Audi build quality - am I expecting too much?
Discussion
I have just picked up a nearly new S4. For now, it's squeak and rattle free. Based on prior experience (a6, s5, a5, s3) this will soon change but the drivetrain is reason enough to own the car.
My questions
- what level of rattle/squeakage is acceptable to you? Do you have a zero tolerance policy until a certain age/ mileage?
- does anybody have any experience of audi dealers / specialists who excel in being able to identify and resolve these issues? If this happens during the warranty period, it will go straight back to the audi network but I'm curious to know who the experts are in this area - i.e. people who can *actually* fix it.
And just to answer the fair and obvious question; "why on earth do you persist with Audi if you've experienced such poor interior build quality?". Quattro, torque and stubbornness. Great cars; just feel like they need a good mid-life screwing to get them back on top.
My questions
- what level of rattle/squeakage is acceptable to you? Do you have a zero tolerance policy until a certain age/ mileage?
- does anybody have any experience of audi dealers / specialists who excel in being able to identify and resolve these issues? If this happens during the warranty period, it will go straight back to the audi network but I'm curious to know who the experts are in this area - i.e. people who can *actually* fix it.
And just to answer the fair and obvious question; "why on earth do you persist with Audi if you've experienced such poor interior build quality?". Quattro, torque and stubbornness. Great cars; just feel like they need a good mid-life screwing to get them back on top.
Judging by my last car -an 08 plate A5, compared to the A4 cab before that, Audi interior quality is heading south. I lost count the amount of times the A5 went to the dealer for rattles to be fixed with cheapo trim. I was told at the last visit that once they're two years old, Audi tend to wash their hands of rattles too.
I got so annoyed, I got rid in the end, and bought a new XF. Apart from a normal door rattle with the window mechanism (now fixed), it's been flawless with 26k on the clock now. None of my BMWs or Audis have been as good with interior quality.
I got so annoyed, I got rid in the end, and bought a new XF. Apart from a normal door rattle with the window mechanism (now fixed), it's been flawless with 26k on the clock now. None of my BMWs or Audis have been as good with interior quality.
1) You are expecting to much
2) Research reliability of cars, Audi does very poorly even against the clones In the VAG range
3) My New A4 is ok so far as rattles are concerned have noticed the odd creak not sure from where , but then the ride quality is not up to much which will have deleterious effect on body and trim integrity in the end
4) Audi warranty is poor nowadays in comparison to other makes
5) Audi have already washed their hands of my problem with stop start , if it is not recorded on the diagnostics it doesn't exist!!! Dimwits!!!
6) Don't buy an Audi full stop, never again here absolute shower , customer service Zero
7) very nice shiny dealers , polite but it's all only skin deep no real ability 2 stealers experienced so far
8)S-line loan cars have been awful , ride quality is terrible, never driven a car that tramlines so much there like Scaletrix slot cars.
9) I feel there are several ergonomic flaws with the A4 interior as well
10) Just far to many electronic system trying to do the drivers job , and in most cases poorly , but then this Is the Audi aim a driverless car , just passengers
Yes I have an axe to grind but I still try to be objective
8000 miles so far and not going to give up and turn the dam SS system off , it will work , Audi here I come
2) Research reliability of cars, Audi does very poorly even against the clones In the VAG range
3) My New A4 is ok so far as rattles are concerned have noticed the odd creak not sure from where , but then the ride quality is not up to much which will have deleterious effect on body and trim integrity in the end
4) Audi warranty is poor nowadays in comparison to other makes
5) Audi have already washed their hands of my problem with stop start , if it is not recorded on the diagnostics it doesn't exist!!! Dimwits!!!
6) Don't buy an Audi full stop, never again here absolute shower , customer service Zero
7) very nice shiny dealers , polite but it's all only skin deep no real ability 2 stealers experienced so far
8)S-line loan cars have been awful , ride quality is terrible, never driven a car that tramlines so much there like Scaletrix slot cars.
