My Beast :)

[troc]

Took delivery on Friday and spent a great weekend playing (photos to come when I have time) but the new S4 is back at the dealers today for cleaning and polishing as it was delivered to me filthy! Not just dirty, the glue marks from the protection during shipping had not been removed and the car was covered in scratches and even a few nicks in the paint!

Leather interior was also filthy. I was furious. Lets hope they can fix it today.

Once the car is clean, I'll take some photos :)

Performance-wise all I can say is WOW!

Build quality is excellent, scratched paint aside.

Oh and for some reason I have the German handbooks and manuals! I'll get those changed!

Wheee

John

[74ns]

Congrats!

Shame the dealers seem to be letting people down recently with the simpilest of things as CLEANING the car after they have finished all the testing etc. Pathetic :zx11:

I take it you took photos of it dirty though?????

If my dealer tries to give me my car dirty with scratched paintwork he has got another think coming!:biglaugh:

Look forward to the celan car photos ASAP!

:beerchug:

[ScottyUK]

For the reasons you describe, I took delivery without an cleaning done at all.

Sorry to hear you've suffered a spoilt new car experience. :(

[Plife]

For the reasons you describe, I took delivery without an cleaning done at all.



Me too. Unfortunately the time is not taken to prepare cars properly and most turn up with scratches and swirls all over the place!

[74ns]

This appears to be a common occurance now then!

I find it quite appalling as most dealers wash & clean the car after a service! but can't be bothered to clean properly before handing you the keys for the first time!:zx11:

Somethings not right somewhere!

[simonc6875]

I had the same experience at Aberdeen Audi, for all the new cars i have had i've never picked up a car in such bad condition for being brand new. The car i traded in a 2 year old R32, had better paint work than my new A4.

It certainly tainted the expience of picking up the new car, Not good Audi.:zx11::zx11:

[troc]

Status:

Rejected pending showroom condition paintwork.

They spent ALL DAY (allegedly) polishing the car but the lefthand side is still scratched to death - real scratches not polishing swirls and the leather covered in water marks.

These scratches are bad enough that the car might need resparaying!

[74ns]

oh my lord!

so what happens now?
dealer supplying courtesy car?
do you think they didn't clean it to hide scratches?
when are you expecting vehicle back?

complete nightmare, feeling for you right now!

Plus scared what I am going to see collecting mine this week..

[drmartin]

How are these cars getting through PDI and being signed off as fit to hand over? When I collected mine I had to counter sign the PDI sheet confirming all was well. These bad situations, spoilt hand over experiances should just never happen.

Good luck....

[troc]

oh my lord!

so what happens now?
dealer supplying courtesy car?
do you think they didn't clean it to hide scratches?
when are you expecting vehicle back?

complete nightmare, feeling for you right now!

Plus scared what I am going to see collecting mine this week..

I've a silver 1.8Tdi thingy (dealer's own car) and they will let me know what they can do tomorrow. Problem is I was supposed to be driving home to Holland tomorrow so I have had to cancel my trip - and will be incurring more holiday days whilst I am stuck in the UK.

They have accepted they will have to pay for any additional expenses I incur (i.e. booking a new crossing to Europe etc) and we will see what happens.

Essentially, the whole left side was scratched in various places. A pillar, front wing, front door, rear panel. Mostly with straight vertical scratches, so definitely not polishing swirls.

The seats were covered in water sploches.

Front seat not perfectly finished off (part of the inner lining sticking out from under the leather.

Marks from the glue used to stick on the transportation protection stuff all over the place but specifically along the doors just below the windows.

Oh and german manuals which is apparently a "feature" of all LHD cars. A feature I was never told about so I am insisting on getting some english ones.

On a more positive note, the car is fantastic to drive. In 6th, it'll out accelerate most stuff on the motorway without trying and in any other gear it's dangerously rapid. The handling is excellent and the car feels much smaller to drive than the Tdi I am using at the moment. B&O is well sorted, as is the DAB radio and I love the drive select - comfort is great on the motorways and you can really appreciate the "dynamic" settings when on smaller, fun, roads.

