visit before I wrote the lease payment
due at the end of this month.
I got a glimpse of it sitting (lying?) in a service bay. Not much was
happening. I believe my defective 2004 Audi A8 is in a coma. I wanted to
give them a DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate") order to save it a prolonged agony
but it was lunchtime and the help were chowing down.
Later in the day I received a call from the "attending physician" (a/k/a
Joel the shop foreman) informing me that although they have an idea what is
wrong with my defective 2004 Audi A8 they do not have the parts available to
"cure" it. They did strip some parts from a car in their stock to test their
diagnosis, but they could not do a permanent "transplant" with these parts
and had to wait for a suitable organ donor or something.
No date was given for arrival of the missing organs and the return of the
vehicle to me (not that I want it back anymore but I'd like to have
something to show for those lease payments.)
If this is what you want in your future, head for your nearest Audi showroom
and order a defective 2004 Audi A8. Enjoy.
Flowers and get-well cards can be sent to:
David's 2004 A8 Lemon
c/o Prestige Audi
14800 Biscayne Blvd
North Miami, FL 33181
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
David deForrest wrote:
> Today's "Report from intensive care"
>
> I went to visit my comatose defective 2004 Audi A8 at the dealer's service
> department today.
>
>
> David's 2004 A8 Lemon
> c/o Prestige Audi
> 14800 Biscayne Blvd
> North Miami, FL 33181
>
>
>
David, the only thing that will do talking for you right now is money.
A co-worker had a 2000 A6 for about two months that was in the shop
about half of its life. She arranged a buyback and gave it back to the
dealer (they did offer her another car). Audi wants your money, you
want their car. You can either arrage to terminate your lease, or get
AoA to replace your car with an equivalent.
Go in with a good attitude and they'll likely offer to replace your car.
Don't even bother with the dealer, this is a corporate issue.
--
Vic
2000 Mustang GT
suspension upgrades
1997 A4 2.8q
http://home.earthlink.net/~jthet
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
I went in to see the new A8L at a local dealer a couple of weeks ago. While
I was definitely impressed by the car, I found the gadgets, bells and
whistles just about mind-boggling. I held back from signing on the contract
for the very reason that you've mentioned, David. I hope you get
resolution.
"David deForrest" <buybeach@buybeach.com> wrote in message
news:UEhUa.1435$R43.819@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
> Today's "Report from intensive care"
>
> I went to visit my comatose defective 2004 Audi A8 at the dealer's service
> department today.
>
> Since I am paying for this brand-new expensive car and have not seen it in
> 1-1/2 weeks, I decided to pay it a visit before I wrote the lease payment
> due at the end of this month.
>
> I got a glimpse of it sitting (lying?) in a service bay. Not much was
> happening. I believe my defective 2004 Audi A8 is in a coma. I wanted to
> give them a DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate") order to save it a prolonged agony
> but it was lunchtime and the help were chowing down.
>
> Later in the day I received a call from the "attending physician" (a/k/a
> Joel the shop foreman) informing me that although they have an idea what
is
> wrong with my defective 2004 Audi A8 they do not have the parts available
to
> "cure" it. They did strip some parts from a car in their stock to test
their
> diagnosis, but they could not do a permanent "transplant" with these parts
> and had to wait for a suitable organ donor or something.
>
> No date was given for arrival of the missing organs and the return of the
> vehicle to me (not that I want it back anymore but I'd like to have
> something to show for those lease payments.)
>
> If this is what you want in your future, head for your nearest Audi
showroom
> and order a defective 2004 Audi A8. Enjoy.
>
> Flowers and get-well cards can be sent to:
>
> David's 2004 A8 Lemon
> c/o Prestige Audi
> 14800 Biscayne Blvd
> North Miami, FL 33181
>
>
>
I was definitely impressed by the car, I found the gadgets, bells and
whistles just about mind-boggling. I held back from signing on the contract
for the very reason that you've mentioned, David. I hope you get
resolution.
"David deForrest" <buybeach@buybeach.com> wrote in message
news:UEhUa.1435$R43.819@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
> Today's "Report from intensive care"
>
> I went to visit my comatose defective 2004 Audi A8 at the dealer's service
> department today.
