Pre-Delivery Inspection Advice and MY Audi Dealer Experience

[r8dreamer]

I have been reading posts on this site for over a year, but this is my first post, so thanks for all the great advice.

I will be picking up my new 2010 R8 V8 this week and wanted to know if there is anything in particular that one would recommend checking prior to delivery other than a detailed walk-around and a test drive? Are there any common problems that arrive from the factory that I should look out for and have addressed prior to delivery.

Also, this will be my first Audi. Thus far, I have been very disappointed with my Audi dealer experience. I might have well ordered a Chevy vs. a $100k+ car. Anybody else have similar dealer experiences? I get little to no information and I must call multiple times to get a response. I should have had my car six months ago, but they ordered the car wrong, so I declined delivery.

This time, I wasn't even told my car was coming this week. I found that out from the R8 hotline. I have complained once before about their poor customer service, but will do so again before handing over my check. As someone new to Audi brand, I found this type of dealer service for a R8 customer very surprising.

[desperado]

I've had very good after sale support at my Audi dealer. However, I did not think the communication while waiting for a car was the greatest. It appears that in USA the dealers might not get very much feedback from Audi of America compared to, for example, our friends in the UK.

[73vwbug]

In which state are you? Is your dealer an R8 certified dealer?

My R8 is scheduled for delivery in the second half of March, and my dealer has been keeping me posted down to the week. R8 sales team has also reached out to me when I had a few Audi dealers give me incorrect info when I first initiated my search.

[SteveR]

I wish you (non desperado) guys would at least put your state in your bio..

Anyway, I was just talking to my wife today about whether it would be more effective to complain to Audi by phone or letter. Then I come across your post R8dreamer, and I see I am not alone. I now have deposits at two dealers and neither one has been very good at keeping me posted. I check in every couple months and they usually don't return my call. On the other hand, others have posted good experiences. I don't think your experience typical of Audi.

[OEMplus.com]

I think it depends on your dealer. Where are you?? The local R8 dealers here are normally pretty responsive, but we work with them regularly so they know to keep us up to date on delivery updates and new or updated product information, recalls, bulletins or events.

I wish you (non desperado) guys would at least put your state in your bio.

X2, it should be mandatory...

[mngolfer]

My Audi experience has been wonderful on both my A8 and especially my R8.

They kept me informed where I was on the list, when I could order, how long it would take from the order date, when it arrived in port and when it was ready for pick-up. When you get your car you will be given information on your personal Audi advocate. This direct toll-free number will assist you in any issues or concerns on your car. They will follow-up with you and the dealer daily on any issues.

You should be receiving gifts from Audi of America once your order is placed. The gifts vary with time and dealer.

If you are not getting the service you expect ask to speak to the GM of the dealership. Ask them if they are an "R8 Certified dealer." IMHO you should only work with a certified R8 dealer. They are the only ones that can truly service your car for warranty work.

If you need some assistance send me a PM. I will contact the President of the two dealers in MN and have him contact your dealers and get things straightened out. He is on the AOA R8 support counsel. He invited me to the A8 World Premiere so I know him a little bit. He also is responsible for having Audi AG fly in a tech to fix my mirrors when seven trips to the dealer yielded no results.

I think Audi dealer service is great!

[AnOutsider]

I think the most important thing to check for, is that the car is painted the color you requested, otherwise there will be a delay of about a week while they strip it down and repaint it.

Make sure the engine they put in is the one you ordered too. Sneaky dealers out there.

PA is a large state, but where abouts are you? Which dealer?

[SteveR]

PA, that's interesting. One of my current deposits is in PA.

[ianerrid]

I think the most important thing to check for, is that the car is painted the color you requested, otherwise there will be a delay of about a week while they strip it down and repaint it.

Make sure the engine they put in is the one you ordered too. Sneaky dealers out there.

PA is a large state, but where abouts are you? Which dealer?

Wicked, wicked!!

[R84ME]

When someone refers to an Audi dealer being good or bad, it's usually based on experience(s) with sales, service or parts staff. People, not inanimate store fronts that say AUDI, are directly responsible for a dealer's service status.

Audi does all it can to make their facilities appear upscale and inviting but it's the franchise owner that set's the tone for the dealership (a top-down thing). It's a little late now but, if you want to find a good dealer, find out who owns it.

I purchased my car from a Penske dealer that's about 90 min. away rather than my local dealer who is 20 min. away. My sales person actually worked me into a canceled slot for a MT6 car so mine was delivered about 3-4 months earlier than it would have been working down the allocation list. All current Audi production data is available on-line to Audi sales staff. A competent, dedicated sales person (as mine was) will check their client's build status and communicate the build progress with the client as it progresses. The service and parts departments at this dealer are also top notch. I had a few extra requests during my my 1st service that took a couple extra days. Besides a free real car (traveling 90 miles X2), service called me daily just to let me know what had been done & what remained to be done.

If you're having problems with your dealer (sounds like you are) and have no other alternatives, speak with the General Manager and AOA Customer Support directly. It's in their best interest to make you happy. Unfortunately, great customer service does not come naturally or easily - sometimes, you need to extract it.

i'm off the soapbox now...