So it looks like the week or so they had lost the car, it was in a quarry somewhere, having sand dumped on it or something.

Very disappointed and not recommending ANYONE I know buy an Audi in the UK. You get better service at the local Ford dealership. Even my Mother in law got flowers when she bought a renault kangoo!

John

[troc]

For the reasons you describe, I took delivery without an cleaning done at all.

Sorry to hear you've suffered a spoilt new car experience. :(

The level of damage to the paint was quite obviously caused by something other than poor preparation, the car has been damaged in transit or something.

I'll add Audi to my "never buy again" list I guess.

[solarseven]

what? they didnt even give you a bottle of champagne? Thought that was standard across all Audi branches when you bought a new car from them.

With regards to the scratches yeh I would say they were caused by the transit.

[ScottyUK]

The level of damage to the paint was quite obviously caused by something other than poor preparation, the car has been damaged in transit or something.

I'll add Audi to my "never buy again" list I guess.

That's pretty poor. If an S4 is the car you want then don't cut off your nose. As you've probably seen I also had a big problem with the delivery (i.e missing quattro) but these things happen. I wouldn't drop the car I wanted just because of one issue.

Perhaps it's time to reject and get them to build you a MY2010 model ;)

[Bristle Hound]

All these tales of woe - bloody hell!

I will say one thing I won't be signing anything until I've been over my new car (when it arrives) with a fine tooth comb!

[troc]

Just had a call from Audi - they have brought in some 'specialists' to buff and polish the car. No idea if that means I'll end up with a load of thin paint in places, or invisible scratches which will reappear the first time it's washed or simply a car which reflects differently and weirdly in different places (like resprays can do).

Anyone had any experience with this sort of thing? Assuming it's done properly (scratches were not through to the undercoat and may have been in the clear lacquer rather than deeply into the paint), will I still have decent paint thicknesses and whatever in the areas it's been buffed and polished?

My worry is they would have to thin the surface down by the thickness of the paint - and if it's in the paint, remove quite a few layers of protection from those areas of the car.

Or can the polishing stuff they use fill the scratches (they are thin) and create a surface that's indistinguishable from the rest of the car for years to come (barring normal wear of course).

Simply, am I setting myself up for a load of hassle later on down the line, even if it's presented to me tomorrow, looking perfect?

John

[Hex69]

Just had a call from Audi - they have brought in some 'specialists' to buff and polish the car. No idea if that means I'll end up with a load of thin paint in places, or invisible scratches which will reappear the first time it's washed or simply a car which reflects differently and weirdly in different places (like resprays can do).

Anyone had any experience with this sort of thing? Assuming it's done properly (scratches were not through to the undercoat and may have been in the clear lacquer rather than deeply into the paint), will I still have decent paint thicknesses and whatever in the areas it's been buffed and polished?

My worry is they would have to thin the surface down by the thickness of the paint - and if it's in the paint, remove quite a few layers of protection from those areas of the car.

Or can the polishing stuff they use fill the scratches (they are thin) and create a surface that's indistinguishable from the rest of the car for years to come (barring normal wear of course).

Simply, am I setting myself up for a load of hassle later on down the line, even if it's presented to me tomorrow, looking perfect?

John

See if you can get hold of Elite Detailer (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/member.php?u=65736) (forum sponsor). He should be able to help you.

[74ns]

Hi John,

I agree with Hex69, PM Elite Detailer he is a really nice guy and knows what he's talking about!

A professional Detailer should have no problems getting these scratches out whilst also making the paint work better than New!

[simonc6875]

Sounds like Audi need to pull there finger out and get this sorted, never had this problem with vw

[jakerade]

I've used some of these repair bods before but i'm not sure i would on a new car. Personally i would reject and reorder and make them give you a car while you wait for a MY2010 car (you will get 3G sat nav!)

Did you order a LHD car then?

[ScottyUK]

I'd tell Audi that you are reserving the right to reject based on the quality of the delivered paint work and that you want an independent assessment of the repair once done before you decide to accept or reject. You will of course be expecting them to pay for this.