>
> Since I am paying for this brand-new expensive car and have not seen it in
> 1-1/2 weeks, I decided to pay it a visit before I wrote the lease payment
> due at the end of this month.
>
> I got a glimpse of it sitting (lying?) in a service bay. Not much was
> happening. I believe my defective 2004 Audi A8 is in a coma. I wanted to
> give them a DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate") order to save it a prolonged agony
> but it was lunchtime and the help were chowing down.
>
> Later in the day I received a call from the "attending physician" (a/k/a
> Joel the shop foreman) informing me that although they have an idea what
is
> wrong with my defective 2004 Audi A8 they do not have the parts available
to
> "cure" it. They did strip some parts from a car in their stock to test
their
> diagnosis, but they could not do a permanent "transplant" with these parts
> and had to wait for a suitable organ donor or something.
>
> No date was given for arrival of the missing organs and the return of the
> vehicle to me (not that I want it back anymore but I'd like to have
> something to show for those lease payments.)
>
> If this is what you want in your future, head for your nearest Audi
showroom
> and order a defective 2004 Audi A8. Enjoy.
>
> Flowers and get-well cards can be sent to:
>
> David's 2004 A8 Lemon
> c/o Prestige Audi
> 14800 Biscayne Blvd
> North Miami, FL 33181
>
>
>
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
On Sat, 26 Jul 2003 03:15:28 GMT, "shs" <shs111@comcast.net> wrote:
>I went in to see the new A8L at a local dealer a couple of weeks ago. While
>I was definitely impressed by the car, I found the gadgets, bells and
>whistles just about mind-boggling. I held back from signing on the contract
>for the very reason that you've mentioned, David. I hope you get
>resolution.
I was able to drive a A8L when going in to talk shop regarding a S6
Avant last month and I thought the car was damn nice, much nicer than
our old '98 A8 but I would never buy a first year run from practically
any company myself...
It really sucks that there are bound to be components that don't work or
fail in the first year but it sucks even more that they are not
available for replacement. What a shame considering how nice the car
is.
--
Taylor
'89 Audi 200
'03 Audi S6 Avant
'98 Jeep Cherokee Sport
>I went in to see the new A8L at a local dealer a couple of weeks ago. While
>I was definitely impressed by the car, I found the gadgets, bells and
>whistles just about mind-boggling. I held back from signing on the contract
>for the very reason that you've mentioned, David. I hope you get
>resolution.
I was able to drive a A8L when going in to talk shop regarding a S6
Avant last month and I thought the car was damn nice, much nicer than
our old '98 A8 but I would never buy a first year run from practically
any company myself...
It really sucks that there are bound to be components that don't work or
fail in the first year but it sucks even more that they are not
available for replacement. What a shame considering how nice the car
is.
--
Taylor
'89 Audi 200
'03 Audi S6 Avant
'98 Jeep Cherokee Sport
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
David deForrest wrote:
> While the car was in service limbo the local Audi area rep, Mr. Ron Hankley
> called me and said Audi of America would replace the vehicle and credit back
> some or all of the payments made on it. He now refuses to even honor this
> unsatisfactory offer.
Excuse me, but which part in "replace the car AND credit back some
payments" was unsatisfactory??
Wolfgang
> While the car was in service limbo the local Audi area rep, Mr. Ron Hankley
> called me and said Audi of America would replace the vehicle and credit back
> some or all of the payments made on it. He now refuses to even honor this
> unsatisfactory offer.
Excuse me, but which part in "replace the car AND credit back some
payments" was unsatisfactory??
Wolfgang
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
"David deForrest" <buybeach@buybeach.com> wrote in message
news:jcjVa.5710$R43.2973@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com.. .
> A further update is in order:
>
> My defective 2004 Audi A8 L(emon) has now been out-of-service since it
> disappeared into the shop at Prestige Imports (Miami, FL) on 7/17/03. A
> total of two weeks!
>
> I am now informed that the dealer has finally obtained missing repair
parts
> and intends to turn the car back over to me tomorrow after a road test.
>
> So far, in 8 weeks of leasing and paying for this vehicle, I have not had
> one full week (or even three consecutive days) without some failure or
> other. I am, therefore, pretty skeptical about having "all" my "concerns"
> (read factory-defects) "cured."
