Audi Care true cost
 

We just had a total loss of a brand spanking new 2018 Q5. Turns out that Audi does refund the unused portion of Audi Care in case of a crash (it pays to ask!). In our case (Audi Care was $869 MSRP) that meant 4 services after 10,000. When we got a check from Audi for $500 I called them why not the whole $869 that we paid. Audi explained that that's because the cost is $125 per service ($125*4=500) and that everything above is simply dealer's profit. So now you know how to negotiate that one as well :).

good to know!

Tell them to screw off because one of those services on the Q5 is way more than 125, because the DSG fluid is replaced.

Read the document you agreed to enter into when signing up for Audi Care. It spells out clearly the costs associated to both parties and related situations in which certain monies are added or deducted based on specific events/instances/circumstances/etc. You can tell them to 'screw off' all day long but they have you consenting to a binding document.

I recently went in for my 10k mile service which is free. I asked how much the 20k would be and they gave me a written quote for $425 which includes oil change, dust filter, and lubrication of doors, sunroof, etc. This seems ridculously high to me. Audi dealer is 30 miles away. VW dealer 1 mile away will do oil change, inspection, etc for $89. I can change dust/pollen filter myself.

Audi encouraged me to get Audi Care for $869 which covers next 4 visits (20k, 30k, 40k, 50k) which equals $217 per visit. Any real reason to pay $217 at Audi vs $89 at VW?

The only value for me would be in the spark plug change at 40k, and the transmission fluid drain/fill at the same mileage. I think you also get new wiper blades as needed. Suprisingly, they do not cover tire rotations, which I think were quoted at $35. I have done plenty of plug changes, so when the time comes I may just do it myself. If you can get an oil change with premium oil/filter for $89, I would definitely go that route.

Transmission fluid change at any shop that knows how to do it but doesnt charge dealer prices is $350 just on its own (need to use an audi/vw specialty shop that has the tools and has done it before). Spark plugs you are looking at $40 per plug most times, if not more, plus install.

+1

The explanation you got is inaccurate. Cost on a Q5 is $789 to a dealer, $869 is retail. If you're financing through Audi, you can't mark it up beyond that. If using an outside bank, or cash, a dealer can mark it up to whatever. Many do, most (in my experience) don't.