[74ns]

Thats good sound advice! ;)

[Plife]

Just had a call from Audi - they have brought in some 'specialists' to buff and polish the car. No idea if that means I'll end up with a load of thin paint in places, or invisible scratches which will reappear the first time it's washed or simply a car which reflects differently and weirdly in different places (like resprays can do).

Anyone had any experience with this sort of thing? Assuming it's done properly (scratches were not through to the undercoat and may have been in the clear lacquer rather than deeply into the paint), will I still have decent paint thicknesses and whatever in the areas it's been buffed and polished?

My worry is they would have to thin the surface down by the thickness of the paint - and if it's in the paint, remove quite a few layers of protection from those areas of the car.

Or can the polishing stuff they use fill the scratches (they are thin) and create a surface that's indistinguishable from the rest of the car for years to come (barring normal wear of course).

Simply, am I setting myself up for a load of hassle later on down the line, even if it's presented to me tomorrow, looking perfect?

John
I wouldn't let them do it! I would ask them to pay for your chosen detailer to do it. Yes they will polish away some of the topcoat, but done properly this poses no problems. The paint should be thick enough to withstand quite a few polishes like this, so you wouldn't have any issues after just one go.

If you do let them, go over it with a fine tooth comb, preferably under lights to ensure the paintwork is perfect. I would be worried they would get a local bodyshop to do it and it be not better! Done properly it should have no swirls on at all. Done badly it will be swirled, marred and have holograms!

[martin@wolfy]

I would take the wait and reject the vehicle, nothing is better than the factory finish. They have the perfect set up. You are paying a lot of money for the car and you want it PERFECT.

Yes it may look ok after it has been detailed but it is not how it should be delivered from the factory.

Wolfy!!!!!

[Plife]

I would take the wait and reject the vehicle, nothing is better than the factory finish. They have the perfect set up. You are paying a lot of money for the car and you want it PERFECT.

Yes it may look ok after it has been detailed but it is not how it should be delivered from the factory.

Wolfy!!!!!
I'd say a detailed finish is better than the factory finish!

[troc]

Went to see the car and it was awesomly shiny - so shiny I could easily see the poorly repaired dent in the passengers door! Plus 2 dents above the door handle which were painted but still dented. Paint around the door handle was dulled and obviously scratched under the lacquer.

The best bit was the line of dicky paint which was obviously where there had been masking tape!

Car rejected despite their protestations that they could deliver me an acceptable car.

Very annoyed - especially as I have wasted a week of holiday to get this done.

John

[martin@wolfy]

I'd say a detailed finish is better than the factory finish!

I would agree that a detailer can give the car a better look but not the actual physical paintwork and lacquer. Surely a detailer adds product on top of the factory finish. Whilst i agree a detailer could make the car look better and cover up some of the imperfections the foundation would not be the same.

Shame you had to reject the car but in the long run i think you will be glad you did. I think an enquiry it to who damaged it should take place.


wolfy!!!!

[ScottyUK]

It's a pain when they **** up....but hopefully you're starting to see the positives ;)

So who's gonna get their replacement first :beerchug: .....assuming you aren't getting a refund and shopping elsewhere ?:confused:

[troc]

It's a pain when they **** up....but hopefully you're starting to see the positives ;)

So who's gonna get their replacement first

I'll let you know when it's reordered! The weekend I drove it was sufficient to tell me a few things.

1. The new S4 is awesome and absolutely the car I want
2. I like the options list and don't want to change it
3. Deep Sea Blue metallic is a fantastic colourvand works well against the chrome, alloys and alloy mirrors

John

[ScottyUK]

I've been all over my spec again and decided I will add the dynamic suspension and I'm going to remove TPMS.

On the TPMS I only added it as I heard that it was a new improved version. It turns out that in Europe we get the system that works on the wheel sensors i.e. the old one. I'd been hearing about the new system with the pressure sensor in the valves which is what they get in the US.

