Approved used - bit underhand?
Discussion
Hello all, my old man purchased an Audi A5 from an Audi main dealer just under 6 months ago. He’s just received an email saying that “your cambelt needs replacing” as it’s hit the 5yr mark (apparently they’re due replacement after 160k or 5yrs). All costed up at a £850 sum.
He’s pretty miffed at this, having already had to replace a set of tyres due to wear (he’s done around 4K miles since purchase). The cambelt is apparently not included in the 12 month approved used warranty, but does this seem like a bit of an underhand move on behalf of the dealer to not have sorted this before sale? They obviously knew at the point of sale that it would need doing in the very near future and are charging top whack. Understandable if he’d bought from a nameless used car seller, but from approved used dealers you’d surely expect better?
He spoke with a member of the workshop at the Audi dealer in question who’s referred him to the sales manager if he’d like to discuss the issue further (the sales a manger who is - of course - forever ‘busy with a customer’ when he calls).
I guess the question is; has anyone had experience of Audi acting like this? Does he stand a chance of getting it done out of good will? What levers would you pull or avenues are there to go down? Is he being unreadable to be surprised and a bit miffed by this?
He’s pretty miffed at this, having already had to replace a set of tyres due to wear (he’s done around 4K miles since purchase). The cambelt is apparently not included in the 12 month approved used warranty, but does this seem like a bit of an underhand move on behalf of the dealer to not have sorted this before sale? They obviously knew at the point of sale that it would need doing in the very near future and are charging top whack. Understandable if he’d bought from a nameless used car seller, but from approved used dealers you’d surely expect better?
He spoke with a member of the workshop at the Audi dealer in question who’s referred him to the sales manager if he’d like to discuss the issue further (the sales a manger who is - of course - forever ‘busy with a customer’ when he calls).
I guess the question is; has anyone had experience of Audi acting like this? Does he stand a chance of getting it done out of good will? What levers would you pull or avenues are there to go down? Is he being unreadable to be surprised and a bit miffed by this?
Edited by FieldAtlanta on Thursday 8th December 14:40
I'm not sure you would expect an AUC to be pre-emptively serviced. I suspect the previous owner deliberately traded it in before the 'big service' was due.
There should be some due diligence by the buyer to work out the tax (big money if >40k list etc) and servicing (including when things like brakes were last changed) rather than waiting for a salesman to tell them (most wouldn't have a clue if you asked anyway).
There should be some due diligence by the buyer to work out the tax (big money if >40k list etc) and servicing (including when things like brakes were last changed) rather than waiting for a salesman to tell them (most wouldn't have a clue if you asked anyway).
The right thing to have done when buying the car, was check the history, and haggle on the price, or ask to have it done before he buys.
Its not up to the dealer. And to be honest, the sales person probably didnt even know. So sorry, he messed up, i would always haggle on a car needing tyres and a cambelt. But that time has passed for him.
Its not up to the dealer. And to be honest, the sales person probably didnt even know. So sorry, he messed up, i would always haggle on a car needing tyres and a cambelt. But that time has passed for him.
Truckosaurus said:
I'm not sure you would expect an AUC to be pre-emptively serviced. I suspect the previous owner deliberately traded it in before the 'big service' was due.
There should be some due diligence by the buyer to work out the tax (big money if >40k list etc) and servicing (including when things like brakes were last changed) rather than waiting for a salesman to tell them (most wouldn't have a clue if you asked anyway).
Totally - and I’d probably have been that diligent when buying as I’m a car nut. However my dad, and I’d estimate 95% of the rest of Audi approved used customers, are not. Checking the tax cost and checking the condition of the cambelt are quite different levels of due diligence, I’d have thought?There should be some due diligence by the buyer to work out the tax (big money if >40k list etc) and servicing (including when things like brakes were last changed) rather than waiting for a salesman to tell them (most wouldn't have a clue if you asked anyway).
Your first scenario does seem to be the case though, doesn’t it? And the sort of thing I’d expect from a no-name second hand dealer, but that’s why I’m surprised from Audi.
andybracing said:
The right thing to have done when buying the car, was check the history, and haggle on the price, or ask to have it done before he buys.
Its not up to the dealer. And to be honest, the sales person probably didnt even know. So sorry, he messed up, i would always haggle on a car needing tyres and a cambelt. But that time has passed for him.
I'd have to agree with this also.Its not up to the dealer. And to be honest, the sales person probably didnt even know. So sorry, he messed up, i would always haggle on a car needing tyres and a cambelt. But that time has passed for him.
Audi will stick to the service schedule, you could choose to get it done earlier but why? As the mileage/age hasn't reached that milestone then they're not going to do it I would think, if you/he would have known you could of negotiated.
Does he have a service plan, or extended warranty? If not just get a decent indy to do it and move on.
All good points made already. IIRC, MB approved-used state they'll service etc if due 'within the next 3-months'.
Audi t&cs will no doubt be different but it's down to that and, most likey, whether the dealer will offer any 'goodwill'.
Does servicing outside the dealer network affect the warranty, again see what t&cs say.
Audi t&cs will no doubt be different but it's down to that and, most likey, whether the dealer will offer any 'goodwill'.
Does servicing outside the dealer network affect the warranty, again see what t&cs say.
RetroPug said:
Why would you be miffed at having to replace tyres that have worn down with use? They're consumables.
