arnick'02-6spd

Already had the 50K 'service'. Took the sled down to AMS in Carson, where they went over it. They confirmed my shift linkage and turbo complaints - hopefully more ammo to go at audi with (they've been 'unable to duplicate' my complaints twice, even when I had the tech along and he agreed he heard something). (I think they want me to blow my turbo on the 5 inbetween LA and SanFrancisco or something.)

Here's the report.

1. Coolant Resevoir cracked on underside. (Heat stress fractures are apparently common - and they appear on the underside inboard portion of the resevoir.
2. Valve cover gaskets leaking oil down around bellhousing area.
3. Tires worn (I know.)
4. Play in shifter appears to be from inside transmission. (me: Possibly detents need to be replaced?)
5. Passenger side turbocharger is making slight dentist drill noise and off boost warble. Suspect failing turbine bearing. Vaccum system and diverter valves OK.
6. Trans free of leaks with exception of oil leaking from valve cover gaskets. OK.
7. Front end suspension, dust seals, ball joints, tie rods, drive shafts, boots OK.
8. OBD system free of DTC's in memory, OK.
9. Breaks FR-75% R-80%

All in all, no surprises. I've got 1500 miles to make an appointment....

221Sean

Are you going w/ extended/aftermarket warranty?

Would those "leaks" you mention be covered by audi pure protection after 50K or does something need to "fail" ?

CA sucks for aftermarket warranty options BTW. Looking for help from anyone here w/ experience specific to CA.

cheers.

MCarson

I took my '03 allroad in twice for the turbos making noise before I hit 50k. It would make a chirping noise about a second after you hit the gas, it felt sluggish, and would sometimes fall on its face above 5000 rpm. The first time I took it in (Nov. 05) they said they could not duplicate it. The second time (Dec. 05) the service manager rode with me and heard the sound, and said it sounded like it could be related to the turbos. There was an overboost code set, and they told me there was a TSB for the code to change a valve in the intake tract, which they did. I left the dealership with 49,9xx miles on it. It made the same noise the second I pulled away from the dealership. Since the closest dealership is an hour away (with traffic), had to pick the car up after hours, so I went ahead and took the car. We needed it for Christmas time anyway, and I figured since I had had the car there for the issue twice already the factory warranty would cover it.
I was wrong. It was Feb. 06 before I got it back down there. I had taken it to a local Audi specialist in the interim, who told me in a half hour I needed turbos, but that I should take it to the dealership because of the warranty issue. The dealership took 7 days to figure out it needed turbos, then said "now we just have to figure out how you are going to pay for it." I was not a happy camper to say the least. I tried everything I could to get them to cover it. The dealership seemed okay with it, but the regional service rep would not approve it. They would not give me his number. It was now out of warranty, and that was it.
They did ask me if I had an extended warranty, and as soon as they found out I did (not through Audi) there was no more pretense of Audi or the dealership even thinking about paying anything. The warranty co. wanted to use remanufactured turbos, but Audi said they wouldn't do it. Finally they said they would do the work, but they wouldn't warranty their work with the remanufactured turbos. The warranty company said they would, and they sent the turbos. Then those tubos didn't match up to the down pipes. So I had to get new ones.
I took the car in February 12. I got it back on March 10. Our son was born March 12. (I thought they were going to have to deliver the car to the hospital so I could take my son home!) I was not happy. I wrote several letters to Audi of America, and they wrote back saying that the dealership was right, and it should not have been covered. I only ended up having to pay about $150 out of pocket (I didn't have a deductible) but I did pay for the warranty, which had a clause that you could get some of the cost back if you never use it. I won't be getting any back (it was $5500 total) The warranty company treated me fairly IMO, but I will never again do business with an Audi dealer for any reason!

-Matt

tocohillsguy1

I have a 2001 and was looking through the warranty book and noticed that the turbos were included in the emissions warranty that lasted beyond the 50k warranty. I can not recall how much longer. Also, I have an Audi Assured extended warranty that takes me until Dec of this year or 100K. Not sure what I'll do, but I doubt I'll keep the allroad past the extended warranty period. Drove an A3 last weekend. Hot little car and a lot of fun to drive with the DSG transmission. Just not sure if it's big enough for me. On the oppose side I also looked at a Honda Ridgeline. A lot more utility but certain neither a "looker" nor fun to drive. I drove an A6 Avant and Q7, but not sure I want to go that way either.

arnick'02-6spd

The checkup cost was $150. It took them about 2 hrs. (which I think is their shop rate.)

I bought the car in september of 05. It's a CPO '02 that had original warranty until 7/22/06 or 50,000miles. I'll probably hit the 50k mark in about a month.

I'm not sure about the coverage for the seals (I don't have a waranty book), but I have a feeling that once you go into extended waranty, those become wear items - I know an audi dealer kept hitting my dad up for costs on seals when he was into his extended. Either he's too lazy to fight it, or they only really cover electronics and drivetrain failures.

arnick'02-6spd

I have the CPO Warranty. Turbos covered 'til '09 or 100K. :-)

arnick'02-6spd

The rattle in the headliner behind the sunroof. For Free. So far, they've adjusted all four doors and the hatch, replaced trim, the washer system, the gas tank (damaged in shipping I think), wiper blades, FOR FREE. They never even bat an eye when I come in with things like "My door squeaks over bumps, please tighten." I always go in and sit down face to face with the same service rep. I only deal with him. I'm polite. I don't complain to loudly when they screw something up - just my strategy.

All told, I'm fairly happy about audi service, when I forget about them dragging thier heels on the turbos - which is understandable.

MCarson

But one $6000 repair that they won't cover makes you forget all the $100 ones they did. I can understand them not wanting to replace them as the first try - but when they drag it out enough that it's out of warranty and then won't cover you, that's wrong.

mustbeaudi

Sean, no time to call today (late here now). Sorry. Not much to add about CA, either

arnick'02-6spd

They took that into consideration?

Man, what a PITA.