I've heard of so many reports of the "old" TPMS system causing false alerts and even reports of many people getting their dealer to deactivate it that I'm going to remove it. It's not a cash thing (only £85 I think) but for a system that only activates when the pressure's dropped 20-25% (about 10psi which I'm sure I'd notice very quickly) and for something that has a history of not working 100%, I'm gonna delete it from my spec.

Have you considered the "handsfree BT" kit instead of "phone prep low" ? I'd go for this since it's £200 cheaper and I wouldn't lose functionality that I'd use. However due to the Exec pack savings, it would actually increase the price for me so I'm gonna keep it.

[jakerade]

The TPMS will still show you've got a blow out though which will possibly save buying a new tyre? I havent checked my tyres for ages (too long) and it hasnt given any false alerts.

Proper bluetooth high may be an idea if your thinking you may add the rSAP adapter later (rSAP adapter is fairly rubbish in most of my tests to date!) or cannot get a cradle for your phone. (i think you meant phone prep low instead of phone prep high?)

If I accidentally hit a tree i would be tempted by adaptive cruise as well. Beam assist is also cheap (auto dips the lights)

[ScottyUK]

The TPMS will still show you've got a blow out though which will possibly save buying a new tyre?

I guess that's my point. Do I need a computer to tell me my tyres blown out? I can sense much smaller pressure changes in tyres and regularly check them (I've been well trained :D). I'm just not seeing the value to me.

It's good to hear you've had no issues with them though. Headlight assist - I was 100% against as it seems to be an automation step too far .... but after having the auto dimming on the interior and exterior mirrors perhaps I shouldn't discount it.

[troc]

Headlight assist - I was 100% against as it seems to be an automation step too far ....

This is something I added to save other drivers from my wife's inability to remember to take full beam off :) :) :)

Still not heard anything from Audi yet about my replacement..... :(

[ScottyUK]

I left a message on Thursday and chased it with an email 30 mins ago. Still not placed mine re-order either :(

[B6Andy101]

Sadly I had a simlar experience when mine was delivered, large swirl marks all over the bonnet and wax etc on cills. I pointed this out to the dealer the day after accepting it (It was delivered in the rain). The dealer offered to get I polished and sort it out.

Given that they had delivered a new car scratched I had litttle confirdence in them correcting it, more likely to make matters worse running a buffing mop too quickly and swirling the whole of the body. I insisted in getting a paint defect speciailaist to rectify the problem with Audi paying for it. The dealership agreed and the problem was sorted out within the week.

The dealers are taking the view that they can get away with it. If only one car in five is returned than they are making this sharp pratice pay.

I would not let the car near an Audi valet bay never mind a trainee with a polishing mop.

Insist on a specialist doing any rectification work - you will not be the first and certainly not the last.

[troc]

This was not large swirl marks and some excessive polish, this was large scratches and a poorly-repaired dent. Oh and 2 smaller dents and a line of paint that had quite obviously been up against some masking tape. The dent in particular was around 2 inches in diameter and contained blotchy, bubbly paint and was surrounded by a large area which reflected dully through the lacquer due to the horizontal scratches in the paint that were obviously from sandpaper.

I call that taking the ****, expecting a punter to accept that on a new car.

They got in some independent detailing experts to work on the car which removed the scratches and polished the car up impressively well (even Audi agreed their own guys were useless) but that didn't fix the ruined passenger's door.

Had it been a few swirls here and there, I'd have simply taken the car to some detailers myself.

John

[Bratty]

Just a quick question for Troc (or anyone who has experience) regarding ordering a LHD vehicle in the UK, I have also ordered an A4 LHD from a UK for very good reasons!! (Cheaper and much better basic spec !!) and was just wondering if the order was also subject to a conversion charge (which is to cover paperwork and rear foglight change to conform to UK?). Also not wanting to be a vulture picking on peoples misfortunes is the S4 up for sale that was rejected (at a drastically reduced rate of course!)

Dunk

[troc]

If you order a LHD car in the UK (from the only dealer that will do them...), it comes essentially German-spec as regards things like lights etc (it also comes with German manuals.....) so no conversion needed to drive it in Europe.

