Do I have to go to the Dealership for service?The Answer is NO! Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (1975), you are allowed to bring your car to any service facility to have normal maintenance and service done. Show
Under this act, you will not void any warranties whether it be the original factory warranty or a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Warranty. It is important to keep your documentation and receipts in the event you may need them. Here at Reflex Tuning, we keep all receipts on file in the event you misplace any paper receipts.  Service IntervalsFollowing the factory recommended Audi and Volkswagen service intervals are NOT THE BEST for your Audi or Volkswagen. Down to the long 10,000 miles recommended service intervals for oil changes is far too long. At Reflex Tuning we recommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles. Servicing your car every 5,000 will ensure less expensive issues long term. We build a customized maintenance program for each of our customers. Just like people, no two cars are the same. Some cars require different services than others based on how they are driven. The factory service intervals are written to get the car through the warranty period. They are also written for “normal” driving conditions (see image below). In New England, we are nowhere close to “normal” driving conditions. We have extreme swings in weather conditions, temperature, pollen, sand, dirt, moisture, potholes, rough roads, all are some examples of what we put our vehicles through. We service vehicles that are 20 years old as well as brand new! By allowing us to service your Audi or VW from the beginning you will ensure fewer issues over the life of your vehicle. Get started today by giving us a call, or booking an appointment online. Questions on how we spend our money and our time - consumer goods and services, home and vehicle, leisure and recreational activities TheseusPosts: 1002Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2016 9:40 am Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Theseus » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:21 am Hi I am a first time Audi Q5 - Hybrid owner. Today I took my Q5 for 35,000 mile service to the Audi dealership. The dealer said since I don't have Audi Care package, it will cost approximately $1,800 Looking at the breakdown of $1,800, all they are doing is changing the Transmission Fluid. Everything else is just "check". There is over $1,300 of labor being quoted ($150/hr). I find this to be outrageous since I have done transmission fluid change myself on a Toyota and it took me less than two hours when I did that. I realize that going to a dealer is going to cost more - but this seems ridiculous to me since I am used to Toyota prices and taking it to the neighborhood mechanic. May be this is what is costs to maintain Audi? But I am thinking of taking it to my neighborhood Midas that claims to be German cars specialized (whatever that means). If you own Audi, where do you take it to get serviced? And how do I get that stupid "Service Due" warning disabled without going to the dealership? TTPosts: 607Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2009 7:27 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by TT » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:35 am
Service for Audi: ( You can easily do most of these "check" items yourself for most services and then specifically tell them what you want changed at different service intervals. https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/aud ... r-2016.pdf From Audi's service : Perform first at 35,000 miles and thereafter every 40,000 miles. Tell them you do not want the service and just to change the ATF fluid. Last edited by TT on Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:40 am, edited 1 time in total. Live Life Simple and Less Soft Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by goingup » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:39 am We had an Audi for several years. The service costs are crazy compared to owning a Toyota! Yes, I would buy the Audi Care packages and they will save you money compared to paying for service a la carte at the dealership. You could use an independent mechanic specializing in German cars, but we preferred the dealership who performed recall updates, and provided a loaner vehicle when needed. It's expensive to maintain these vehicles, which I guess you're learning! FireSekrPosts: 1253Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2013 9:54 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by FireSekr » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:44 am Changing ATF fluid whether it's an Audi, Lamborghini, or Ford Pinto is about the easiest job you can do, only slightly more involved than an oil change. Labor should be no more than $150 and the fluid itself should be around $20 if its synthetic. The other items as mentioned at this 35K check are all just checks to see if they can charge you for any other repairs they identify. As far as the oil change being $800, you're getting screwed. BMW charges $79 for synthetic oil change. The oil would be about $50 and an oil filter about $15, so they're not charging much for labor. There's