thx for the feedback. Much appreciated. I guess I just have to absorb
the cost. But it just bothers me, cos I had to replace 2 tires that
blew due to some bubbling on side walls ..Audi didnt take resposibility
for that either, and that was with about 5-8K miles, and now this, for
a certified car in less than 2 yrs. Worries me what else is in store
for me. Car is a dream when its working but frustrating nightmare when
it breaks down.
Thanks for the responses.
iws wrote:
> "TR3NDSETR" > wrote in message
> ps.com...
> > Timing belt failure on a Certified 2001.5 Audi A4 with a 1yr Assured
> > Warranty left on the car. Audi service will not cover the costs. I have
> > read many articles here where people have stated Audi wouldnt cover the
> > costs because they were over a certain mileage, or out of the warranty.
> > I dont think it makes a difference whether you have the warranty or
> > not...its still your headache....right now its mine. Bought my Audi
> > less than 2 yrs ago, Certified with 19K miles on it. First week, I
> > noticed the car didnt start first crank. Send it in, they said I needed
> > a new fuel Pump, and covered the expense, minus $50 deductible. But it
> > wasnt fixed. Sent it back, it was a tiny hole in a hose. Paid another
> > $50 for time and efforts. Less than 5K miles both tires blew, and one
> > rim was damaged due to some Bubbles formed on sidewalls of tires.
> > Tires not covered, nor was the rim. Cost to repair $880. At 27K miles
> > new brakes needed. Audi Reccomends changing Rotors also as they are
> > rusting. Rusty rotors arent covered in Assured Warranty. Cost $590.
> > Last weekend driving on hi way and battery light and check engine both
> > come on same time. By the time I get to hard shoulder the battery is
> > almost flat. Emergency Towing delivers at nearest dealer late at night.
> > BIG MISTAKE !!! Gave dealer the opportunity to diagnose and report
> > multiple repairs needed. New Battery, Alternator, and Time belts. Since
> > changing Time belt, he also reccomends changing water pump and
> > Tensioner, and some seal. $1800 for waterpump, seal and Time belt,
> > $1200 for Alternator, $285 Battery and $330 diagnosis. $3600 worth
> > damage without any warning.
>
> Hard to believe your timing belt has actually failed since if it had, you'd
> almost certainly be looking at thousands in engine damage alone. Probably
> they're recommending the TB change because of the age of the car. And it is
> usually a good idea to replace the water pump, tensioner and thermostat at
> the same time since much of the job is labor and each of these parts
> requires pretty much the same disassembly. That said, $1800 is excessive - a
> good independent Audi mechanic should do it for around $1000 or so. For the
> battery, I suggest Autozone - they have one that fits my 98 A4 for about $75
> so $285 sounds like robbery. As far as what's covered under the "Assured
> Warranty", typically wear and tear items are NOT covered. Audis tend to go
> through brakes and it is usual to have to replace the rotors along with the
> brake pads.
>
> > Car is sittign at dealer right now. I called Audi America, they called
> > dealer, and reported back that at very minium even if I dont fix the
> > car I still have to pay the diagnosis fees. But in any case only the
> > alternator is covered on warranty. Everything else Im responsible for.
> > Audi Assured wont cover you for Time Belt or Battery. They stated
> > despite low mileage since the car is 2001.5 its 5yrs old, which is
> > considered "wear" , so timing belt is on me.
> >
> > Car drives like a dream when working but when its not its a major
> > expense. This car has only and always been maintained by Audi but it
> > doesnt seem to matter. Audi will fix small items and easy fixers but
> > anything major they wont copver you. If you are going to buy Audi,
> > sell after the 4yr Warranty is over because maintanance is very pricy.
> >
> > Has anyone else had this problem with time belts in such low mileage?
>
> Again, I suspect that your TB has not actually failed but is being replaced
> as a precaution. Were it to fail, you'd be looking at many thousands of
> dollars in engine repair. Audi used to have a longer mileage between TB
> replacement but had a number of failures. Now they recommend both mileage
> AND time periods between changes.
>
> > Have their been any Class actions against Audi... Im seriously
> > considering getting a lawyer but need some direction on this.
>
> You can google audi class action but here's one of interest
> http://tinyurl.com/bff6c
> >