>
> While the car was in service limbo the local Audi area rep, Mr. Ron
Hankley
> called me and said Audi of America would replace the vehicle and credit
back
> some or all of the payments made on it. He now refuses to even honor this
> unsatisfactory offer. Hence I am dealing with liars as well as with an
> unsatisfactory and defective product.
>
> I shall of course take all obvious steps, including litigation, to obtain
> some better outcome than a bland apology and the return to me of an
> unreliable piece of expensive junk. I post this story as a caution to
anyone
> considering the purchase of one of these cars: they are not "ready for
prime
> time" and the manufacturer does not stand behind them. Be warned.
>
> I will report further equipment failures on my defective 2004 Audi A8
> L(emon) as they occur. You are very wise to have decided against this
> purchase. Best of luck to you.
>
Okay okay, you got a car with some problems. But what do you want any of us
to do? Frankly, as everybody else has already posted, first year cars have
teething problems, it's something most everybody knows with the wealth of
info available on the net. Have you ever seen how long MB's and Jags sit at
the dealers waiting for parts?
No stab at you, but I don't think there's any reason for "updates", on this
so-called "defective product", or an address to send flowers, (did you
really think anybody would send them?). This is an Audi enthusiast group, we
like talking about our cars, how they're fast, carve corners, have looks to
kill, and feel like a million bucks. You can google all you want, but you
won't see any posts from me indicating how much I love my Audi.
As much as we appreciate your post, and you telling us about all the
problems you have, and how long it's been in the shop, one or two posts is
enough.
You win some, you lose some, but kindly suck it up.
Romy
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
Well, to replace this one with another one that also has multiple defects
would be less than ideal and I am far from convinced that such a car exists.
Many persons have reported similar defects with these cars. However, it was
(and would be) a fair, reasonable and generous offer. However, Audi of
America does not intend to honor it. Mr. Ron Hankley made this offer to me
on the telephone on 7/24/03 but has since refused to honor or acknowledge
it. I have a four-letter word for this.
"Wolfgang Pawlinetz" <wolfgang.pawlinetz@space.at> wrote in message
news:3F26335B.25D79701@space.at...
> David deForrest wrote:
>
> > While the car was in service limbo the local Audi area rep, Mr. Ron
Hankley
> > called me and said Audi of America would replace the vehicle and credit
back
> > some or all of the payments made on it. He now refuses to even honor
this
> > unsatisfactory offer.
>
> Excuse me, but which part in "replace the car AND credit back some
> payments" was unsatisfactory??
>
> Wolfgang
would be less than ideal and I am far from convinced that such a car exists.
Many persons have reported similar defects with these cars. However, it was
(and would be) a fair, reasonable and generous offer. However, Audi of
America does not intend to honor it. Mr. Ron Hankley made this offer to me
on the telephone on 7/24/03 but has since refused to honor or acknowledge
it. I have a four-letter word for this.
"Wolfgang Pawlinetz" <wolfgang.pawlinetz@space.at> wrote in message
news:3F26335B.25D79701@space.at...
> David deForrest wrote:
>
> > While the car was in service limbo the local Audi area rep, Mr. Ron
Hankley
> > called me and said Audi of America would replace the vehicle and credit
back
> > some or all of the payments made on it. He now refuses to even honor
this
> > unsatisfactory offer.
>
> Excuse me, but which part in "replace the car AND credit back some
> payments" was unsatisfactory??
>
> Wolfgang
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
"David deForrest" <buybeach@buybeach.com> wrote in message
news:1fVVa.441$GN6.246@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
> Thanks Romy. Go carve a hill. If I get my car running reliably, maybe I'll
> try it too.
>
You really should, it's oodles of fun, and a great stress reliever.
> On the other hand, there may be others lurking, unlike yourself, who are
> experiencing similar issues.
>
I'm sure they're are, heck even my car isn't perfect. (which becomes a bit
worrysome since the car ran out of warranty 9 days ago). If you look at the
archive of this NG, you'll see alot more posts of defects, rather than
praises. I'm not saying Audi's are more or less reliable than other brands,
just saying that cars can have problems.