As to the S4, I have no idea what Audi are doing with it as such but I am sure they'd want to sell it :) It's a very complete spec and mechanically perfect. Just check the paintwork on the passenger (i.e. right-hand front) door.

There's only one official tax-free and export dealer in the UK so a quick google will get you their name. Or PM me for details.

John

[Bratty]

Cheers for the quick reply Troc, I have ordered my A4 LHD through a UK dealer and am not purchasing the vehicle tax free and will be registered on UK plates therefore I think that is the difference in the conversion charge, the vehicle must conform to UK regs (Lights:- no probs with xenon. Speedo :- MPH able to be shown using MMI system. Rear fog to be moved to other side or fitted with both sides.) I just worry a bit that every time I phone for the order spec sheet they always still seem to be still in contact with the factory about it. (Worse case scenario it turns up in June with two steering wheels or none!!)

Dunk

[troc]

Ah not quite the same set-up as me then as I actually live in Holland and ordered tax-free in the UK because the low pound saved me 30% on the car cost.

[Bratty]

Yeah I know where you are coming from excactly (looking at a 34% saving on manufacturers price), but here in the sausage-eating-land Tax is running at 19% as opposed to the 15% in the UK, and there is no penalty when importing and registering in this country due to the Full Tax having been paid in the EU by the the entiteled registered keeper, which credentials I can fulfil. I have had know probs with previous cars so far!

Dunk

[troc]

Aah, the Dutch have a lovely 42% Luxury tax they slap on every car, irrespective of whether European tax has been paid. I get away with it because I am allowed to drive tax-free (perk of the job type-thing).

I guess I'll call the dealer and ask them how the reordering of a new car is coming along.

John

[troc]

Happy Days

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6448148&l=717738b65f&id=678280463

John

[ScottyUK]

What's with the hair.......errrrm I mean the dials? ;)

They're not white on an S4 are they?

[troc]

What's with the hair.......errrrm I mean the dials? ;)

They're not white on an S4 are they?

Big hair is coming back, one day. Maybe.

Dials are indeed whitish with an S4 logo. I do have a better image but not uploaded right now.

I'm not too sure about showing the license plate about (even though it's an export plate), so not many pictures I can show at the moment :(

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6448146&l=dcef778dc2&id=678280463

:)

[troc]

Just thought I'd share another photo of the car we don't have :)

Mainly to show off the Deep Sea Blue which I reckon is an under-appreciated colour

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6448150&l=aa505090fb&id=678280463


(The X plate means it's for export and as it's not mine anymore I wasn't worried about the plate being on show)

Should be finalizing the order for the replacement this week :)

John

[74ns]

Just thought I'd share another photo of the car we don't have :)

Mainly to show off the Deep Sea Blue which I reckon is an under-appreciated colour

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6448150&l=aa505090fb&id=678280463


(The X plate means it's for export and as it's not mine anymore I wasn't worried about the plate being on show)

Should be finalizing the order for the replacement this week :)

John

Mate, thats looks lush!

Have you gone for any other extras in the new order?

[troc]

We had a good ponder but lots of the options we didn't take were the expensive "I don't know how to drive ones" like the lane drift, or blind spot sensors or the radar cruise control which would be great on half-empty motorways if they existed - or if I drove a huge amount every day or something.

I pondered adding the flappy paddles (tried them on a TT and loved them to bits except the gear stick should go backwards to go up a gear IMHO) but it's an expensive option and I like the manual gearbox :)

I don't like sunroofs and we don't have people in the back often enough to warrant blinds or heated rear seats etc

I'm not paying 45 pounds for the hill-hold button. After all, I live in Holland :p

Anyway, should have everything finalized in a few days and it looks like it should be the 2010 model with the 3G MMI :)

John

[troc]

Bah, still waiting for the Audi UK "high ups" to approve the re-ordering :(

Was wondering about the new "black styling pack" but I think the normal look is best with the silver alloys and wing mirrors.