9) I feel there are several ergonomic flaws with the A4 interior as well
10) Just far to many electronic system trying to do the drivers job , and in most cases poorly , but then this Is the Audi aim a driverless car , just passengers
Yes I have an axe to grind but I still try to be objective
8000 miles so far and not going to give up and turn the dam SS system off , it will work , Audi here I come
Edited by Chippo1 on Monday 27th January 20:55
Or my experience for balance
1) You are expecting to much - Nope, mine is rattle free and problem free after 7 years and 115k miles
2) Research reliability of cars, Audi does very poorly even against the clones In the VAG range. - most Audis are not clones, reliability is also measured angainst expectations, people expect more of a premium brand therefore judge more harshly. Having said that there have been issues with injectors and multitronic, but my A6 has been far more reliable than my E60 BMW or my Volvo V70 and is on a par with out Subaru Outback.
3) My New A4 is ok so far as rattles are concerned have noticed the odd creak not sure from where , but then the ride quality is not up to much which will have deleterious effect on body and trim integrity in the end. - My A6 is an s-line on lowered sports suspesion, it has a hard ride (which I prefer) but still has no squeaks or rattles
4) Audi warranty is poor nowadays in comparison to other makes - Looks the same as most competitors to me, but I could be wrong
5) Audi have already washed their hands of my problem with stop start , if it is not recorded on the diagnostics it doesn't exist!!! Dimwits!!! - inexcusable. I have found their customer service to be very good but havent had a big fault like that. I had issues with fault diagnosis on both my BMW and Volvo
6) Don't buy an Audi full stop, never again here absolute shower , customer service Zero - As I said I find them good, especially my local dealers
7) very nice shiny dealers , polite but it's all only skin deep no real ability 2 stealers experienced so far - not my experience, infact they are no better or worse than other premium brand stealers
8)S-line loan cars have been awful , ride quality is terrible, never driven a car that tramlines so much there like Scaletrix slot cars - I like S-line, stops the kids spewing, no issues with tramlining on my car or the A4 loan cars I have had. If you want to experience tramlining try a Tuscan on lane 1 of any motorway.
9) I feel there are several ergonomic flaws with the A4 interior as well - no car is perfect ergonomically, haven't noticed any particular issues in the loan cars I have had, but have only had them for a day.
10) Just far to many electronic system trying to do the drivers job , and in most cases poorly , but then this Is the Audi aim a driverless car , just passengers - I would like to see evidence that they are any different from comparable products. Which systems do you take issue with on a volume car aimed at average jo public drivers? If its stop start, I think they use the same system that other makers use
Yes I have an axe to grind but I still try to be objective - [b]sorry I think you failed, its hard to be objective about cars TBH
[/b]
1) You are expecting to much - Nope, mine is rattle free and problem free after 7 years and 115k miles
2) Research reliability of cars, Audi does very poorly even against the clones In the VAG range. - most Audis are not clones, reliability is also measured angainst expectations, people expect more of a premium brand therefore judge more harshly. Having said that there have been issues with injectors and multitronic, but my A6 has been far more reliable than my E60 BMW or my Volvo V70 and is on a par with out Subaru Outback.
3) My New A4 is ok so far as rattles are concerned have noticed the odd creak not sure from where , but then the ride quality is not up to much which will have deleterious effect on body and trim integrity in the end. - My A6 is an s-line on lowered sports suspesion, it has a hard ride (which I prefer) but still has no squeaks or rattles
4) Audi warranty is poor nowadays in comparison to other makes - Looks the same as most competitors to me, but I could be wrong
5) Audi have already washed their hands of my problem with stop start , if it is not recorded on the diagnostics it doesn't exist!!! Dimwits!!! - inexcusable. I have found their customer service to be very good but havent had a big fault like that. I had issues with fault diagnosis on both my BMW and Volvo
6) Don't buy an Audi full stop, never again here absolute shower , customer service Zero - As I said I find them good, especially my local dealers
7) very nice shiny dealers , polite but it's all only skin deep no real ability 2 stealers experienced so far - not my experience, infact they are no better or worse than other premium brand stealers
8)S-line loan cars have been awful , ride quality is terrible, never driven a car that tramlines so much there like Scaletrix slot cars - I like S-line, stops the kids spewing, no issues with tramlining on my car or the A4 loan cars I have had. If you want to experience tramlining try a Tuscan on lane 1 of any motorway.