> Hopefully some of them will post meaningful
> replies sharing their experiences. There may be others, like myself, who
> owned an Audi with which they were entirely satisfied and who, on the
basis
> of this, are considering getting a 2004 A8.
>
Well, my previous post was more of a general response, this one I'll direct
towards you. Your frustrations are understood, but very very few people have
a 2004 A8L, meaning you'll get little if no meaningful and vaild
responses/solutions to your cars problems. It's too new a car, nobody knows
anything about it. I don't think I've ever replied to any of your other
posts, actually you kinda seem new here, have you posted about the success
you've had with your other Audi's before?
> I hope to warn them off.
>
No disrespect, but I don't think you have the authority of warning people
not to buy an A8L, after all, you've only owned one out of the (hundreds?)
of thousands that Audi is going to sell. That's like saying nobody should
buy an A4 because people have snapped TB's which have costed them thousands
of dollars and has disabled the car.
> Everyone is not quite as smart as you are.
>
I'll consider that a sarcastic remark, but I'll let it slide, thanks anyway.
> I never gave much thought to vehicle reliability when making this
purchase.
>
Since we're trading stories, allow me to tell you mine. Two years ago, I
bought (financed) my first Audi, a 2.5 yr old 98.5 A4 2.8L, I was 21 at the
time. After ~1 yr of researching and making my pea brain the size of a
pin-head, I decided on a used A4. It took me 6 months to find the car I
liked and was confident buying. And why not, for a 21 yr old, forking out
CDN $29,500 is a whole heck of alot of money to be spending on a car, let
alone anything else.
Lesson? I'd do it all over again, and even more if I we're buying a brand
new (and very expensive) 2004 A8L, 740iL, SL 600 etc. Why? Because these
cars are very expensive to buy, to maintain, and to repair. And not just
because they contain the latest and greatest (but not neccessarily tried and
true) technologies. More stuff that can break is what I'm saying.
> I liked the dealer, had a
> nice TT Roadster, felt comfortable with Audi and needed a large four-door
> sedan. I am 54 years old and my experiences over the last two decades or
so
> had led me to believe that cars had become so reliable and service
standards
> so good that vehicle reliability was pretty much a "given."
>
Hmmm, I'm sure you're much wiser than me, and have more experience than me,
but don't you think it's the other way around? I think new cars are built
like crap, sure they look good, but that doesn't make them reliable. I think
80's and early 90's (german) cars were much more reliable than ones built
now. I always see early 80's MB's around here, and even some BMW's. Quite
honestly, I think a 1996 Diesel MB is probably one of the more reliable cars
around. And if you don't believe me, look at how many posts you see about
Audi 5000's in here.
> I admit this
> makes me a "jerk" but what of it? Surely Audi does not tell all new
> customers, "If you expect this thing to work, you're an idiot?"
>
No they don't, but neither does any other manufacturer. New cars do work,
Audi A8L's work too, it's a fact. I'm not 100% sure of all the problems that
you have, but has your car truely been disabled for the ~14 days it's been
in the shop? They won't even let you drive your car while parts are on
order?
> Finally, I am always puzzled by responses of the type you post here. If
the
> topic bores you, is inane, whatever, why not ignore it? What satisfaction
do
> you get from writing in this vein?
>
Actually, that's the problem, I get no satisfaction from it. I like to hear
about modding cars, enhancing them, in other words having fun. That's why I
come here to read about Audi's, as well as Audiworld (which you should check
out as well, much more comprehensive). But instead, forums and newsgroups
get flooded by "What's wrong with my car?, Is this car better than that?, I
hate Audi's because TB's break etc." I don't have a choice but to respond to
posts like yours, (I actually don't, but you had some sympathy because of
the great amount of money spent on a car which doesn't make you very happy).
In other words, if I ignored all posts which had complaints, I wouldn't be
left with much to read...
Hope it all works out.
Romy.
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
"David deForrest" <buybeach@buybeach.com> wrote in message
news:1fVVa.441$GN6.246@fe01.atl2.webusenet.com...
> Thanks Romy. Go carve a hill. If I get my car running reliably, maybe I'll
> try it too.
