Canadian audi dealership reviews
#71
#72
Where to buy?
I'm considering purchasing a new A4.
I live in London and I am not comfortable making this purchase at the local (London) dealership. I know of sales reps in the GTA (one which is active in this forum), that I respect and would prefer chosing one of them to help me with this purchase.
Is there anything I should consider when it comes to buying out of town? For example, is there anything in the fine print of Audicare which would require me to get work done at the dealership where I purchased the car from? Anything else I should consider?
Many thanks to all those who decide to provide any feedback!
I live in London and I am not comfortable making this purchase at the local (London) dealership. I know of sales reps in the GTA (one which is active in this forum), that I respect and would prefer chosing one of them to help me with this purchase.
Is there anything I should consider when it comes to buying out of town? For example, is there anything in the fine print of Audicare which would require me to get work done at the dealership where I purchased the car from? Anything else I should consider?
Many thanks to all those who decide to provide any feedback!
#74
Re: Where to buy?
Hi VitaminA, my very good friend Mike Van Houdt recently started working at Dalmar. He worked with me at Audi of Mississauga for over 2 years. I recommend him, however, if you wish to deal in the GTA (me) : ) I have no problem with that.
Audi Care and all service work can be done and honored at any dealer in NA.
Regards!
Audi Care and all service work can be done and honored at any dealer in NA.
Regards!
#75
Re: Audi Uptown Nightmare!
Did you tell them the vents are expelling a ****-stench? A cabin air filter is like 20 bucks and it should have been replaced based on your comments here. I personally just bought a car at Uptown, used 07 A4... they didn't seem to notice the lumbar support in the driver's seat wasn't operating correctly (works in and out, not up and down).
They didn't disclose the full service history to me either. I had my dealer pull the service history to compare, they only gave me a maintenence history at Uptown. I found out that my drivers seat had been removed at some point by uptown, looks like they reupholstered it actually... didn't even notice until after I bought the car. Not really complaining, whoever did it did a good job. There were a few other things that were a little sketchy too, but the car works and drives great...
I wouldn't say my experiences at Uptown were bad, they did prepare the car quite quickly for me after I decided to buy it but I would have preferred full disclosure and a proper inspection (they should have caught that driver's seat issue).
I'm not local to Uptown, they just had the right car the right price. My service is done by a much smaller and much better local dealer now (3 hours away from Uptown).
They didn't disclose the full service history to me either. I had my dealer pull the service history to compare, they only gave me a maintenence history at Uptown. I found out that my drivers seat had been removed at some point by uptown, looks like they reupholstered it actually... didn't even notice until after I bought the car. Not really complaining, whoever did it did a good job. There were a few other things that were a little sketchy too, but the car works and drives great...
I wouldn't say my experiences at Uptown were bad, they did prepare the car quite quickly for me after I decided to buy it but I would have preferred full disclosure and a proper inspection (they should have caught that driver's seat issue).
I'm not local to Uptown, they just had the right car the right price. My service is done by a much smaller and much better local dealer now (3 hours away from Uptown).
#76
Re: Audi Uptown Nightmare!
I've been driving Audis since 1989. Had a 5000CD Turbo and now an A8. I've been to a number of GTA dealers. Agincourt is extremely fair and knowledgeable and absolutely never had any service repair come back for a "recall". Always fixed right. They are expensive and they do have some limitations.
Stay away from Audi Uptown for service - that's my opinion only. These are the same people who used to be Downtown Fine Cars at Avenue Road just North of Davenport. I had my A8 serviced there once, and they were rather negligent. Service advisor seemed to be "right off the boat" from some country that never has winters. He didn't seem to understand that I wanted the radiator flushed and re-filled and antifreeze added to factory specs. Got car back - unflushed and antifreeze tested at good to only -15°C. I had to argue with him and his department manager that this was not right. He didn't believe me! Chief mechanic had to intervene and agree that the system should be flushed - as asked - and then protected to -40°C as per specs - as asked. There was major arguement over this for 3 days and this is something most basic for ANY car in Canada. Couldn't believe the arrogance and ignorance displayed by all at that shop. I would never go back and would advise others to stay away from the current Audi Uptown for service.