The cambelt isn't a warranty item, it is part of the ongoing cost of maintaining a vehicle. You could probably get it done cheaper at a specialist though rather than the main dealer.
Exactly this.The cambelt isn't a warranty item, it is part of the ongoing cost of maintaining a vehicle. You could probably get it done cheaper at a specialist though rather than the main dealer.
Consumables and servicing aren't 'warranty' items. I've had a few issues with my recently-purchased AUC BMW - they've replaced engine mounts under warranty but the brakes are squealing like stuck pigs (despite working perfectly and plenty of meat on the pads). I'm having new pads put on it next week at my cost as that's not something that would ever be something I'd expect the dealer to sort and I'm hoping it's a case of cheap pads causing the noise.
However, the issue with the Navigation not loading, voice control stopping working and investigating the 'Drivetrain Fault' error message that popped up a fortnight ago are things I'll expect the dealer to sort under warranty when it goes in to them on Monday....
That said, the car I bought had had its brake fluid and oil changed along with a service and new MOT before they put it on the forecourt.
Edited by Funk on Thursday 8th December 19:06
RetroPug said:
Why would you be miffed at having to replace tyres that have worn down with use? They're consumables.
The cambelt isn't a warranty item, it is part of the ongoing cost of maintaining a vehicle. You could probably get it done cheaper at a specialist though rather than the main dealer.
This. The cambelt isn't a warranty item, it is part of the ongoing cost of maintaining a vehicle. You could probably get it done cheaper at a specialist though rather than the main dealer.
TarquinMX5 said:
IIRC, MB approved-used state they'll service etc if due 'within the next 3-months'.
This.Each scheme has its own threshold of how far into the future service schedule they'll cover. Within that period, yes they should do it for free if they missed it at the point of sale. Beyond that time period, it's a used car and it's up to you to pay to maintain it.
Or you can buy a car that doesn't have a cambelt
Thanks all for the helpful responses.
I guess in response to: “why’s he surprised to have to replace consumables on his car”… he’s not, but he is surprised that he’s had to replace tyres and a cambelt so soon after buying the car.
Surely a primary reason why people buy from main dealers - and pay the premium for it - is the element of security and a lack of a NEED for due diligence. These buyers don’t expect to be sold cars with knackered tyres and expensive, known service work required before they’ve spent 6 months in the car! Otherwise what are these dealers supposedly offering over Ted & Joe’s shop down the road?
I guess in response to: “why’s he surprised to have to replace consumables on his car”… he’s not, but he is surprised that he’s had to replace tyres and a cambelt so soon after buying the car.
Surely a primary reason why people buy from main dealers - and pay the premium for it - is the element of security and a lack of a NEED for due diligence. These buyers don’t expect to be sold cars with knackered tyres and expensive, known service work required before they’ve spent 6 months in the car! Otherwise what are these dealers supposedly offering over Ted & Joe’s shop down the road?
FieldAtlanta said:
Thanks all for the helpful responses.
I guess in response to: “why’s he surprised to have to replace consumables on his car”… he’s not, but he is surprised that he’s had to replace tyres and a cambelt so soon after buying the car.
Surely a primary reason why people buy from main dealers - and pay the premium for it - is the element of security and a lack of a NEED for due diligence. These buyers don’t expect to be sold cars with knackered tyres and expensive, known service work required before they’ve spent 6 months in the car! Otherwise what are these dealers supposedly offering over Ted & Joe’s shop down the road?
It is a tricky one I give you. Fair do's though, at the time the dealer sold the car all was tickety-boo. I don't thing any dealer in any circumstance would ever say "mind, it's going to cost you some money in six months".I guess in response to: “why’s he surprised to have to replace consumables on his car”… he’s not, but he is surprised that he’s had to replace tyres and a cambelt so soon after buying the car.
Surely a primary reason why people buy from main dealers - and pay the premium for it - is the element of security and a lack of a NEED for due diligence. These buyers don’t expect to be sold cars with knackered tyres and expensive, known service work required before they’ve spent 6 months in the car! Otherwise what are these dealers supposedly offering over Ted & Joe’s shop down the road?
We've just bought a 4.5 year old Golf & I factored the cost of a cambelt soonish in my deliberations. (but then, to be fair, we've run Golfs for years so bought with some knowledge)
Crudeoink said:
Did he not check the life of the belt or tyres before buying it ?
He did not. Did you read my post? I absolutely agree and I would have acted different if it were me buying. But my point is, do we agree that the average 50yr old, non-car person should be expected to do this when buying from a main dealer?FieldAtlanta said:
Crudeoink said:
Did he not check the life of the belt or tyres before buying it ?
He did not. Did you read my post? I absolutely agree and I would have acted different if it were me buying. But my point is, do we agree that the average 50yr old, non-car person should be expected to do this when buying from a main dealer?I don't know if this'll make you feel any better OP?
Knowing how main dealerships work (having been a main dealer myself), I'll bet you 100/1 that the salesperson would not have had any thought about the cambelt.
They almost certainly were not being underhand, just selling the item that they had.
Having said all that (I know you are having difficulty making contact) but a face to face with the dealer principal could well lead to a contribution towards the cost of replacement.
Knowing how main dealerships work (having been a main dealer myself), I'll bet you 100/1 that the salesperson would not have had any thought about the cambelt.
They almost certainly were not being underhand, just selling the item that they had.
Having said all that (I know you are having difficulty making contact) but a face to face with the dealer principal could well lead to a contribution towards the cost of replacement.
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