>
You really should, it's oodles of fun, and a great stress reliever.
> On the other hand, there may be others lurking, unlike yourself, who are
> experiencing similar issues.
>
I'm sure they're are, heck even my car isn't perfect. (which becomes a bit
worrysome since the car ran out of warranty 9 days ago). If you look at the
archive of this NG, you'll see alot more posts of defects, rather than
praises. I'm not saying Audi's are more or less reliable than other brands,
just saying that cars can have problems.
> Hopefully some of them will post meaningful
> replies sharing their experiences. There may be others, like myself, who
> owned an Audi with which they were entirely satisfied and who, on the
basis
> of this, are considering getting a 2004 A8.
>
Well, my previous post was more of a general response, this one I'll direct
towards you. Your frustrations are understood, but very very few people have
a 2004 A8L, meaning you'll get little if no meaningful and vaild
responses/solutions to your cars problems. It's too new a car, nobody knows
anything about it. I don't think I've ever replied to any of your other
posts, actually you kinda seem new here, have you posted about the success
you've had with your other Audi's before?
> I hope to warn them off.
>
No disrespect, but I don't think you have the authority of warning people
not to buy an A8L, after all, you've only owned one out of the (hundreds?)
of thousands that Audi is going to sell. That's like saying nobody should
buy an A4 because people have snapped TB's which have costed them thousands
of dollars and has disabled the car.
> Everyone is not quite as smart as you are.
>
I'll consider that a sarcastic remark, but I'll let it slide, thanks anyway.
> I never gave much thought to vehicle reliability when making this
purchase.
>
Since we're trading stories, allow me to tell you mine. Two years ago, I
bought (financed) my first Audi, a 2.5 yr old 98.5 A4 2.8L, I was 21 at the
time. After ~1 yr of researching and making my pea brain the size of a
pin-head, I decided on a used A4. It took me 6 months to find the car I
liked and was confident buying. And why not, for a 21 yr old, forking out
CDN $29,500 is a whole heck of alot of money to be spending on a car, let
alone anything else.
Lesson? I'd do it all over again, and even more if I we're buying a brand
new (and very expensive) 2004 A8L, 740iL, SL 600 etc. Why? Because these
cars are very expensive to buy, to maintain, and to repair. And not just
because they contain the latest and greatest (but not neccessarily tried and
true) technologies. More stuff that can break is what I'm saying.
> I liked the dealer, had a
> nice TT Roadster, felt comfortable with Audi and needed a large four-door
> sedan. I am 54 years old and my experiences over the last two decades or
so
> had led me to believe that cars had become so reliable and service
standards
> so good that vehicle reliability was pretty much a "given."
>
Hmmm, I'm sure you're much wiser than me, and have more experience than me,
but don't you think it's the other way around? I think new cars are built
like crap, sure they look good, but that doesn't make them reliable. I think
80's and early 90's (german) cars were much more reliable than ones built
now. I always see early 80's MB's around here, and even some BMW's. Quite
honestly, I think a 1996 Diesel MB is probably one of the more reliable cars
around. And if you don't believe me, look at how many posts you see about
Audi 5000's in here.
> I admit this
> makes me a "jerk" but what of it? Surely Audi does not tell all new
> customers, "If you expect this thing to work, you're an idiot?"
>
No they don't, but neither does any other manufacturer. New cars do work,
Audi A8L's work too, it's a fact. I'm not 100% sure of all the problems that
you have, but has your car truely been disabled for the ~14 days it's been
in the shop? They won't even let you drive your car while parts are on
order?
> Finally, I am always puzzled by responses of the type you post here. If
the
> topic bores you, is inane, whatever, why not ignore it? What satisfaction
do
> you get from writing in this vein?
>
Actually, that's the problem, I get no satisfaction from it. I like to hear
about modding cars, enhancing them, in other words having fun. That's why I
come here to read about Audi's, as well as Audiworld (which you should check
out as well, much more comprehensive). But instead, forums and newsgroups
get flooded by "What's wrong with my car?, Is this car better than that?, I
hate Audi's because TB's break etc." I don't have a choice but to respond to
posts like yours, (I actually don't, but you had some sympathy because of
the great amount of money spent on a car which doesn't make you very happy).