no way Audi should be charging 10x that for the exact same service especially when the procedure is no different and no more involved. They may tell you some crap about resetting the computer. Google is your friend. You can probably reset the computer after changing the oil in less than a minute by pressing a sequence of buttons. Find an Audi forum and do it it your self or find an independent shop which specializes in Audi. smackboy1Posts: 1285Joined: Wed Mar 14, 2007 9:41 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by smackboy1 » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:51 am When I used to have an Audi I found a local independent mechanic who was an Audi specialist (he actually owned the same model car I owned). He charged about half of the dealership cost and was really meticulous with my car. Most maintenance is not rocket science, any competent mechanic can do it (but do NOT go to a quick lube place, those guys can be hacks). I recommend using OEM parts and factory recommended consumables until at least your warranty expires. You can often save time and $ by bringing your own parts and consumables. This forum is your friend http://www.audiworld.com/forums/ Disclaimer: nothing written here should be taken as legal advice, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. hcjPosts: 261Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2014 2:21 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by hcj » Thu Sep 22, 2016 10:57 am We found a really great mechanic in our area who specializes in Audis. I would never go back to the dealer after the first 4 included years again. In fact, having this mechanic has really changed how we approach car buying. Now we only buy used Audis so we don't have to find another mechanic. Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Cyclesafe » Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:05 am Forget the dealer. Find a reliable independent. Dealer service is for those who've bought in that their vehicle is somehow special. I never did it, but the "service due" notice on my BMW could be hacked. Google the Audi forums. "Plans are useless; planning is indispensable.” (Dwight Eisenhower) | "Man plans, God laughs" (Yiddish proverb) Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by jesscj » Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:25 am
Transmission are changing very fast they are not like they used to be, most of the transmission's today do not even have a dip stick and have special fill procedures and fluid that is 20.00 a qt. And must be filled to spec while using diagnostic device to watch the transmission internal temperature,then set when it reaches said temperature. Many newer transmissions also need an adapter to fill the transmission. Most are much more involved than an oil change. "Gonna Make It" ubermaxPosts: 1755Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2014 2:19 pmLocation: Connecticut Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by ubermax » Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:37 am
We bought a Q5 3.0T (gas) last November and so we are just beginning the "service" journey with Audi - I want to interject that we love the vehicle and did buy the Audi care package up front , it's a real pleasure to drive - we also have an older BMW X3 (manual stick) and know that repairs via dealership are expensive after warranty. I piggybacked on HCJ's post above because the challenge can be finding a great independent mechanic - it's admittedly not a good analogy but if you owned a Porsche Carrera (sp?) at $100K plus , would you take it to Jiffy Lube for a tune-up ? - yes , a Porsche engineer could be moonlighting at the local JLube but what are the odds ? - after our X3 came off warranty we took it to a local guy and weren't totally satisfied . I'm interested in seeing the feedback that this post gets but as one responder already said the dealership has some pluses , i.e. they work on a lot of Audis , have loaner vehicles available , etc. - but as I alluded to above , if I could find truly great expertise within say a 1/2 drive from home , I'd consider it . randomguyPosts: 10531Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:00 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by randomguy » Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:47 am
The dealer is obviously gouging you (i.e who would pay 1800 when you could get a 900 dollar package and get the next service done?) but maintence on an Audi is going to cost more. That 2 hours on a Toyota? Could very well be 4 hours on an Audi (i.e. you tend to need to remove/move a lot more parts to get access to anything). And parts cost more (i.e. you are getting syntethic oil versus dino). If you want cheap maintenance, you don't buy a luxury car I don't know if I would go to Midas but in most populated areas there are a couple of independants that focus on german cars. Give one of them a call and get a quote. I would expect a 400-500 dollar bill for a 35k service compared to the 600-800 at a dealer. Jack FFR1846Posts: 15540Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:05 amLocation: 26 miles, 385 yards west of Copley Square Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Jack FFR1846 » Thu Sep 22, 2016 11:51 am
