I went to visit my comatose defective 2004 Audi A8 at the dealer's service department today.
Since I am paying for this brand-new expensive car and have not seen it in
1-1/2 weeks, I decided to pay it a visit before I wrote the lease payment due at the end of this month.
I got a glimpse of it sitting (lying?) in a service bay. Not much was happening. I believe my defective 2004 Audi A8 is in a coma. I wanted to give them a DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate") order to save it a prolonged agony but it was lunchtime and the help were chowing down.
Later in the day I received a call from the "attending physician" (a/k/a Joel the shop foreman) informing me that although they have an idea what is wrong with my defective 2004 Audi A8 they do not have the parts available to "cure" it. They did strip some parts from a car in their stock to test their diagnosis, but they could not do a permanent "transplant" with these parts and had to wait for a suitable organ donor or something.
No date was given for arrival of the missing organs and the return of the vehicle to me (not that I want it back anymore but I'd like to have something to show for those lease payments.)
If this is what you want in your future, head for your nearest Audi showroom and order a defective 2004 Audi A8. Enjoy.
David, the only thing that will do talking for you right now is money.
A co-worker had a 2000 A6 for about two months that was in the shop about half of its life. She arranged a buyback and gave it back to the dealer (they did offer her another car). Audi wants your money, you want their car. You can either arrage to terminate your lease, or get AoA to replace your car with an equivalent.
Go in with a good attitude and they'll likely offer to replace your car. Don't even bother with the dealer, this is a corporate issue.
I went in to see the new A8L at a local dealer a couple of weeks ago. While I was definitely impressed by the car, I found the gadgets, bells and whistles just about mind-boggling. I held back from signing on the contract for the very reason that you've mentioned, David. I hope you get resolution.
I was able to drive a A8L when going in to talk shop regarding a S6 Avant last month and I thought the car was damn nice, much nicer than our old '98 A8 but I would never buy a first year run from practically any company myself...
It really sucks that there are bound to be components that don't work or fail in the first year but it sucks even more that they are not available for replacement. What a shame considering how nice the car is.
-- Taylor
'89 Audi 200 '03 Audi S6 Avant '98 Jeep Cherokee Sport
Okay okay, you got a car with some problems. But what do you want any of us to do? Frankly, as everybody else has already posted, first year cars have teething problems, it's something most everybody knows with the wealth of info available on the net. Have you ever seen how long MB's and Jags sit at the dealers waiting for parts?
No stab at you, but I don't think there's any reason for "updates", on this so-called "defective product", or an address to send flowers, (did you really think anybody would send them?). This is an Audi enthusiast group, we like talking about our cars, how they're fast, carve corners, have looks to kill, and feel like a million bucks. You can google all you want, but you won't see any posts from me indicating how much I love my Audi.
As much as we appreciate your post, and you telling us about all the problems you have, and how long it's been in the shop, one or two posts is enough.
You win some, you lose some, but kindly suck it up.
Well, to replace this one with another one that also has multiple defects would be less than ideal and I am far from convinced that such a car exists. Many persons have reported similar defects with these cars. However, it was (and would be) a fair, reasonable and generous offer. However, Audi of America does not intend to honor it. Mr. Ron Hankley made this offer to me on the telephone on 7/24/03 but has since refused to honor or acknowledge it. I have a four-letter word for this.
You really should, it's oodles of fun, and a great stress reliever.
I'm sure they're are, heck even my car isn't perfect. (which becomes a bit worrysome since the car ran out of warranty 9 days ago). If you look at the archive of this NG, you'll see alot more posts of defects, rather than praises. I'm not saying Audi's are more or less reliable than other brands, just saying that cars can have problems.
Well, my previous post was more of a general response, this one I'll direct towards you. Your frustrations are understood, but very very few people have a 2004 A8L, meaning you'll get little if no meaningful and vaild responses/solutions to your cars problems. It's too new a car, nobody knows anything about it. I don't think I've ever replied to any of your other posts, actually you kinda seem new here, have you posted about the success you've had with your other Audi's before?
