Dano58

On Oct 27, 12:56 am, xcw...@gmail.com wrote:
> Audi Steven Creek Service Department puts _its profit_ over many
> things including its integrity in giving you a fact based assessment
> of your vehicle. Please take _extra_ caution if you get your car
> service there especially when it is out of warranty.
>
> My misfortune this passed summer 2007 was I misplaced my trust and let
> them change my time belt at 60K miles. I later discovered I didn't
> need it till 80K miles. I could have SAVE $2K off my service bill.
> The service advisor David said it was normal wear and tear during my
> visit. When I approached him afterward, he changed his story and said
> it was oil on my belt. His lack of integrity was _unbearable_. I saw
> this behavior at the service advisor level and management level. I met
> with their service department manager and learned that this unethical
> business practice is one way for them to increase their profit.
>
> My advice to you is when they say "your car _need_ something", get a
> second professional opinion before placing your trust on them
> especially when your car is out of warranty.

It continually amazes me when people complain about getting ripped off
by a dealer. I mean, c'mon, it's a DEALER. They don't make a lot of
money selling new cars any more - they make their money on service and
used cars.

In your case, 60 - 80k miles is when you should replace the TB in ANY
car. It's much cheaper than a rebuild, as others have noted. But a TB
can be done anywhere, it's not rocket science. Doesn't have to be an
Audi specialist, even.

Dan D
'04 A4 1.8Tq MT-6
Central NJ USA

audiwriter@comcast.net

I hate reading stories like this.

I am a Service writer at an Porsche/ Aud/ VW dealer on the east coast.
I started with VW in 1974 and Porsche/Audi in 1986.

It is with this practice of upselling that has given the title of
"Stealerships" to dealerships.

I will always follow what Audi recommends. I cannot tell you how many
times I have discoraaged a customer in not going for a supplemental
oil change that other dealers may reccomend.

As far as the timing belt being replaced before it is due. There are
some items to think about.

First Audi puts a reccomended belt replacement and if the belt should
break prematurely I know they have stepped up and helped a customer
with the repairs. However each case is judged on an individual basis
and nothing is set in stone as to coverage.

If I have a customer who has a water pump leak and the are close to
100k I will give them the option of changing the belt while changing
the pump. Since the belt turns the pump anyway

Second when a customer is due for the belt change I will mention to
the customer that "You are about to spend a lot of money and I hope
you plan to stay in the car for atleast 2 years" and if you are
thinking about trading out than take the money for the TB and put it
towards a down payment on hopefully another Audi.

Just my 2 cents

On Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:56:35 -0700, xcwork@gmail.com wrote:

>Audi Steven Creek Service Department puts _its profit_ over many
>things including its integrity in giving you a fact based assessment
>of your vehicle. Please take _extra_ caution if you get your car
>service there especially when it is out of warranty.
>
>My misfortune this passed summer 2007 was I misplaced my trust and let
>them change my time belt at 60K miles. I later discovered I didn't
>need it till 80K miles. I could have SAVE $2K off my service bill.
>The service advisor David said it was normal wear and tear during my
>visit. When I approached him afterward, he changed his story and said
>it was oil on my belt. His lack of integrity was _unbearable_. I saw
>this behavior at the service advisor level and management level. I met
>with their service department manager and learned that this unethical
>business practice is one way for them to increase their profit.
>
>My advice to you is when they say "your car _need_ something", get a
>second professional opinion before placing your trust on them
>especially when your car is out of warranty.