I personally would not take that 400k plus mile Corolla in the other thread to a Jiffy Lube. I've owned Audis and done all the services myself unless they needed special tools (rear wheel bearing) or were covered under warranty (steering rack, transmission input seal, entire transmission). Indeed, there are some services now that are best left to the dealer (clutch change in a Maserati Quattroporte, for example). But "check" and oil change......no. I'd look up the procedure to change the transmission fluid and see if it's rocket science or simple drain and refill. Bogle: Smart Beta is stupid NHRATA01Posts: 624Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2011 1:57 pmLocation: New York City area Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by NHRATA01 » Thu Sep 22, 2016 12:48 pm Ok so looking it up, the Q5 hybrid uses the 8-speed tiptronic. This is the ZF 8HP 8-speed, which is used in a variety of BMW's and Benz's, but also the run of the mill Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger/Challenger, Ram and Durango/Jeep Grand Cherokee. Interestingly enough, a cursory look around the BMW forums and some Dodge forums, there is direction suggesting it is "lifetime" fluid. I tell you what, certainly a Dodge owner is not going to sit idle being told he has to pay $1300 for a trans fluid change every 35k miles. I would investigate this requirement farther, and echo the agreement to find a indy European mechanic...with the caveat that verify any service done outside the dealer won't cause a voided warranty. barnaclebobPosts: 4799Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 10:54 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by barnaclebob » Thu Sep 22, 2016 1:03 pm I bet a volkswagon dealer would be cheaper if you can't find an independent dealer to do the work. You could also buy the fluid from the Audi dealer (or online) and have an independent change the fluid. My Nissan says it requires Nissan CVT fluid but Valvoline CVT fluid has been good for over 10k miles so far... lotusflowerPosts: 323Joined: Thu Oct 24, 2013 12:32 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by lotusflower » Thu Sep 22, 2016 4:01 pm
Indeed, that's a terrible analogy. Jiffy Lube is actively trying to be as cheap as possible. You are not any more likely to find a talented, experienced eurocar mechanic there than you are to find a great chef at McDonalds. That doesn't mean that the only place in town for great steak is Ruth's Chris. When I owned an Audi I gave up my dealer's service when I found out they charged 30% more than MSRP(!) for parts. I expected the high labor rates too, but that was just more than the Boglehead in me could handle. jdbPosts: 1755Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:21 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by jdb » Thu Sep 22, 2016 6:46 pm Query: why are Audi, Mercedes, and BMW among the most valuable dealerships? Not because of profits on sales. It's because they can rip off the car owners with exorbitant repair and service charges. Having owned several of each brand can ruefully report to you the bad news. Try to find local repair shops that handle the vehicle. Or grin and bear it, it is part of the great ownership experience. Or sell it and buy a non German vehicle that doesn't cost a fortune to repair. But not a Cadillac, they are next on that list. How do I know? Good luck. Loik098Posts: 686Joined: Mon May 30, 2016 9:29 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Loik098 » Thu Sep 22, 2016 9:49 pm
+1. OP might consider changing out vehicle now if costly routine maintenance wasn't factored into the price of the vehicle at time of purchase. One could presume that bigger (read: costly) repairs are in store as the car gets older. Topic Author TheseusPosts: 1002Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2016 9:40 amRe: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Theseus » Fri Sep 23, 2016 10:23 am
I can afford it and it is accounted in my budget, so that is not my issue. But I presumed (mistakenly?) that only repairs will be expensive. My biggest issue is that a regular maintenance to be this outrageously expensive at the dealer. But now I know and will just take to a local shop around me. Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Doom&Gloom » Fri Sep 23, 2016 12:38 pm
+1 Not only for recommendations for mechanics, but also to distinguish which "scheduled maintenance" items are truly necessary and which exist solely to pad the dealer's profits. LindrobePosts: 402Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2014 9:35 amLocation: Mishawaka, IN Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Lindrobe » Fri Sep 23, 2016 1:34 pm I have a 2013 A5 that I bought new is 2013. I paid for Audi Care, but I have only driven about 13,000 miles on the car, so I have taken my car in for maintenance only once per year. The maintenance each year has only been oil changes and checking other fluids, air pressure, etc. I don't know how much the oil change would normally be at the dealership. Last time I got the maintenance done, I asked if the Audi Care is even worth it since I don't drive very many miles. They thought it is still worth it and mentioned that "maybe next year, they MIGHT change the sparks plugs, which would normally be several hundred dollars." Last edited by Lindrobe on Fri Sep 23, 2016 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total. randomguy Posts: 10531Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2014 9:00 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by randomguy » Fri Sep 23, 2016 2:01 pm