9) I feel there are several ergonomic flaws with the A4 interior as well - no car is perfect ergonomically, haven't noticed any particular issues in the loan cars I have had, but have only had them for a day.
10) Just far to many electronic system trying to do the drivers job , and in most cases poorly , but then this Is the Audi aim a driverless car , just passengers - I would like to see evidence that they are any different from comparable products. Which systems do you take issue with on a volume car aimed at average jo public drivers? If its stop start, I think they use the same system that other makers use
Yes I have an axe to grind but I still try to be objective - [b]sorry I think you failed, its hard to be objective about cars TBH
[/b]
Blueg
I wouldn't argue with you, as I clearly come from a different perspective .
But
Check out warranty direct roadside break down stats and the JD power surveys
Tuscan , I have driven , there is no comparison what so ever , such a completely different car in all respects , My S2000 does not tramline
Audi's share a bunch of components with other VAG cars including platforms , I am sure many. systems and electronics. It would be bonkers not to expect Skoda, Seat , VW and Audi not to share research , development and part s manufacture with many unseen parts just badged , although I am told there are parts badged VAG and VW found on the average Audi , so yes part clones
Stop,start, have a look at the car magazine article circa 2010 last paragraph.
I,agree,about ergonomics very personal , worst thing is location of MMI control positively dangerous far to far away from normal sight line to use while driving , for me and my driving position stalks are hidden behind steering wheel as,are head light adjuster and the dam fog light switches
Electronics system , maybe it's my car , but starting is very in consistent I have given up trying to work out what going on from day to day . The parking brake is a solution to a non existent problem has,2 option s on or off no driver input or feel , but then a BMW salesman told me handbrakes are no longer used ,,,,,,Far to,slow coming off, I,often drive away with,the,brakes,still,on
Bloody I,Pad , sorry about,all,the,,,,,,, ."........ Must be me fingers or,am I a. Luddite ?
I wouldn't argue with you, as I clearly come from a different perspective .
But
Check out warranty direct roadside break down stats and the JD power surveys
Tuscan , I have driven , there is no comparison what so ever , such a completely different car in all respects , My S2000 does not tramline
Audi's share a bunch of components with other VAG cars including platforms , I am sure many. systems and electronics. It would be bonkers not to expect Skoda, Seat , VW and Audi not to share research , development and part s manufacture with many unseen parts just badged , although I am told there are parts badged VAG and VW found on the average Audi , so yes part clones
Stop,start, have a look at the car magazine article circa 2010 last paragraph.
I,agree,about ergonomics very personal , worst thing is location of MMI control positively dangerous far to far away from normal sight line to use while driving , for me and my driving position stalks are hidden behind steering wheel as,are head light adjuster and the dam fog light switches
Electronics system , maybe it's my car , but starting is very in consistent I have given up trying to work out what going on from day to day . The parking brake is a solution to a non existent problem has,2 option s on or off no driver input or feel , but then a BMW salesman told me handbrakes are no longer used ,,,,,,Far to,slow coming off, I,often drive away with,the,brakes,still,on
Bloody I,Pad , sorry about,all,the,,,,,,, ."........ Must be me fingers or,am I a. Luddite ?
Edited by Chippo1 on Monday 27th January 22:31
Edited by Chippo1 on Monday 27th January 22:41
'58 A5, 71k miles and no squeaks or rattles. Currently needs a parking sensor (temepramental) and some brake discs (worn). Interior is spot on.