No disrespect, but I don't think you have the authority of warning people not to buy an A8L, after all, you've only owned one out of the (hundreds?) of thousands that Audi is going to sell. That's like saying nobody should buy an A4 because people have snapped TB's which have costed them thousands of dollars and has disabled the car.
I'll consider that a sarcastic remark, but I'll let it slide, thanks anyway.
Since we're trading stories, allow me to tell you mine. Two years ago, I bought (financed) my first Audi, a 2.5 yr old 98.5 A4 2.8L, I was 21 at the time. After ~1 yr of researching and making my pea brain the size of a pin-head, I decided on a used A4. It took me 6 months to find the car I liked and was confident buying. And why not, for a 21 yr old, forking out CDN $29,500 is a whole heck of alot of money to be spending on a car, let alone anything else. Lesson? I'd do it all over again, and even more if I we're buying a brand new (and very expensive) 2004 A8L, 740iL, SL 600 etc. Why? Because these cars are very expensive to buy, to maintain, and to repair. And not just because they contain the latest and greatest (but not neccessarily tried and true) technologies. More stuff that can break is what I'm saying.
Hmmm, I'm sure you're much wiser than me, and have more experience than me, but don't you think it's the other way around? I think new cars are built like crap, sure they look good, but that doesn't make them reliable. I think
80's and early 90's (german) cars were much more reliable than ones built now. I always see early 80's MB's around here, and even some BMW's. Quite honestly, I think a 1996 Diesel MB is probably one of the more reliable cars around. And if you don't believe me, look at how many posts you see about Audi 5000's in here.
No they don't, but neither does any other manufacturer. New cars do work, Audi A8L's work too, it's a fact. I'm not 100% sure of all the problems that you have, but has your car truely been disabled for the ~14 days it's been in the shop? They won't even let you drive your car while parts are on order?
Actually, that's the problem, I get no satisfaction from it. I like to hear about modding cars, enhancing them, in other words having fun. That's why I come here to read about Audi's, as well as Audiworld (which you should check out as well, much more comprehensive). But instead, forums and newsgroups get flooded by "What's wrong with my car?, Is this car better than that?, I hate Audi's because TB's break etc." I don't have a choice but to respond to posts like yours, (I actually don't, but you had some sympathy because of the great amount of money spent on a car which doesn't make you very happy). In other words, if I ignored all posts which had complaints, I wouldn't be left with much to read...
You really should, it's oodles of fun, and a great stress reliever.
I'm sure they're are, heck even my car isn't perfect. (which becomes a bit worrysome since the car ran out of warranty 9 days ago). If you look at the archive of this NG, you'll see alot more posts of defects, rather than praises. I'm not saying Audi's are more or less reliable than other brands, just saying that cars can have problems.
Well, my previous post was more of a general response, this one I'll direct towards you. Your frustrations are understood, but very very few people have a 2004 A8L, meaning you'll get little if no meaningful and vaild responses/solutions to your cars problems. It's too new a car, nobody knows anything about it. I don't think I've ever replied to any of your other posts, actually you kinda seem new here, have you posted about the success you've had with your other Audi's before?
No disrespect, but I don't think you have the authority of warning people not to buy an A8L, after all, you've only owned one out of the (hundreds?) of thousands that Audi is going to sell. That's like saying nobody should buy an A4 because people have snapped TB's which have costed them thousands of dollars and has disabled the car.
I'll consider that a sarcastic remark, but I'll let it slide, thanks anyway.