You were mistaken. Seriously good the normal maintenance of a bmw, audi, jaguar, porsche, Lexus, or Land Rover and compare them to the price of a Honda/Toyota/Ford and you will realize you are paying a lot more for the "same" 60k mile service. To some extent you can minimize the total cost by using a 3rd party but a 3rd party doing service on a BMW 3 series is going to charge more than a 3rd party doing service on a civic. Repairs are a whole other story. I haven't seen the crazy unreliability that some people report. But every repair is 2x as much as it would be on a normal car even not using the dealer. YMMV Broken Man 1999Posts: 7641Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:31 amLocation: West coast of Florida, near Champa Bay ! Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Broken Man 1999 » Fri Sep 23, 2016 2:10 pm
OUCH! I obviously squandered my career. I should have been a spark plug changer outer! Gotta believe the dealership might believe they have a fish, ready for gutting and filleting. Broken Man 1999 “If I cannot drink Bourbon and smoke cigars in Heaven then I shall not go." - Mark Twain Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by rob » Fri Sep 23, 2016 3:06 pm
Maybe they have a different employee per plug.... so you could be front left bank spark plug changer...... For those prices it better be something like that Yeah find a non dealer but your never going to be in Toyota price land. | Rob | Its a dangerous business going out your front door. - J.R.R.Tolkien GoldenFinchPosts: 2653Joined: Mon Nov 10, 2014 11:34 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by GoldenFinch » Fri Sep 23, 2016 3:30 pm
Once when I took my A4 in for a scheduled oil change they drove it to the the front office when it was complete. I got in and it wouldn't start. I told the guy and he looked at me like I was nuts and couldn't turn a key. He got in; the car was dead. Inside their shop. They had to keep it for three days to figure out what was wrong. The problem was something with the computer. I had so many problems with that car and it was super expensive to maintain. Maybe I had a lemon. I hope you don't have to put as much money as I did into yours. (Now I drive a Lexus.) denovoPosts: 4803Joined: Sun Oct 13, 2013 1:04 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by denovo » Fri Sep 23, 2016 3:46 pm
Do you have a friend/co-worker/neighbor who is a car guy or "gear-head" Those guys are diy'ers to an extent, but they usually know how to spot a good mechanic. "Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln tim1999Posts: 4165Joined: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:16 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by tim1999 » Sat Sep 24, 2016 9:47 am Over a stretch of about 8 years I had several Audis, all were 100% dealer serviced. DO NOT go to the dealer and tell them "I want the 15,000 mile service" etc. or they will rob you. You need to tell them the specific service(s) you want. "Oil and filter change" "Brake fluid change" "Rotate tires" etc. The mileage based services include idiotic checks you can do yourself like "check horn function" (seriously?) and the packaged prices are insane. Topic Author TheseusPosts: 1002Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2016 9:40 amRe: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Theseus » Mon Sep 26, 2016 10:42 am OP here. So finally getting quotes for the transmission fluid change from independent shops, I ended up taking it back to the dealer. The quotes were coming in around $1100 just for that. They had to use original ATF and some other parts and the cost of the parts from the dealer was way too high. May dealers are making it difficult to go 3rd party. My car qualified for Audi Care package from the dealer for $850 that included 35k and 45k "service". The service guy was telling me If I had bought the AudiCare at the time of the car purchase, It would have costed me additional $30 (total around $880) and included total 4 services. I guess this is a lesson learned for me if I am ever buying another one of the Audi/BMW/Mercedes/Jaguar. I wonder how can the dealer afford AudiCare at that price? Is it subsidized by Audi? Or AudiCare price allows for reasonable profit and they are just gouging people who walk-in without AudiCare? Last edited by Theseus on Mon Sep 26, 2016 11:39 am, edited 1 time in total. LindrobePosts: 402Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2014 9:35 amLocation: Mishawaka, IN Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Lindrobe » Mon Sep 26, 2016 10:47 am
AudiCare would have only costed $30? How can that be? I paid around $700 for AudiCare for 4 years. soboggledPosts: 901Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:26 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by soboggled » Mon Sep 26, 2016 10:50 am Find an independent repairman who speaks German.