I deal with Audis 2-7 years old every day with mileages ranging from 10k to over 100. Don't see many complaints for rattles at all. Last couple were both for broken parcel shelf stays on A6 Avants (there's a very cheap repair kit for this anyway).
I deal with Audis 2-7 years old every day with mileages ranging from 10k to over 100. Don't see many complaints for rattles at all. Last couple were both for broken parcel shelf stays on A6 Avants (there's a very cheap repair kit for this anyway).
We've had an A6 (2006-2010) followed by an A5 (2010-2014). Absolutely no complaints about squeaks and rattles.
Due to a cockup with the order for the new car (A6 again) we've got a BMW as a temporary (free!) replacement (garage had already sold our car). The BMW creaks and groans like a clipper in a gale, and the driver's door pocket is half full of bits of trim which have fallen off (not during our use - they were already in there).
Due to a cockup with the order for the new car (A6 again) we've got a BMW as a temporary (free!) replacement (garage had already sold our car). The BMW creaks and groans like a clipper in a gale, and the driver's door pocket is half full of bits of trim which have fallen off (not during our use - they were already in there).
Of course most of our comments here are anecdotal and are based on survey's of one or 2 vehicles, hence my comments, do a bit of research regarding vehicle reliability, and even then numbers can be misleading , there are statistics and dammed lies, often finding the truth is like being based in 121 Baker street.
Why oh why did some one mention rattles and creaks, my car sounded like a 1970's BR slam door coach this morning, but then I did tune my ears in, bloody noise from passenger side some where , and noise from the boot area, but I think I was being a bit inquisitive this morning !!!!
Oh another ergonomic grip, the MMI display 99% of this time i find it distracting and want to turn it off,( Do not or rarely use the sat NAV, it rubbish in London has no idea where its going, OK for any one who does not drive in London regularly so its back to the odd referance to the A to Z for me ) but no its a right faff going through the memu's to do this and leave the radio operating , where as on an A3 loan car there's a nice little button on the dash that puts it to sleep
Why oh why did some one mention rattles and creaks, my car sounded like a 1970's BR slam door coach this morning, but then I did tune my ears in, bloody noise from passenger side some where , and noise from the boot area, but I think I was being a bit inquisitive this morning !!!!
Oh another ergonomic grip, the MMI display 99% of this time i find it distracting and want to turn it off,( Do not or rarely use the sat NAV, it rubbish in London has no idea where its going, OK for any one who does not drive in London regularly so its back to the odd referance to the A to Z for me ) but no its a right faff going through the memu's to do this and leave the radio operating , where as on an A3 loan car there's a nice little button on the dash that puts it to sleep
On our 3rd A4. Never had an issue apart from the 2nd one, an Avant, which towards the end had a squeak coming from the rear seats when not in use. As with most of these niggles they are not audible once you get going. I have a really annoying rattle in our 4 year old Peugeot 207 though. I think I am going to have remove interior panels to find it. Sounds like a loose bolt.
I think you must be unlucky. No doubt the materials and build have definitely fallen over the years but they are still IMO far superior to most other cars for build /quality today.
I'm on my 4th Audi & all have been rattle free. An A6 C5 avant had a rattle on the load cover so i removed it fully as they all seem to do it - its a loose piece of plastic afterall.
My A4 B7 isn't as well built as an earlier B5 I owned for 14 years but still with the B7 hard suspension (S line +10% firmer) doesn't rattle in slightest after 8 years.
I would seriously check you don't have anything silly under the seat or glove box or exhaust brackets etc causing the rattle - they shouldn't.
I'm on my 4th Audi & all have been rattle free. An A6 C5 avant had a rattle on the load cover so i removed it fully as they all seem to do it - its a loose piece of plastic afterall.
My A4 B7 isn't as well built as an earlier B5 I owned for 14 years but still with the B7 hard suspension (S line +10% firmer) doesn't rattle in slightest after 8 years.
I would seriously check you don't have anything silly under the seat or glove box or exhaust brackets etc causing the rattle - they shouldn't.
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