Great alternative to Agincourt - if it's not convenient - is Pfaff. Pfaff have 3 locations you can now use. Pfaff in Newmarket on Yonge Street, Pfaff in Vaughan beside Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre and Pfaff Tuning near Weston Road and Highway 7. They are smart, honest and know their stuff. I'm getting my car all tuned and found them (Pfaff Tuning) to be knowledgeable and helpful and better priced than Agincourt Autohaus. I also have used extensively a former Agincourt Autohaus mechanic who has his own shop. Charles Maxwell at Superior Transmission - 7605 Woodbine Avenue (at 14th Ave) Unit 10 - 905-513-8400. Tell him Owen sent you. He's good and labour rate is half of dealership. He can't do everything, but almost.
So in order, I would recommend - depending on complexity of repair and location:
1. Charles Maxwell - Superior Transmission - 7605 Woodbine
2. Pfaff Tuning - 33 Auto Park Circle, Woodbridge
3. Agincourt Autohaus - Sheppard E. of Warden
4. Pfaff Audi - Vaughan Mills
5. Pfaff Audi Yonge Street Newmarket
Regards,
Owen
Stay away from Audi Uptown for service - that's my opinion only. These are the same people who used to be Downtown Fine Cars at Avenue Road just North of Davenport. I had my A8 serviced there once, and they were rather negligent. Service advisor seemed to be "right off the boat" from some country that never has winters. He didn't seem to understand that I wanted the radiator flushed and re-filled and antifreeze added to factory specs. Got car back - unflushed and antifreeze tested at good to only -15°C. I had to argue with him and his department manager that this was not right. He didn't believe me! Chief mechanic had to intervene and agree that the system should be flushed - as asked - and then protected to -40°C as per specs - as asked. There was major arguement over this for 3 days and this is something most basic for ANY car in Canada. Couldn't believe the arrogance and ignorance displayed by all at that shop. I would never go back and would advise others to stay away from the current Audi Uptown for service.
Great alternative to Agincourt - if it's not convenient - is Pfaff. Pfaff have 3 locations you can now use. Pfaff in Newmarket on Yonge Street, Pfaff in Vaughan beside Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre and Pfaff Tuning near Weston Road and Highway 7. They are smart, honest and know their stuff. I'm getting my car all tuned and found them (Pfaff Tuning) to be knowledgeable and helpful and better priced than Agincourt Autohaus. I also have used extensively a former Agincourt Autohaus mechanic who has his own shop. Charles Maxwell at Superior Transmission - 7605 Woodbine Avenue (at 14th Ave) Unit 10 - 905-513-8400. Tell him Owen sent you. He's good and labour rate is half of dealership. He can't do everything, but almost.
So in order, I would recommend - depending on complexity of repair and location:
1. Charles Maxwell - Superior Transmission - 7605 Woodbine
2. Pfaff Tuning - 33 Auto Park Circle, Woodbridge
3. Agincourt Autohaus - Sheppard E. of Warden
4. Pfaff Audi - Vaughan Mills
5. Pfaff Audi Yonge Street Newmarket
Regards,
Owen
Last edited by ok2000A8; 08-12-2010 at 11:23 AM. Reason: typo
#77
Re: Audi Uptown Nightmare!
Hey Michelle, I understand your frustration about the Audi Uptown, but I could say for the same for Agincourt Audi as well.
Seeing you as a 2nd hand owner for your audi, I'll let you in on a secret. 300 point inspection is only about the engine and the sunroof. Nothing electronics, control arms, headlights, rotors, brakes, paint scratches.
If you do not buy a first hand car, it really is not worth going back to the dealership for repairs. Trust me I know, and spent bullshit amount on them already.
For your opening the gas tank issue, you know u have to push the right side of the panel to open lid right? I know its weird compared to other japanese cars or bmw, but that is how efficient it is for audi and mercs are.
Best thing to do, is to go to your own mechanic for other repairs and oil changes. I could recommend you to a few trustworthy places if you like. Just PM me and I'll send the information.
I mean the customer service for uptown is way better than some of the names mentioned on here, and it depends on the service agent too and their mood. But I have been happy when I still had my warranty with uptown to fix major problems such as my sunroof (that took 3-4 hrs to fix, but under CPO warranty which u have, it'll only cost the deductable of 100 bucks). Anything else, if it is not regarding the engine, the audi dealerships would not touch or cover under the CPO warranty. You have to read the warranty clearly and precisely.
Seeing you as a 2nd hand owner for your audi, I'll let you in on a secret. 300 point inspection is only about the engine and the sunroof. Nothing electronics, control arms, headlights, rotors, brakes, paint scratches.
If you do not buy a first hand car, it really is not worth going back to the dealership for repairs. Trust me I know, and spent bullshit amount on them already.
For your opening the gas tank issue, you know u have to push the right side of the panel to open lid right? I know its weird compared to other japanese cars or bmw, but that is how efficient it is for audi and mercs are.