John

[ScottyUK]

I've been challenged to see if I can hold off and get a 59 plate car. In the mean time I'll carry on with what we've got :D

[troc]

Audi have turned around and said they will fix the damage and I have no rights to reject the car :(

They specifically mentioned that there had been no damage - which is odd, maybe dents and deep scratches magically appear in metal sometimes! (oh, wait. I'm a metallurgist. They don't.)

They've conveniently forgotten about the extra travel costs and the time I lost over this that they said they'd compensate.

Apparently paint marks that look like a badly repaired dent and a masking tape line (amongst other things) are not damage and are covered under the paint warranty.

*phones his solicitor*

I'm going right off Audi, very very fast.

John

[ScottyUK]

That's outrageous !!!

Are they suggesting that they're not responsible for the state of the paint upon delivery? Are they saying you did it?

Are they saying they can and will correct it? If so get in writing that the repair will not effect the paint warranty (12 years??).

Push for the compensation. Apart from the costs etc that you've had the whole experience has been ruined for you. I guess it comes down to whether they offer customer service and want you to buy a car from them in the future. :(

[jakerade]

I presume if they are saying it can be repaired they have provided you a similar car in the meantime (unless you have had your money back!)

Free Le Mans hospitality and all your expenses paid wouldn't seem unreasonable to me. It seems odd they have taken this long to say you cannot reject the car especially as you havent had it!

[troc]

No replacement car in the meantime as I live in Holland. So what I have had is a lot of extra expense (flights I didn't need to take, ferry bookings I never used) and a number of wasted annual leave days.

They have said they can and will repair it to the state it should have been in when we were given it. They currently have my money and my car..............

Now I had a thought.

I rejected the car but they are saying I had no right to and the car is still mine. At no point did I actually authorize them to repair the door but they are doing it anyway. If it's mine and they've repair it without my consent, I wonder if I have something extra to throw at them. Or does the work done imply culpability I wonder.

Problem is I am in Holland so I can't actually see a solicitor.

Hohum

John

[Plife]

Appalling! Are you talking to the dealer or someone higher up in Audi? I would be straight on the phone to the highest person in Audi I could get.

Whether the issues can be fixed or not - the car should be supplied in 100% perfect condition. Once they start tinkering it becomes more like a 2nd hand car. I'd be dropping BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar into the conversation!!

[troc]

Looking to see who in Audi I can hassle on the phone today :)

Because I agree this is simply unacceptable, I might expect this from some back street shady second hand dealer but not one of Audi's main dealers. Especially not their "flagship" dealership which this apparently is.

John

[jakerade]

They have done it probably because it is Audi UK and its a LHD vehicle which they cant easily repair and use as a demonstrator / sell on the forecourt in my opinion.

[troc]

They have done it probably because it is Audi UK and its a LHD vehicle which they cant easily repair and use as a demonstrator / sell on the forecourt in my opinion.

That's my thoughts too, doesn't stop it being unacceptable!

I really thought Audi had some kind of reputation but it seems not, at least not when it comes to this dealership.

I should have walked away the minute we were presented with a dirty, scratched car.

I'll know for next time I guess.

[jakerade]

In previous dealings with Audi UK i have found the dealers to be the more helpful element. You don't seem to be able to speak to any one sensible at Audi UK.

I got about £300 of Audi goods in compensation when my new Audi A3 TDI Quattro engine blew up about 6 yrs ago but thats the best i have done and that was painful. At least i got a car for a month whilst they fixed it.

On my last car the the clutch juddered all the time and it ended up in a bit of a screaming match as they wouldnt authorise the dealer to fix it. In the end the dealer came good and got it sorted.

Hope you can sort something out.

[Bratty]

Just to throw my tuppence in, if the car was purchased "tax free" as far as I am aware there are restrictions on who can then further buy the car ie. they must also have a tax free entitlement (dependent on which type of registration paperwork you have) That could be a significant factor in Audi UK´s final judgement!!! The norm potential customers would be squaddies or diplomats but both would resist purchasing the vehicle knowing that if they tried to sell it (LHD) in the foreign country that they are in they would get hammered with a tax bill on the residual second hand value of the car!!!

