Skip advert
Advertisement

Watchdog: Late service wrecks Audi warranty

Late service leaves Audi unwilling to pay for £9,000 gearbox claim

When the complex S tronic gearbox and expensive stereo failed in Justin Berkovi's 59-plate Audi S4 Avant estate within six months of purchase, he didn't know whether to complain to Audi or the supplying dealer – Fontain Motors in Iver, Bucks.

Justin had two extended warranties: one from Audi (via Mondial Assistance) and one from Fontain with a £1,000 claim cap.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Facing a £9,000 bill for the replacement gearbox, Justin called Mondial Assistance. It rejected the claim, arguing that a gearbox oil change that was carried out 1,500 miles late (by a previous owner) had invalidated its cover.

Justin argued the car had a full service history from Walton Audi, Surrey, which didn't mention any problems. "It was absolutely impossible for me to tell just by looking at the car's service book that something had been missed. It was all simply ticks and stamps," said Justin.

An Audi spokesperson later admitted that: "the delayed gearbox oil change did not contribute to the gearbox fault". It confirmed that the firm would split the replacement costs with its warranty provider Mondial and Whetstone Audi, which would carry out the repairs.

Audi would not pay for the stereo repair though, as poorly plugged holes discovered in the bodywork were letting water in and blowing the system's electrics – something Fontain should have spotted. Although Fontain did eventually agree to pay for and fix the fault, its work would invalidate Audi's extended warranty. That left Justin to pick up the tab for Audi to complete the work. He said: "Fontain won't pay Audi's labour rates, so I have to."

What should you do if this happens to you?

Justin's contract of sale is with Fontain, rather than Audi, so the onus to fix the car falls on the dealer. It's then Fontain’s responsibility to recover the costs from Audi. However, the Audi extended warranty means any work carried out by Fontain will invalidate the cover, effectively blocking the dealer from carrying out any repairs.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024