In other words, if I ignored all posts which had complaints, I wouldn't be
left with much to read...
Hope it all works out.
Romy.
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Comatose 2004 Audi A8: Please send flowers!
This will hopefully be the last postin on this topic, but I am astonished
and gratified to have this last occasion to write.
Today, without any prior word from either my Audi dealer or from Audi of
America, I received a fair and generous written buyback offer for my 2004
Audi A8L. As far as I am concerned, I am grateful for this consideration and
will, of course, take advantage of the offer.
As anyone following this correspondence knows, I had become pretty desperate
for help with my vehicle and my situation. At times, I felt abused by Audi
of America, the local field representative and everyone else that got in my
path connected in any way with this product. Now that I am set free from
this particular and apparently unusually trouble-prone specimen of what I
believe is a fine automobile, I want to write to express my gratitude to the
folks at Prestige Imports in North Miami, Florida. In marketing they say the
key is to exceed customer's expectations. As far as I am concerned, these
folks do so on a daily basis.
At all times throughout this process and in my every encounter with the
personnel at Prestige Imports I have been treated with exceptional patience,
courtesy, consideration and kindness. I am sure that all of the dealer
personnel were as concerned about my situation as I could possibly ask. It
must be frustrating to have a voluble and dissatisfied customer hanging
around a salesroom during a product launch. All I can say is that I feel
that everyone I met and spoke to on their staff, various service writers,
salespeople, clerical folks, warranty administrators and even the dealership
President, were unfailingly helpful and kind to me.
I would especially like to thank the following Prestige Imports personnel
for their unceasing courtesy and patience:
Sabrina Burrow, service consultant. She has been unfailingly pleasant,
generous with her time and has gone beyond the "norm" in trying to
coordinate and expedite repairs to my car and to keep me informed, even in
the face of my increasingly aggrieved and impatient demeanor.
Robbie Feiffer: General Sales Manager. As with Ms. Burrow, an exceptional
individual. It is rare for the average car buyer to even meet the GSM. Mr.
Feiffer runs a hands-on shop, is always around and available to customers
and has always treated me with exceptional courtesy and candor.
Lisa Chmela: Business Office (Finance): Lisa effectively sold me this car in
the first place, having so ably assisted me with my previous Audi purchase.
As with Mr. Feiffer, Ms. Chmela is always available to discuss maters with
customers despite the burdens of her very busy job. She is a fine asset to a
fine organization. Her ability to remember the precise state of dozens of
transactions in the air at one time and get them processed is remarkable.
She certainly always knew, to the penny, the calculations relating to mine.
Beyond this, she is savvy, knowledgeable and humane.
Yuri Schvartsman: Salesman. A very nice man. I will surely make another
purchase from Mr. Schvartsman.
Joel: (shop foreman and A8 specialist mechanic): Another treasure, an
articulate, pleasant and dedicated technician. Actually took phone calls
from me on several occasions when "issues" we were trying to resolve would
crop up while driving. Again, I mean that this man has gone far beyond what
I expect from shop personnel in a new car dealership.
Prestige Imports as a whole: I have written to this effect in the past and
reaffirm my comments regarding this dealership. They are a pleasure to do
business with and bring a level of civility, courtesy and fair-dealing
beyond what I have come to expect. As one can see from the comments about
the individuals named above, what differentiates this company is the level
of personal contact between the customer and senior personnel with actual
authority. They provide a "small town" experience in a big-town marketplace.
I would buy from them again without hesitation.
I am giving serous thought to purchasing a replacement A8 L. I am obviously
concerned that having escaped from an unfortunate situation I do not thrust
myself back into the same place again. I am not sure how I will work this
out at present. Any input from other owners about their 2004 A8 Ls would be
gratefully appreciated. I have no idea if my car was a rare aberration or if
it was typical. I obviously liked it well enough to make the purchase. A
quick trip around the local "luxury car" dealers has not shown me anything
in this vehicle class that is nearly as comfortable, spacious and
sure-footed.
I am assured by the folks at Prestige Imports that I would be welcome as a
return customer. I trust that Audi of America will also welcome me back if I
decide to buy from them again. Finally, I want to thank everyone who wrote
me and shared their experiences with me in this forum. I learned a lot from
all of you and will do my best to retain the good and obliterate the bad.
and gratified to have this last occasion to write.
