A-teck

I have just order my 2012 A3 Quattro and one the the options dealer offered was Audi Care for $750 to cover four service packages at 25k, 40k, 55k and 70k. When I asked if I could do this work at a non-audi dealer shop, they said it should be done in-house and that the warranty might be affected. Obviously the Finance Manager offering this stuff was not aware what exactly is included in this package...
I have searched this forum and could not find anything about it. So my question is whether I have to do the warranty service at the dealership or I can do it elsewhere and not affect the warranty. Or may be buying Care package is actually a good investment? What service is actually included in Audi Care?
I would greatly appreciate member's feedback.

Madturtle

Canada has a consumer protection law which outlaws "Linked Selling". It used to be called the Combines Investigation Act but I can't remember the new name. ie requiring you to buy a second item to ensure the warranty on the first item is valid. If you get your oil and filter changed or do it yourself using a product which meets factory specifications and can document that the work was done no company can void your warranty. Same for other types of work but the onus is on you to prove the work was done to the manufacturer's specification.

What Audi and many other manufacturer's try to do is word things ambiguously so as to give you the impression that your warranty is being compromised. What they are saying is technically correct. If you had work done incorrectly and /or used incorrect parts or products and it could be proved that this caused a failure then their warranty would not cover it. As long as everything is done to spec you will not have a problem. You may have a lot of work and hassle to prove you are right. Legal letters, small claims court etc., but you would win.

a4audi4fun

Audi Care is a dealer only function, so the service must be done at an authorised Audi dealer. it does not have to be the one you bought the car from. I bought by 2005 Audi with AudiCare and had it serviced at a different dealer than the one I bought it at.

In my opinion, it is very good value. For my 2005 A4 3,0, AudiCare service (bought for $750)included getting the timing belt done on the 105,000 km service. You won't get that now, as Audi since the 2007 model year has changed the recommended change interval, but in my case, I had 3 services, the timing belt change (normally approx $1800 for the V6 motor) and a brake fluid flush.

For the car I got new (my 2008 A4 Avant) I get 4 services and 2 brake fluid flushes. I assure you, you will not get those 4 services and flushes for $750, if paying each time you visit. I also get a loaner vehicle while mine is being serviced.

Some folks will say they can do those 4 services and brake flushes themselves for far less than $750 by themselves. I absolutely agree with that, but I value my time/labour as well. No need for me to spend the couple of hours and gas money, buying the oil and filter, doing the work and then disposing of the used oil and filter afterwards. In my case, the tech also found a couple of minor issues while doing the service and had them all rectified prior to me picking up the car after service; another timesaver for me.

Up to you to decide how much it's worth for YOU.

Madturtle

It is the Competition Act of 1985.
Here is the link: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/a...e-46.html#h-33

The correct terms are "Exclusive Dealing, Tied Selling and Market Restriction"

Another example would be using a non Audi Brand battery or a non Black & Decker blade in a Black & Decker Saw.

Madturtle

I fully agree. My car has it and I believe it is good value however, I will probably switch to doing some of the simpler things myself when the warranty is finished.

A-teck

They did tell me that I could go to any Audi dealership for this service and it sounds that I could actually do it anywhere as long as I have proof of work done. It also appears that I could get this service done cheaper in a non-Audi shop but:
1. savings will not be huge and probably not worth a potential hassle from Audi
2. Audi does provide loaners which makes it convenient to leave the car for service.
So, I am leaning towards purchasing this package and when the warranty is over I will re-visit what and where will be done.
Thank you all for your feedback!

kayubassist

When I picked up my car last friday, I didn't even hesitate or think about buying Audi Care.
I just bought it without thinking. Well... thought about it a little bit.

Audi Care includes 2 minor services and 2 major services. (8000km is free, so 5 services in total).

If you do services at dealer only, Audi Care is good value if you do the math. one minor service will cost you around $200.

You do not void warranty when you do oil changes yourself or at an indy shop if you use VAG approved oils. But if you screw up mechanically while doing service yourself, you are not covered. so there is some risk. (but these engines are so easy to do oil changes on)

my sales person, who is a pretty close friend of mine, absolutely suggested buying Audi Care.
(ONLY IF YOU DO SERVICES AT DEALER).

plus I liked the fact that when I take my car to my Audi dealer for services, they give me a loaner vehicle.
other dealers or indy shops don't do that. It saves me a lot of time since I hate sitting in the lounge watching sports highlights over and over again.

when the warranty and audi care are over, I'm taking my car to a VW/Audi specializing shops for services and repairs.

check this out. maintenance schedule.

http://www.audi.ca/etc/medialib/ngw/...11_english.pdf

A-teck

kayubassist,
Thanks a lot for the service schedule. I was looking for it to scope the service included in the Care package.
It does look fairly extensive and doing it at the dealership would definitely cost a lot more separately.
Decided - I will get the Care package.

Oli Owen

When I was staying in OT I got the care package for mine to

Edit: Crap, I just notcied how old the thread is, I used the search tool and this one came up >.>