kakgungor

Back in the summer I agreed to buy a 2018 Q5 from a local dealership. I specifically wanted the Advanced Driver Assistance Package and HUD which I thought would mean a custom order. Fortunately, the dealership already had a vehicle with these features in their order pipeline so my expected wait time was only 3 months instead of 6. I was originally told it would arrive mid-November but that date came and went. I got a call today from the salesperson to let me know that the vehicle finally arrived (mid-December), but it had a "check engine" warning. After their techs did some tests they apparently determined that the engine now needs to be replaced. I was told that they have to order parts from Germany and it will be another month or so until the vehicle is ready to go.

My questions:

• Is it common for new vehicles to leave the factory with such significant defects as a dead engine?
• If you were in my situation would you accept a vehicle with a rebuilt/replaced engine, or is this a potential sign of a lemon and more problems to come?
• Should I try to negotiate a better deal given the repeated delivery delays and now the defective engine?

My situation is further complicated by the fact that I am trading in a VW Golf TDI as part of the diesel-emissions settlement, and I have already had to reschedule my trade-in appointment once. The appointments are not easy to reschedule (involves a 25-day wait) so it has been a pretty big inconvenience all around.

wishbone

If it was me, I would not accept the vehicle unless they made it VERY favorable for me. I mean like 20% off MSRP favorable and the lowest leasing rate possible. There's no way I'd accept a defective vehicle directly from the factory as new. In addition, if you're purchasing the vehicle with the plan on keeping it passed warranty, there's zero chance I'd accept it.

Also, I absolutely loved my TDI Golf, it's really too bad about that whole deal.

kakgungor

To add some additional info to the discussion, I was planning on paying cash for the vehicle and keeping it for the long term (i.e. beyond 4-year warranty).

daberlin

There are Q5's all over the place, even in Edmonton. I'd pass, or if you choose not to, they'd better offer a tremendous deal. > 25%

wishbone

Yeah find another vehicle, just go to another dealership if necessary. This isn't a rare vehicle.

kakgungor

Finding one with ADAP and HUD has proven to be fairly difficult.

TYJ

I’d pass.

plat27265

It is rather unfortunate that a newly build Q5 would have a dead engine but such is life and things like this do happen. Having been a member of several Audi forums, I can safely say that this is a rare and isolated incident. It is quite unusual for it to leave the factory with such a defect. Once it leaves the factory, it needed to be driven for a short distance so it can be hauled on to a train and transported to the dock. It definitely didn't leave the factory inoperative.

Personally, I have no issues with Audi replacing the dead engine with a brand new unit (it will not be a rebuilt engine because the car is brand new) from the factory. Swapping it out is straight-forward and it is not a problem. I would expect some kind of good-will offer from Audi for the delivery delay such as additional warranty on the engine/powertrain and a loaner while your car is being repaired. Or, some freebies such as Audi Care, Extended Warranty, or accessories.

Do not push your luck too far though. A defective engine is covered under-warranty and it will be replaced under warranty at no expense to you.

kakgungor

Some further detail on what the engine issue was: when it came off the truck, it was making some knocking sounds so the techs had to take a closer look. They found some metal shavings in the engine so at that point they deemed it necessary to be replaced.

Q5 Bob

I'd pass on this one too. Especially since you plan to pay cash for the vehicle. If it were my $$$'s I'd want a different one even if it wasn't exactly 100% of what originally wanted.