Dunk

[Jop]

I too have had a difficult time rejecting a car and for the first few months at least I was told I couldn't reject it on the basis that the radio doesn't work, and instead I should listen to other stations. I continues to hassle evenyone who's name and number I had and gradually got further up the food chain.
9 months on my rejection has been accepted and being replaced with a 2010 model.
I now consider myself an authority in car rejections.

The contract is with you and the dealer, Audi UK wont be interested but its certainly worth keeping on at them and their ludicrous decision making.

Most of your efforts should be focussed on the dealer, find the name an executive and inform him/her (probably him :Blush:) of your dispute. - This I should of done much earlier and probably would of got a resolve sooner.

If i can highlight the following from the new car code of practice.
(http://www.audi.co.uk/audi/uk/en2/owners_area/Code_of_Practice.html)


A consumer’s contract of sale will be with the dealership from
where they purchased the vehicle or with the finance company if
the vehicle was purchased on finance. The dealership or finance
company are legally responsible for the quality of the vehicle
supplied.
Legislation provides that any goods purchased by a consumer
must be of satisfactory quality. Satisfactory quality means that the
goods must meet the standard that a reasonable person would
regard as satisfactory taking into account any description of the
goods, the price and any other relevant circumstances, which
includes any public statements made by the seller, or producer on
the specific characteristics of the goods.
Goods should be fit for all the purposes for which goods of the
kind in question are commonly supplied and for any specific
purposes that the consumer makes known to the seller.
Consumers should remember that a manufacturer’s warranty is
provided in addition to their existing statutory rights.

Remedies
Legislation provides that where goods fall below the test of
satisfactory quality the consumer has a right to reject the goods
within a reasonable period of time, or the right to ask the
dealership to repair or to replace the goods, providing that the
remedy is neither impossible nor disproportionate to the
alternative. Where neither of these remedies is available the
consumer may ask for a reduction in price or a refund.

Hope this helps, hang in there.

[troc]

Just to throw my tuppence in, if the car was purchased "tax free" as far as I am aware there are restrictions on who can then further buy the car ie. they must also have a tax free entitlement (dependent on which type of registration paperwork you have) That could be a significant factor in Audi UK´s final judgement!!! The norm potential customers would be squaddies or diplomats but both would resist purchasing the vehicle knowing that if they tried to sell it (LHD) in the foreign country that they are in they would get hammered with a tax bill on the residual second hand value of the car!!!

Dunk

I am a diplomat (well, international civil servant but the rules are the same for us in this case, I just lack the get out of jail free card that diplomats have!) and I know all about the taxes involved as I have had to bring my previous, tax-tree car "fully" into Holland before I could purchase another (we have the additional hassles of a 42% car tax and a weird depreciation system to determine the final tax costs.....).

I suspect that like you said, the complication arises that I can't sell the car as such until the taxes are paid and the car can't be registered by the dealer until the same (I think). However that's not an insurmountable problem, they can always pay the tax on my behalf as part of the handover back to them - it doesn't matter where the money comes from. Yes it's expensive for them but they shouldn't have damaged the car! and they can always sell it to a punter. The LHD thing isn't really an excuse as they will take LHD cars in part-ex anyway and have AFAIK a dealer in Germany they work with. Plus it's a well specced car that I am sure they could sell without a significant loss to them. I am also sure they have insurance for this kind of thing.

Fundamentally, after the way I was treated, I have no sympathy. If they'd been upfront from the beginning, I am sure things might have been different.

And thanks Jop for what you said about rejecting etc. I have a feeling we are in this for the long haul - at least in this case, the car appears mechanically and radio-ally perfect :)

John

[troc]

Well, it seems they have repaired the car and will be emailing me some photos to have a look at.......

However they do have someone who wants to buy the car and have only given me 24 hours to decide whether to accept or reject the car (which I already rejected weeks ago :) ) As there's no way I could make that decision on the strength of some photos and I can't get to the UK in that time, I suspect I'll be confirming my rejection after all but the wife gets a say as well.......!