Since we're trading stories, allow me to tell you mine. Two years ago, I bought (financed) my first Audi, a 2.5 yr old 98.5 A4 2.8L, I was 21 at the time. After ~1 yr of researching and making my pea brain the size of a pin-head, I decided on a used A4. It took me 6 months to find the car I liked and was confident buying. And why not, for a 21 yr old, forking out CDN $29,500 is a whole heck of alot of money to be spending on a car, let alone anything else. Lesson? I'd do it all over again, and even more if I we're buying a brand new (and very expensive) 2004 A8L, 740iL, SL 600 etc. Why? Because these cars are very expensive to buy, to maintain, and to repair. And not just because they contain the latest and greatest (but not neccessarily tried and true) technologies. More stuff that can break is what I'm saying.
Hmmm, I'm sure you're much wiser than me, and have more experience than me, but don't you think it's the other way around? I think new cars are built like crap, sure they look good, but that doesn't make them reliable. I think
80's and early 90's (german) cars were much more reliable than ones built now. I always see early 80's MB's around here, and even some BMW's. Quite honestly, I think a 1996 Diesel MB is probably one of the more reliable cars around. And if you don't believe me, look at how many posts you see about Audi 5000's in here.
No they don't, but neither does any other manufacturer. New cars do work, Audi A8L's work too, it's a fact. I'm not 100% sure of all the problems that you have, but has your car truely been disabled for the ~14 days it's been in the shop? They won't even let you drive your car while parts are on order?
Actually, that's the problem, I get no satisfaction from it. I like to hear about modding cars, enhancing them, in other words having fun. That's why I come here to read about Audi's, as well as Audiworld (which you should check out as well, much more comprehensive). But instead, forums and newsgroups get flooded by "What's wrong with my car?, Is this car better than that?, I hate Audi's because TB's break etc." I don't have a choice but to respond to posts like yours, (I actually don't, but you had some sympathy because of the great amount of money spent on a car which doesn't make you very happy). In other words, if I ignored all posts which had complaints, I wouldn't be left with much to read...
This will hopefully be the last postin on this topic, but I am astonished and gratified to have this last occasion to write.
Today, without any prior word from either my Audi dealer or from Audi of America, I received a fair and generous written buyback offer for my 2004 Audi A8L. As far as I am concerned, I am grateful for this consideration and will, of course, take advantage of the offer.
As anyone following this correspondence knows, I had become pretty desperate for help with my vehicle and my situation. At times, I felt abused by Audi of America, the local field representative and everyone else that got in my path connected in any way with this product. Now that I am set free from this particular and apparently unusually trouble-prone specimen of what I believe is a fine automobile, I want to write to express my gratitude to the folks at Prestige Imports in North Miami, Florida. In marketing they say the key is to exceed customer's expectations. As far as I am concerned, these folks do so on a daily basis.
At all times throughout this process and in my every encounter with the personnel at Prestige Imports I have been treated with exceptional patience, courtesy, consideration and kindness. I am sure that all of the dealer personnel were as concerned about my situation as I could possibly ask. It must be frustrating to have a voluble and dissatisfied customer hanging around a salesroom during a product launch. All I can say is that I feel that everyone I met and spoke to on their staff, various service writers, salespeople, clerical folks, warranty administrators and even the dealership President, were unfailingly helpful and kind to me.
I would especially like to thank the following Prestige Imports personnel for their unceasing courtesy and patience:
Sabrina Burrow, service consultant. She has been unfailingly pleasant, generous with her time and has gone beyond the "norm" in trying to coordinate and expedite repairs to my car and to keep me informed, even in the face of my increasingly aggrieved and impatient demeanor.
Robbie Feiffer: General Sales Manager. As with Ms. Burrow, an exceptional individual. It is rare for the average car buyer to even meet the GSM. Mr. Feiffer runs a hands-on shop, is always around and available to customers and has always treated me with exceptional courtesy and candor.
Lisa Chmela: Business Office (Finance): Lisa effectively sold me this car in the first place, having so ably assisted me with my previous Audi purchase. As with Mr. Feiffer, Ms. Chmela is always available to discuss maters with customers despite the burdens of her very busy job. She is a fine asset to a fine organization. Her ability to remember the precise state of dozens of transactions in the air at one time and get them processed is remarkable. She certainly always knew, to the penny, the calculations relating to mine. Beyond this, she is savvy, knowledgeable and humane.
