Beware A6 Vorsprung - I’ve just rejected mine.

[amacuk]

Hi team, been a while since I posted - previous Q7 driver, last three versions. Thought I’d tell you a sad tale, and I’ve waited a few weeks to see if Audi UK’s attitude changed but it didn’t.

Took delivery of a new A6 55 TFSI Vorsprung the week before lockdown - through large vehicle finance company - Alphabet. On the 4th day of ownership with <200 miles I got a major red warning light whilst driving - coolant problem, switch off engine immediately and stop engine. I did as requested. Audi/AA arrive and we notice huge pinkish puddle under car where major coolant leak has occurred. AA man refills coolant and it comes straight out again all over the empty pub car park I had stopped in. I did not enjoy the pleasure of my 4 day old car sat on the back of transporter to my driveway. (I had to sit in my car whilst on the flatbed as The AA were starting social distancing - a unique but gutting experience).

Week later (we’re now in full lockdown) Audi Assist guy turns up. Dealerships now closed. Spends 90 minutes under the car, removes wheels, trims etc, confirms still leaking and cannot see from where - thinks somewhere higher up engine compartment near alternator. Cannot fix. Repair attempt #2 failed. I’ve now owner the car 10 days - only 4 of which it was usable. As part of Audi Assist a hired A5 from Enterprise was provided - not my first choice but better than nothing - I can at least get provisions to my elderly locked-down in-laws. Told this will be reviewed in 2 weeks.

i decide to reject the vehicle, as it was not fit for purpose, under the Consumer Rights Act - particularly the short term right to reject provisions which protect consumers in the first 30 days. Finance Company (Alphabet - shout out to them) pretty good and supportive. Audi UK not so much. Can we discuss compensation rather than rejection? Turns out their offer was to cover 2 monthly payments and continue to provide the A5 hire. Vague comments they would ‘review’ the situation after 2 months but no commitment to fund the car through to full repair resolution. More of a general ‘we’ll do what we can do’. I felt that as the lockdown could go on for ages, and I would lose my 30 day reject rights, I decided this offer was not sufficient. What other undiscovered faults might lie ahead? I had planned - in conjunction with Alphabet - to re-order another Audi - accepting there will be a delay until factories re-open and backlog cleared.

What I didn’t expect was for Audi to pull the hire car to punish me for using my legal right to reject. That’s exactly what they’ve done and Enterprise showed up the other evening to retrieve it. So now I am carless, and have a brand new albeit knackered A6 on the drive. No commitment or attempt to collect it, or attempt another repair, or store it somewhere so it’s near the front of the workshop queue - nothing. I was told clearly - reject the car you lose the hire car.

I tried to be pragmatic, and (was) an avid Audi fan. Had this been electrics or computers I would have accepted unlucky timing, but mechanical faults and obviously poor QA have dented my faith. Audi Customer For Life? Just words. They can jog on. Stay well one and all.


(PS it only had Park Assist - beepers and 360° camera - not Auto Parking - I know that’s a question from some on here).

[Nemo78]

Hi team, been a while since I posted - previous Q7 driver, last three versions. Thought I’d tell you a sad tale, and I’ve waited a few weeks to see if Audi UK’s attitude changed but it didn’t.

Took delivery of a new A6 55 TFSI Vorsprung the week before lockdown - through large vehicle finance company - Alphabet. On the 4th day of ownership with <200 miles I got a major red warning light whilst driving - coolant problem, switch off engine immediately and stop engine. I did as requested. Audi/AA arrive and we notice huge pinkish puddle under car where major coolant leak has occurred. AA man refills coolant and it comes straight out again all over the empty pub car park I had stopped in. I did not enjoy the pleasure of my 4 day old car sat on the back of transporter to my driveway. (I had to sit in my car whilst on the flatbed as The AA were starting social distancing - a unique but gutting experience).

Week later (we’re now in full lockdown) Audi Assist guy turns up. Dealerships now closed. Spends 90 minutes under the car, removes wheels, trims etc, confirms still leaking and cannot see from where - thinks somewhere higher up engine compartment near alternator. Cannot fix. Repair attempt #2 failed. I’ve now owner the car 10 days - only 4 of which it was usable. As part of Audi Assist a hired A5 from Enterprise was provided - not my first choice but better than nothing - I can at least get provisions to my elderly locked-down in-laws. Told this will be reviewed in 2 weeks.

i decide to reject the vehicle, as it was not fit for purpose, under the Consumer Rights Act - particularly the short term right to reject provisions which protect consumers in the first 30 days. Finance Company (Alphabet - shout out to them) pretty good and supportive. Audi UK not so much. Can we discuss compensation rather than rejection? Turns out their offer was to cover 2 monthly payments and continue to provide the A5 hire. Vague comments they would ‘review’ the situation after 2 months but no commitment to fund the car through to full repair resolution. More of a general ‘we’ll do what we can do’. I felt that as the lockdown could go on for ages, and I would lose my 30 day reject rights, I decided this offer was not sufficient. What other undiscovered faults might lie ahead? I had planned - in conjunction with Alphabet - to re-order another Audi - accepting there will be a delay until factories re-open and backlog cleared.

What I didn’t expect was for Audi to pull the hire car to punish me for using my legal right to reject. That’s exactly what they’ve done and Enterprise showed up the other evening to retrieve it. So now I am carless, and have a brand new albeit knackered A6 on the drive. No commitment or attempt to collect it, or attempt another repair, or store it somewhere so it’s near the front of the workshop queue - nothing. I was told clearly - reject the car you lose the hire car.

I tried to be pragmatic, and (was) an avid Audi fan. Had this been electrics or computers I would have accepted unlucky timing, but mechanical faults and obviously poor QA have dented my faith. Audi Customer For Life? Just words. They can jog on. Stay well one and all.


(PS it only had Park Assist - beepers and 360° camera - not Auto Parking - I know that’s a question from some on here).

Gutted for you but given the strange circumstances we all find ourselves in you were right to reject within 30 days as who knows how long we face on/off lockdown scenarios.

Whilst it may feel totally unfair that Audi pulled the hire car I can understand it from their point also - you’ve rejected the car so as far as they are concerned the ‘contract’ with them is over. Harsh I know.

Just a real pain now that you are car less and unable to help you parents/in laws.

However you have your health, it’s only a car, and there could be some amazing deals on stock cars coming up.

Good luck with it all

[A8Cruiser]

I think the OP is more concerned about how he will/can help his elderly parents during the lockdown.

I’d be on Twitter to the garage and Audi. Where is your old car? Was that on finance or did you part ex it?
If they still have it, then hopefully they can get it to you as you need transport to help your folks...

[amacuk]

Thanks both for reply - I appreciate it. Old car was collected by BCA on same day (previous finance). Sitting locked up at Blackbushe I think!

PS I do not wish for an instant to distract from the very real pain and suffering many others face right now - it's just that this is a forum relating to Audi, and we have to look after each other here as well as in the 'real world'. I totally appreciate I'm alive and not in intensive care or worse. Thank you.

[Alan02]

Its shocking to think Audi didn't let you keep hire car under the circumstances. No goodwill for your custom and potentially retaining you as a future customer.

[rapport25]

Its shocking to think Audi didn't let you keep hire car under the circumstances. No goodwill for your custom and potentially retaining you as a future customer.

Agreed.

[pumpsmynads]

Tell em you’re charging them storage for the vehicle. Say £50 per day.