Adventures in car repairs: Topic Author TheseusPosts: 1002 Joined: Sat Jan 23, 2016 9:40 amRe: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by Theseus » Mon Sep 26, 2016 11:39 am
He said, additional $30. Corrected my post jdbPosts: 1755Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:21 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by jdb » Mon Sep 26, 2016 1:02 pm
+1. For many years would take dealers suggestions to have them do annual "tune ups" on my cars at costs of hundred of dollars for each one. Finally met an independent repairman who happened to speak German. Took Mercedes to him for annual tune up. He laughed, said cars don't need annual tune ups, it is a way dealers make profits. Cars may need specific engine services from time to time, as to mine he said none was necessary. Used him thereafter until traded Mercedes for a Tesla which doesn't even have an engine to do a tune up. surfstarPosts: 2853Joined: Fri Sep 13, 2013 12:17 pmLocation: Santa Barbara, CA Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by surfstar » Mon Sep 26, 2016 1:15 pm $$$ cars, cost $$$ to maintain. Wait until you see tire replacement costs. Everything about "luxury" cars (and some performance) comes at a premium. My 2016 VW Golf Sportwagen was made in Mexico, but had some German engineering put in it Sorry, cars are something I'm very boglehead-ish on. Everything Audi is too high. Purchase price, maintenance, etc. alfaspiderPosts: 4204Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 4:44 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by alfaspider » Mon Sep 26, 2016 1:16 pm
"Tune-ups" were a thing back when cars had carburetors and ignition distributors. With today's cars, there's nothing to tune up unless you are cracking the engine control unit programming and tuning for extra power (obviously not a maintenance item). Of course, that doesn't stop dealerships from making lots of money by charging for "inspections" and crazy expensive fluid changes. For the vast majority of cars, the only required maintenance is as follows: Oil changes: Every 5-10k miles (if synthetic oil is used and specified) Many cars will need oxygen sensors around 100k, but it's usually not done as preventative maintenance, as the failure is not catastrophic (usually just triggers a check engine light). There are a few exotic/performance cars with more involved maintenance, but your basic Audi with the 2.0T or 3.0T is not one of them. alfaspiderPosts: 4204Joined: Wed Sep 09, 2015 4:44 pm Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by alfaspider » Mon Sep 26, 2016 1:18 pm
Your Golf Sportwagen actually shares the same basic motor as the base Audi Q5 (EA888 Gen3), albeit slightly detuned with smaller displacement and turbo. They are the same company, after all. kjvmartinPosts: 1477Joined: Wed Jan 21, 2015 8:57 am Re: Audi Service Dealership Cost too high? Where should I take it?Post by kjvmartin » Mon Sep 26, 2016 1:41 pm I wouldn't write off all dealership repairs/service. I'm a comparison shopper, and I very much enjoy finding good deals. My Mazda dealer is part of a corporate chain. I was given my first oil change/tire rotation free. Thereafter, I pay $39.95 for my Mazda recommended synthetic blend of oil. They also throw in a car wash. I pulled into a Valvoline quick lube one day when the dealer was too busy. They were charging $80 for an oil change. They're reasoning was "time is money, you can go wait at the dealer all day if you want." I normally wait 1 hour in a comfortable room with wifi and free beverages. I've found Mazda to be competitive on break pads, spark plugs, and a timing belt. I do know a mechanic personally and he could probably save me 15-20% or so, but I have to deal with his schedule, drop off the car at his garage until he can get to it, etc. I also have found a mostly dealer serviced (with records) car can help with resale value. This matters less if you're keeping it 20 years, though. My Honda dealer is a part of the same corporate chain. I was also given my first oil change/tire rotation for free. I am coming due for my second trip and they've just sent me a coupon for $17.99 for the same service. Oddly enough, this waiting room isn't nearly as comfortable as the Mazda shop. So far I've no experience with their other services. For our prior car, an '09 Focus, the Ford dealer was generally a nightmare. They were always swamped and the pricing for repairs seemed very high. I was very glad I purchased a service plan on that car. kjv Can any garage service an Audi?There are many options for a service, but nothing can beat an Audi specialist garage when it comes to quality and price. Regular servicing at a specialist garage keeps your Audi running like new for years. You will also get the Audi specialist service stamp on your service book and your digital service history.
How often does an Audi need to be serviced?Audi service intervals
We typically recommend booking your Audi in for a service every 9,300 miles or every 12 months, or whichever occurs first.
Do you have to get the 10000 mile service on an Audi?10,000 Mile Service
Similar to the 5,000 mile service, oil and filter change, tire rotation, and safety inspect are all performed. This is the Minor Maintenance as recommended by Audi to be performed every 10,000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first.
Is servicing an Audi expensive?In general, you should expect to service your Audi every 10,000 miles or once per year. Experience has shown that a minor service including oil, filters, and inspection will cost between $120 and $200, while a major service including transmission services will cost between $200 and $400.
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Do i have to service my audi at the dealership
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