Best thing to do, is to go to your own mechanic for other repairs and oil changes. I could recommend you to a few trustworthy places if you like. Just PM me and I'll send the information.
I mean the customer service for uptown is way better than some of the names mentioned on here, and it depends on the service agent too and their mood. But I have been happy when I still had my warranty with uptown to fix major problems such as my sunroof (that took 3-4 hrs to fix, but under CPO warranty which u have, it'll only cost the deductable of 100 bucks). Anything else, if it is not regarding the engine, the audi dealerships would not touch or cover under the CPO warranty. You have to read the warranty clearly and precisely.
#78
Re: Audi Uptown Nightmare!
Additionally, I think you made the right choice in purchasing an Audi, because its comfortable and safe on the road, it just sucks that people working for the car are not so great.
Not trying to stir up trouble, but bmw and audi are two different concept cars. One is dynamic performance on street (fast acceleration) and everyone in markham has one vs. stability, traction, comfortability for the driver, and the more unique look of an audi.
Not trying to stir up trouble, but bmw and audi are two different concept cars. One is dynamic performance on street (fast acceleration) and everyone in markham has one vs. stability, traction, comfortability for the driver, and the more unique look of an audi.
#79
Re: Audi Uptown Nightmare!
Your questions and the way you were treated is not uncommon by any means at an Audi or even VW stealership. There is an arrogance about those dealers that has been noticed across North America. I know because I teach VW and Audi technology across North America and was a dealer tech for many years. I see and hear this type of complaint repeatedly. The inspection you’ve mentioned is a joke and if 5 percent was ever completed, you’re lucky.
Here’s the correct way to look at an Audi. (Mine has over 200,000 K)
1. Scan the entire system and tell the customer what was found (at every inspection)
2. Remove all the wheels and inspect the brakes and suspension (twice a year)
3. Inspect the exterior (at every inspection)
4. Inspect the interior and exercise all of the electronic systems (at every inspection)
5. Change the oil in the engine (4 times a year)
6. Change the oil in the transmission and differentials every 30K (no matter what the book or dealer says)
Stay away from the dealer and look for a trained independent service facility that has been trained in Audi and VW technology. They have just as good or better training with the right tools for service needs.
Try these shops, they’re known as high quality and have pride in their work.
Cross Avenue Motors
142 Cross Avenue
Oakville ON L6J 2W6
905-845-0666
contact@crossavenueauto.com
Cooksville Service Center
135 Dundas St. E.
Mississauga, Ontario L5A 1W7
905-277-9751
cooksvilleservicecenter@rogers.com
Here’s the correct way to look at an Audi. (Mine has over 200,000 K)
1. Scan the entire system and tell the customer what was found (at every inspection)
2. Remove all the wheels and inspect the brakes and suspension (twice a year)
3. Inspect the exterior (at every inspection)
4. Inspect the interior and exercise all of the electronic systems (at every inspection)
5. Change the oil in the engine (4 times a year)
6. Change the oil in the transmission and differentials every 30K (no matter what the book or dealer says)
Stay away from the dealer and look for a trained independent service facility that has been trained in Audi and VW technology. They have just as good or better training with the right tools for service needs.
Try these shops, they’re known as high quality and have pride in their work.
Cross Avenue Motors
142 Cross Avenue
Oakville ON L6J 2W6
905-845-0666
contact@crossavenueauto.com
Cooksville Service Center
135 Dundas St. E.
Mississauga, Ontario L5A 1W7
905-277-9751
cooksvilleservicecenter@rogers.com
Last edited by Ecmbuster; 08-16-2010 at 11:12 PM.
#80
Re: Audi Uptown Nightmare!
Hey Ecmbuster, you got any other high quality non dealer types in the GTA? I only have one I trust and he's great but more of a low tech sort of repair shop, although he is getting to bottom of "syetem lean" alarm. Secondary codes with first lean percentage high and second one low, in one bank, means its a vacuum leak - so he says. We'll try next week. If he's right, then he's moved up to "high tech" as well as lower tech (brakes, struts, fuel pump, alternator, oil, pulleys, timing belt, etc.) which he has always been very good at and at half of dealer labour rate. He's former Audi mechanic (16 yrs) from a dealer-stealer. We could all use a few more names of such guys in GTA.
I heard of a guy on LePage Court in North York, John Marques. Anyone know him? Got a good review - from his brother.
I heard of a guy on LePage Court in North York, John Marques. Anyone know him? Got a good review - from his brother.