I do wonder if they were delaying things until they had a buyer lined up.

If I reject, we'll be reordering the same spec as before which means I guess I'll get the 3G MMI and whatnot (not really fussed about 3G vs 2G, just want an S4 :) ) Fundamentally, I don't think we missed anything off the order the previous time that we missed. About the only thing would be the silly Hill Hold button but the blank space didn't annoy me at all and I didn't miss the feature.

In which case I'll keep you all informed until you are bored to bits and when it comes I'll take some pictures cos I still think the S4 in deep sea blue is the smartest looking A4 Audi make :p

I guess I'll be looking at 3-4 months wait again?

John

[73kingstonroad]

Hi...

Glad to hear that your finally getting somewhere.

As for placing a new order, I may be wrong but in circumstances like yours they may be able to jump the que a little.
A quick phone call to Audi (uk) may pay off.

Martin

[Jop]

Reject it an the n'th hour
Glad to hear that your rejection has finally been accepted (if you want it)



A quick phone call to Audi (uk) may pay off.

:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: - Good one.

[ScottyUK]

Add the Hill Hold assist !!!! It's only £45 and you can have it on an S4. It's only 2.0 manuals you can't.
;)

[Black Phantom]

I'm really sorry to have read this sorry tale. To take delivery of a new car should be a marvellous experience. I had nothing but superb service from Glasgow Audi. They handed over an immaculate car and did exactly what they said when they said they would do it. I hope that a satisfactory post will end this thread one day and we can see a happy owner with a gleaming new beast!

[troc]

Just been told the new car is confirmed for next week (week 31 I guess) so I might have it for some of the summer :)

[ScottyUK]

Mine's also build week 31....although I won't get it until the '59 plate regardless of how quick they ship it.

[kavithakrar]

Just been told the new car is confirmed for next week (week 31 I guess) so I might have it for some of the summer :)

I would laugh if you had to reject this one!!
:biglaugh:

[troc]

I would laugh if you had to reject this one!!
:biglaugh:

If I have to reject this one, I'm buying a BMW M3 (which I will run-in by driving around and around the Audi dealer) and never trying Audi again!

Hopefully this one will be fine
:beerchug:

[tigersargyle]

Mine's also build week 31....although I won't get it until the '59 plate regardless of how quick they ship it.

My car is due for a week 30 build - lets hope the robots and Germans are in good form over the next few weeks! :approve:

[troc]

Well, finally after what feels like 2-3 years, I picked up the car yesterday and then immediately drove it back to Holland so it now has around 600k on it already :)

As I was running it in, I went gently averaging around 80MpH or so except for a few roadwork sections and I managed to see around 23mpg which I reckon isn't too bad considering it's the first tank and everything will still be a bit tight.

First impressions are excellent - after all, I loved the previous one for the 2 days I had it :) It's a supreme motorway cruiser. I love the new MMI although I agree the new voice is a little odd - you should hear here trying to speak Dutch and pronounce the names of the streets around here. I may even try to record some of it :)

I'll up a few photos when I have a moment!

John
:beerchug:

[juniperz]

Congratulations!
Look forward to seeing the pics - and listening to the MMI sound file!

[ScottyUK]

Glad it all worked out .... at last ;)

:beerchug:

[porty]

I'm glad it all worked out in the end. I look forward to seeing your pictures.

[troc]

Here's a few photos now that I've had a clean and a play with a load of Zaino stuff :D

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyargle/sets/72157622458461574/

[ScottyUK]

Jeez !!!! They've put the steering wheel on the wrong side! Send it back!! :aargh4:



;)

[troc]

Jeez !!!! They've put the steering wheel on the wrong side! Send it back!!

Naah, it's alright - I got the photo mirrored by accident when I was editing it

:beerchug:

[ScottyUK]

Oh yeah! It looks much better the correct way round :biglaugh:

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=7041&d=1254042062

[Jop]

lets see some more pics of "the hair"

nice s4 btw.