hello, i just had to take my 2010 a4 to the dealer because of the alternator, while i was there the person at the counter informed me that the engine had been replaced at 35,000 miles, that was not on the carfax....is having the engine replaced something i should be concerned about, or should i be happy that it has a new engine? this is stressing me out

 

Don't worry. Be happy. If it were an aircraft the new engine would increase the value. Of course in aircraft one expects that engines get replaced.

 

thanks! that makes me feel better

 

So much for Carfax though.

 

I know! it was nowhere in the carfax, if the person at the dealer doesn't tell me i would've never known.

 

Does the engine replacement reduce significantly the resale value of the car? should i do anything about the dealer not disclosing that information to me?

 

Most people don't know that carfax does not report repairs that either the dealer or independent shops or insurance companies receive. It is a quick check but don't trust it. With a Audi dealer and some other car companies there is a dealer history of each car. It should be on a master data base where if you ask the dealer for car history they should be able to run you a copy of all of the dealer serviced items. If it was done by joe's garage they will most likely not be there. Also if the car was wrecked and repaired without insurance involved you will not see that repair unless you inspect the car. It seems with these Audi's a lot of the time the rear and front bumper plastic is resprayed and not recorded. Inspect what you buy and remember buyer beware.

 

You said you were told the engine was replaced at 35K miles. You don't say how many miles were on the car when you bought it. Nor do you say if the car is a CPO or still under warranty.

Not positive, but I'm not aware of any requirement for a seller to disclose to a purchaser mechanical repairs - only known accidents or safety issues/items that are in need of repair. In this case, it's a mechanical "repair". If the seller had replaced defective brakes, shocks or a trunk lock, would it be required they disclose this? Doubtful. While the engine replacement would certainly be a major event, it's still a mechanical repair.

While I would ask why the engine was replaced, if the car is performing properly, I would think that the new engine is a plus, not a negative. I seriously doubt that an engine that was 35K mi newer than the rest of the car would hurt a resale - it actually would probably be a plus to a potential buyer down the road as it's the most expensive "component" of the car to replace or rebuild in later years.

Finally, if you were to initiate an action against the dealer for non-disclosure, I would think it would be difficult for a judge or jury to award any damages to the new owner as a result of receiving a new $20K engine. If the car was sold to you in need of a new engine and that was not disclosed, that's a different story.

As for Carfax, I think it's a utter waste of money for a dealer to subscribe to or a purchaser to rely on it. Any used car purchaser should have an independent party examine the car before signing a contract and if available, repair records be presented.

So, yes, the dealer should have made you aware of this major repair event before you purchased the car but, in the end, was probably was not required to do so. In any case, particularly if you have a warranty, I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy the car.

 

it is so frustrating to me! i got the car 2 weeks ago after it spent some time at the dealer for engine light on, and now i dont have the car again! i think that after the deal was all done i have driven a loaner more than my car!the car has about 36,600 miles on it so the engine is fairly new. yes i still have warranty on it which is awesome and the audi dealer has been very nice. i'm glad i joined this forum, everyone has been very helpful and you have given me a different perspective and peace of mind.... i was starting to wonder if i had been taken for a ride....and this is my dream car

 

I'd seriously ask them why was it replaced. Excessive oil consumption? Improper care? Abused? Etc... This would definitely bug me. One should not expect an engine replacement that soon. I'd understand if it had 120k on it but 35K? It is totally up to you but if it was me I'd ask for one of the 3 things: 1- hefty discount, 2- another vehicle, 3- money back. God knows what other problems may arise if this car was abused.