Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
#31
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
<xcwork@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1193460995.395236.302290@z24g2000prh.googlegr oups.com...
> 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.
If it is the 1.8T engine, the timing belt/tensioner/waterpump should be
changed at 60K miles. They are known to fail on that engine anytime after
60K, resulting in upper engine damage and a $3-4K service bill. Even with
low-mileage vehicles, that maintenance should be performed at no more than 6
years, even if the mileage is less that 60K.
As far as what they charged you, that is, at most, about a $1K job at an
independent shop in the SF Bay Area. Yes, dealerships charge premium prices
for parts and labor, and there service is usually no better (and sometime
much worse) than a good independent shop. There are a number of good
independent VW/Audi shops in the area, such as Streetwerke in Palo Alto, and
Bugformance and Autowerkstat in San Jose.
#32
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
<xcwork@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1193460995.395236.302290@z24g2000prh.googlegr oups.com...
> 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.
If it is the 1.8T engine, the timing belt/tensioner/waterpump should be
changed at 60K miles. They are known to fail on that engine anytime after
60K, resulting in upper engine damage and a $3-4K service bill. Even with
low-mileage vehicles, that maintenance should be performed at no more than 6
years, even if the mileage is less that 60K.
As far as what they charged you, that is, at most, about a $1K job at an
independent shop in the SF Bay Area. Yes, dealerships charge premium prices
for parts and labor, and there service is usually no better (and sometime
much worse) than a good independent shop. There are a number of good
independent VW/Audi shops in the area, such as Streetwerke in Palo Alto, and
Bugformance and Autowerkstat in San Jose.
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
<xcwork@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1193460995.395236.302290@z24g2000prh.googlegr oups.com...
> 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.
If it is the 1.8T engine, the timing belt/tensioner/waterpump should be
changed at 60K miles. They are known to fail on that engine anytime after
60K, resulting in upper engine damage and a $3-4K service bill. Even with
low-mileage vehicles, that maintenance should be performed at no more than 6
years, even if the mileage is less that 60K.
As far as what they charged you, that is, at most, about a $1K job at an
independent shop in the SF Bay Area. Yes, dealerships charge premium prices
for parts and labor, and there service is usually no better (and sometime
much worse) than a good independent shop. There are a number of good
independent VW/Audi shops in the area, such as Streetwerke in Palo Alto, and
Bugformance and Autowerkstat in San Jose.
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
>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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
#35
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
>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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
#36
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
>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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
#37
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
>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.
Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
(a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Now, $2000 for a timing belt is unreal; did they do any other
service?? The dealer in Colorado Springs charges $1100, but they have
20% coupons, so it would actually be less than that.
If you have the 2.8L, then the belt could have waited quite a bit
longer. Audi says 105K, but I believe most of the guys on Audiworld
believe 80K is a good (read: safe) interval.
I agree with the others, find a good independent in the area.
#38
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
> Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
> the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
> (a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
> doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
> issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Best yet.
Michele Mouton, running back to the pits after a third run up the hill
at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Less than 200 miles on the belt and it gave way. Any idea what an S1
(Pikes Peak) engine rebuild costs?
But it was nine years old.
On the ur-quattros we recommend 45k miles or six years - which ever
first. If the belt goes at speed it's the exhaust valves that go
first - and they're made of unobtainium.
> the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
> (a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
> doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
> issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Best yet.
Michele Mouton, running back to the pits after a third run up the hill
at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Less than 200 miles on the belt and it gave way. Any idea what an S1
(Pikes Peak) engine rebuild costs?
But it was nine years old.
On the ur-quattros we recommend 45k miles or six years - which ever
first. If the belt goes at speed it's the exhaust valves that go
first - and they're made of unobtainium.
#39
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
> Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
> the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
> (a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
> doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
> issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Best yet.
Michele Mouton, running back to the pits after a third run up the hill
at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Less than 200 miles on the belt and it gave way. Any idea what an S1
(Pikes Peak) engine rebuild costs?
But it was nine years old.
On the ur-quattros we recommend 45k miles or six years - which ever
first. If the belt goes at speed it's the exhaust valves that go
first - and they're made of unobtainium.
> the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
> (a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
> doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
> issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Best yet.
Michele Mouton, running back to the pits after a third run up the hill
at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Less than 200 miles on the belt and it gave way. Any idea what an S1
(Pikes Peak) engine rebuild costs?
But it was nine years old.
On the ur-quattros we recommend 45k miles or six years - which ever
first. If the belt goes at speed it's the exhaust valves that go
first - and they're made of unobtainium.
#40
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Warning about Audi Steven Creek Service Dept in San Jose, CA
> Actually, if you have the 1.8T, you did the right thing by replacing
> the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
> (a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
> doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
> issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Best yet.
Michele Mouton, running back to the pits after a third run up the hill
at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Less than 200 miles on the belt and it gave way. Any idea what an S1
(Pikes Peak) engine rebuild costs?
But it was nine years old.
On the ur-quattros we recommend 45k miles or six years - which ever
first. If the belt goes at speed it's the exhaust valves that go
first - and they're made of unobtainium.
> the belt at 60K. Because you have no idea if/when the belt will snap
> (a very expensive proposition), I believe the service advisor was
> doing his job to tell you it was wise to replace. There were some
> issues with the tensioner on the 2001 model.
Best yet.
Michele Mouton, running back to the pits after a third run up the hill
at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Less than 200 miles on the belt and it gave way. Any idea what an S1
(Pikes Peak) engine rebuild costs?
But it was nine years old.
On the ur-quattros we recommend 45k miles or six years - which ever
first. If the belt goes at speed it's the exhaust valves that go
first - and they're made of unobtainium.