Hi,

Am up sh** creek without a paddle.

I recently pulled the trigger on a used Audi Q5 from a dealer. It is certified (CPO). I purchased it from another province (QC), and when getting the safety (for ON) the mechanic remarked the vehicle had been rust proofed. I confirmed it with a local Audi dealer - the holes in the door are in fact rust proofing. I did not notice the holes/plugs when I purchased the vehicle. I thought I had done my homework - I was aware that rust proofing a VAG vehicle by drilling holes would void the corrosion warranty, and this was confirmed by the dealer when I asked what I was allowed to do (such as spraying the bottom/exposed parts) but I never actually checked for the plugs in the doors.

So, working this through in my mind: the dealer knows drilling holes to rust proof voids the warranty. They certified the vehicle as a CPO, which apparently was a lease return from their own customer (how can you return a lease with holes in the doors?). One of the "benefits" of the CPO program, according to Audi website, is the transferable corrosion warranty. So why would this dealer have allowed the car to certify?

I am feeling a bit fleeced for two reasons: 1) I purchased a vehicle I thought came with 12 year corrosion warranty, but it does not (and basically now I have to pay out of pocket every year to have it rust proofed). 2) This wasn't a small purchase - I expected better service/experience, but also given how puzzled I am that a lease return passed inspection without this being noticed makes me question what else may have been missed with the vehicle.

I accept that ultimately, it was my responsibility to check everything, including this. Bottom line is, I signed the papers. That said, I remain frustrated with the fact it is so difficult to have a positive experience at a dealer. I have not called the dealer yet, as I wanted to give myself a day to cool off and collect my thoughts on how to proceed. I will try to get something out of this, whether it be some kind of 'good will' assistance should corrosion appear or some financial compensation for the fact I have to rustproof this vehicle going forward. My principal argument will be that I purchased a vehicle that was not as advertised.

Has anyone been through similar experience, or have any suggestions or comments? In the CPO checklist provided by the dealer, one criteria is: "Is the vehicle free from current or evidence of past aftermarket modifications (chassis, body, or engine chip)?"

Would rust proofing quality as "aftermarket" ?

Thanks

 

What was the outcome?

 

What was the outcome?