Today, without any prior word from either my Audi dealer or from Audi of
America, I received a fair and generous written buyback offer for my 2004
Audi A8L. As far as I am concerned, I am grateful for this consideration and
will, of course, take advantage of the offer.
As anyone following this correspondence knows, I had become pretty desperate
for help with my vehicle and my situation. At times, I felt abused by Audi
of America, the local field representative and everyone else that got in my
path connected in any way with this product. Now that I am set free from
this particular and apparently unusually trouble-prone specimen of what I
believe is a fine automobile, I want to write to express my gratitude to the
folks at Prestige Imports in North Miami, Florida. In marketing they say the
key is to exceed customer's expectations. As far as I am concerned, these
folks do so on a daily basis.
At all times throughout this process and in my every encounter with the
personnel at Prestige Imports I have been treated with exceptional patience,
courtesy, consideration and kindness. I am sure that all of the dealer
personnel were as concerned about my situation as I could possibly ask. It
must be frustrating to have a voluble and dissatisfied customer hanging
around a salesroom during a product launch. All I can say is that I feel
that everyone I met and spoke to on their staff, various service writers,
salespeople, clerical folks, warranty administrators and even the dealership
President, were unfailingly helpful and kind to me.
I would especially like to thank the following Prestige Imports personnel
for their unceasing courtesy and patience:
Sabrina Burrow, service consultant. She has been unfailingly pleasant,
generous with her time and has gone beyond the "norm" in trying to
coordinate and expedite repairs to my car and to keep me informed, even in
the face of my increasingly aggrieved and impatient demeanor.
Robbie Feiffer: General Sales Manager. As with Ms. Burrow, an exceptional
individual. It is rare for the average car buyer to even meet the GSM. Mr.
Feiffer runs a hands-on shop, is always around and available to customers
and has always treated me with exceptional courtesy and candor.
Lisa Chmela: Business Office (Finance): Lisa effectively sold me this car in
the first place, having so ably assisted me with my previous Audi purchase.
As with Mr. Feiffer, Ms. Chmela is always available to discuss maters with
customers despite the burdens of her very busy job. She is a fine asset to a
fine organization. Her ability to remember the precise state of dozens of
transactions in the air at one time and get them processed is remarkable.
She certainly always knew, to the penny, the calculations relating to mine.
Beyond this, she is savvy, knowledgeable and humane.
Yuri Schvartsman: Salesman. A very nice man. I will surely make another
purchase from Mr. Schvartsman.
Joel: (shop foreman and A8 specialist mechanic): Another treasure, an
articulate, pleasant and dedicated technician. Actually took phone calls
from me on several occasions when "issues" we were trying to resolve would
crop up while driving. Again, I mean that this man has gone far beyond what
I expect from shop personnel in a new car dealership.
Prestige Imports as a whole: I have written to this effect in the past and
reaffirm my comments regarding this dealership. They are a pleasure to do
business with and bring a level of civility, courtesy and fair-dealing
beyond what I have come to expect. As one can see from the comments about
the individuals named above, what differentiates this company is the level
of personal contact between the customer and senior personnel with actual
authority. They provide a "small town" experience in a big-town marketplace.
I would buy from them again without hesitation.
I am giving serous thought to purchasing a replacement A8 L. I am obviously
concerned that having escaped from an unfortunate situation I do not thrust
myself back into the same place again. I am not sure how I will work this
out at present. Any input from other owners about their 2004 A8 Ls would be
gratefully appreciated. I have no idea if my car was a rare aberration or if
it was typical. I obviously liked it well enough to make the purchase. A
quick trip around the local "luxury car" dealers has not shown me anything
in this vehicle class that is nearly as comfortable, spacious and
sure-footed.
I am assured by the folks at Prestige Imports that I would be welcome as a
return customer. I trust that Audi of America will also welcome me back if I
decide to buy from them again. Finally, I want to thank everyone who wrote
me and shared their experiences with me in this forum. I learned a lot from
all of you and will do my best to retain the good and obliterate the bad.