Yuri Schvartsman: Salesman. A very nice man. I will surely make another purchase from Mr. Schvartsman.
Joel: (shop foreman and A8 specialist mechanic): Another treasure, an articulate, pleasant and dedicated technician. Actually took phone calls from me on several occasions when "issues" we were trying to resolve would crop up while driving. Again, I mean that this man has gone far beyond what I expect from shop personnel in a new car dealership.
Prestige Imports as a whole: I have written to this effect in the past and reaffirm my comments regarding this dealership. They are a pleasure to do business with and bring a level of civility, courtesy and fair-dealing beyond what I have come to expect. As one can see from the comments about the individuals named above, what differentiates this company is the level of personal contact between the customer and senior personnel with actual authority. They provide a "small town" experience in a big-town marketplace. I would buy from them again without hesitation.
I am giving serous thought to purchasing a replacement A8 L. I am obviously concerned that having escaped from an unfortunate situation I do not thrust myself back into the same place again. I am not sure how I will work this out at present. Any input from other owners about their 2004 A8 Ls would be gratefully appreciated. I have no idea if my car was a rare aberration or if it was typical. I obviously liked it well enough to make the purchase. A quick trip around the local "luxury car" dealers has not shown me anything in this vehicle class that is nearly as comfortable, spacious and sure-footed.
I am assured by the folks at Prestige Imports that I would be welcome as a return customer. I trust that Audi of America will also welcome me back if I decide to buy from them again. Finally, I want to thank everyone who wrote me and shared their experiences with me in this forum. I learned a lot from all of you and will do my best to retain the good and obliterate the bad.
There's a Quattro Challange at Mosport? Do they have it there often?, I wanna go!
Hmm, I can see what you're getting at, and I agree, but by so little. I personally never subscribed to this NG until after I bought my A4. I can also assure you that NONE of the people I know with Audi's are posters in here either, nor do they post in any other newsgroup, we're a small minority. It's even worse for A8 owners, as there's even less of them.
Well, there's alot more trash talk about how some people don't like their A4/A6's, but they're selling like crazy.
I'd have to agree, especially since Audi has now agreed to buy his car back.
I think by buying back his car, they did more than they we're obligated to. True, it's great customer service, but buying back a car, or allowing a "trade" is more than what's expected from a dealer, but it's nice nonetheless. If I were the owner of the dealer, I too wouldn't buy back the car at the first complaint, the A8 is a very expensive car, one with a low turnover and can't be sold again to just anybody who walks into the showroom, it's a big move.
sensationalist
No arguements there.
Hmmm, I'd have to think about that one... On the other hand, knowing the value and the abilty to choose a good set of tires is something that can be applied by anyone, for any car, at any time. Same goes for "Which oil to use?"
Romy, qC came to Mosport a couple of years ago - it was an excellent event, well run and attended by Audi owners from all over the Northeast US and central Canada. I managed to get on the guest list (read: "weaseled") as the rep. of the DKW Club of America - and attempted to get my 1980 Audi on the track (had to settle for the parking lot) - Brett from the quattro Club got his car on though. Following the track event there was a reception at Parkwood Estate in Oshawa (former home of RS McLaughlin - yes, an Audi event at the former home of one of the founders of GM). The following year the qC was moved to Tremblant. Audi still holds driver training courses at Mosport through Panoz - see
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Good to hear that they stepped up and didn't pull a Microsift Beta Release trick on David. Now......about that RS6......... Cheers! Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ - afterrun coolant pump began leaking this morning in retaliation for Steve's weekend drive in JPF's 1990 V8q - &&%#$$***#
1980 Audi 5k - oldest Audi at Audi quattro Challenge at Mosport 2001
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
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