Do you trust your dealership for repairs?

[Volusia]

I use the dealer only when the car is under warranty. My step-son had an issue with an O2 sensor in his car recently. He called the dealer and they told him parts and labor would be around $350 for the repair. I told him to go to YouTube and research the issue for his make and model. Found a great video on how to change the sensor (involved removing two bolts, installing new sensor, reinstalling two bolts). Sensor available at local parts store for $45. Total cost of project $45 and about 30 minutes, which includes finding and watching the video on how to do it.

Always check around. I can almost always find videos on what is involved. Even if I am not going to do it myself, at least I know what a mechanic will have to do to complete the job.

 

[senseless]

No I didn't know there's one

Prestige with all the goodies like DAP and sports package etc... Loving how rare these cars are. The mix of the DSG, launch control and the new EA888 engine makes for a fun driving experience to say the least.

Can you fit a road bike in the back with the rear seat folded?

 

[ALLROADINGB9]

Can you fit a road bike in the back with the rear seat folded?

Yes I have already but the electric load cover has to be removed-very easy to do. Would be happy to post pics

 

[senseless]

Yes I have already but the electric load cover has to be removed-very easy to do. Would be happy to post pics

How much time and annoyance is it to remove the load cover? And why did you choose the Allroad over the Q5, especially since the Allroad costs more? (sorry if I'm hijacking this thread)

 

[shinji]

I generally don't trust any commissioned salesperson right off the bat, which dealership service advisors usually are.

But I've dealt with some that were good, some that were full of it. It's one of those things where you really need to ask around to find a reputable place.

To the OP...

Last time I came, they told me that my transmission fluid was leaking and that it'd cost $135 to fix that, and that my battery was failing so I'd need a new one. Took my car to two places to get my battery tested and it came back passed both times and those people told me they were trying to get my money by telling me I needed all those repairs.

So the next time I go, should I decline the inspection, or is it actually necessary?

I would never go back to that dealer.

 

[A.Goldberg]

Generally yes. I've had good luck with the BMW dealers I've used. I figure they generally have good experience and will warranty the work.

My mother had a 2001 Audi A6 Allroad 2.7t back in the day. The dealer was atrocious. They'd get grease all over the interior, not clean the car after working on it, give you a crappy Jetta loaner on a $50k car. One time they did some engine work and evidently reassembled the engine correctly... leading to catostrophic damage (rod through block). Without contest they put in a new motor (~$10,000). A few cars later she owns a 2015 Allroad from a different dealer, much better luck so far.

My parents have owned a number of Land/Range Rovers over the years. The local dealer about 15 min away is very bad. Awful at diagnosing issues, poor communication, crappy loaners. One time they were caught committing warranty fraud... they claimed it was a billing error. Either way not good. A family friend still owns an 03 Disco and the dealer won't even touch it. My father currently owns a Range Rover Sport and travels 45min to 90min to get his service done (later distance is dealer owned by friend). These places are much better.

My girlfriend drives a Volvo. The dealership where we bought it was great- easy going, no pressure, informative, respectful, good deal overall. I have nothing good to say about the local Boston dealer though where we have it serviced. Very mediocre. When we were car shopping we checked out the Boston lot and said dealer was horrendously rude, dismissive, arrogant, and unknowledgable. The only reason we deal with them is because they're close.

I think like any service it's hit or miss- some places will be better than others.

 

[ALLROADINGB9]

How much time and annoyance is it to remove the load cover? And why did you choose the Allroad over the Q5, especially since the Allroad costs more? (sorry if I'm hijacking this thread)

It's not a problem at all to move it. You have to pull it off the rails it slides on and then it is held with two clips that come off by pushing them.


I chose the allroad because I don't like the way the new Q5 looks and it's the most popular Audi. I wanted something different, unique and special to me. The allroad has always had a soft spot for me. The power, handling, and ride is impeccable in this car. The virtual cockpit is stunning and all the different technologies in the car keeps me learning all about it. Quattro ultra helps me save gas and is cool to use.


I do like the Q5 but the Allroad is all the more unique and probably one of the last wagons Audi will bring to the US.

 

[vigilant]

I've been taking my car to the dealership for oil changes, it's cheaper than going to Tire Kingdom or those sorts of places. I drive a Honda, so the last time I took it there I was told that the next time I came to get an oil change it'd be time for a 30,000 mile 3 point inspection. Turns out, it's going to cost $410. Is that a bit too much for that?! If it were around $1-200 I'd probably settle for it, but that's a bit much.

Last time I came, they told me that my transmission fluid was leaking and that it'd cost $135 to fix that, and that my battery was failing so I'd need a new one. Took my car to two places to get my battery tested and it came back passed both times and those people told me they were trying to get my money by telling me I needed all those repairs.

So the next time I go, should I decline the inspection, or is it actually necessary?

FYI, I'm a female so that could be why they're trying to get me to pay for all the extra stuff..

For our cars we trust the dealership to do repairs and maintenance.

Part of it has to do with the fact that we bought the warranty extending our VWs to I believe 100,000 miles.

The other part of it is I know that while a significant portion of a dealerships revenue comes from repairs and maintenance (in warranty and out of warranty) I see that if they do a bad job it could stop you from getting your next car there.

I don't know much about your situation.

 

[Huntn]

I've been taking my car to the dealership for oil changes, it's cheaper than going to Tire Kingdom or those sorts of places. I drive a Honda, so the last time I took it there I was told that the next time I came to get an oil change it'd be time for a 30,000 mile 3 point inspection. Turns out, it's going to cost $410. Is that a bit too much for that?! If it were around $1-200 I'd probably settle for it, but that's a bit much.

Last time I came, they told me that my transmission fluid was leaking and that it'd cost $135 to fix that, and that my battery was failing so I'd need a new one. Took my car to two places to get my battery tested and it came back passed both times and those people told me they were trying to get my money by telling me I needed all those repairs.

So the next time I go, should I decline the inspection, or is it actually necessary?

FYI, I'm a female so that could be why they're trying to get me to pay for all the extra stuff..

I'm sure it's a case by case basis. Some people are not honest. Some businesses try to generate income for themselves. Although this is an auto thread, I've seen this at the dentist. Based on what you said, I would not trust this dealer and personally I think you could find cheaper oil changes at third party locations like Jiffy Lube or the like... but maybe not.

 

[senseless]

I chose the allroad because I don't like the way the new Q5 looks and it's the most popular Audi. I wanted something different, unique and special to me. The allroad has always had a soft spot for me. The power, handling, and ride is impeccable in this car. The virtual cockpit is stunning and all the different technologies in the car keeps me learning all about it. Quattro ultra helps me save gas and is cool to use.


I do like the Q5 but the Allroad is all the more unique and probably one of the last wagons Audi will bring to the US.

It sounds like a nice compromise between SUV and sedan. I'm kind of a non-conformist too. So much so that I wish the Allroad came with a manual trans option like some of the A4s.

 

[ALLROADINGB9]

It sounds like a nice compromise between SUV and sedan. I'm kind of a non-conformist too. So much so that I wish the Allroad came with a manual trans option like some of the A4s.

Since the allroad and the a4 ride on the B9 chassis, you could probably swap one out. Although the DSG 7 speed is pretty sweet.. launch control too!!