4Rings::G2 boosted::

Last friday I want to Audi of Alexandria (VA) for a routine service. I needed an oil change, a replacement ambient temp sensor bracket and I needed them to check the codes because once in a while I would get a check engine light. I also asked for a second set of keys which I've been promised when I bought the car there. I ask for them during every visit and it was always the same story - yeah, we ordered them and we'll call you in a few days when they come. Of course they never call.

I get a call Saturday morning. Oil change done. So far so good. Check engine light? They reset the computer but refuse to fix anything. The temp sensor bracket? The service rep (we'll call him Phil swears up and down that there is no way to replace it without removing the radiator lines and it wouldn't be covered under warranty. And by the way my warranty is through another company, not Audi. I ask how that's possible since I bought my A4 as a certified pre-owned car. He doesn't know. I tell him to check.
At the dealership they finally figure out that I indeed have an Audi warranty. Their records are wrong. The service rep keeps arguing that they can't fix the temp bracket cheap. I ask for the part number for the whole radiator hose / bracket combo. Guess what? There is a separate bracket for $3.95. But they can't install it on Saturday. Since the keys are not in yet they tell me to come back in a few days. On the way back home the check engine light cames on again.

I return the car to them Monday morning. Monday afternoon - sorry we didn't even look at your car yet. Tuesday - the car needs a new O2 sensor. It's been ordered. Wednesday - they are trying to install it but supposedly can't seem to get the old sensor out. Thursday afternoon I finally get a call - the car is done. I show up to pick it up and ask for the second keys. I'm told they are in the car. Inside I find only the front half of the key - no remote control part. What to f&*k? It takes them another 1/2 hour to find a remote control part and program it to my car. The temp sensor bracket is installed but they don't snap the lower grill back on. If I didn't notice it I would probably lose it on the way home. I drive home. 5 minutes into the drive the check engine light comes back on.

Friday (today) morning - I return the car to the dealer. I get the call in the afternoon - the car is ready again. I go in. They changed the other O2 sensor but they can't find my keys anywhere! Fortunately I have the second set they just gave me the other day so I can drive the car home.

The question is - what are the odds the I will get my keys back and that the check engine light will stay off?

fanta4

i have nothing but horrible things to say about them. uugghhh, so many stories....dont even get me started. ive been thinking that it might be worth the trip to the dealer in rockville.

kennyc

I got my car there so I get a free loaner.. They replaced the wheel bearing (under warranty) and overall a very pleasant experience.

You can also check out Tischer Audi in Silver Spring. I have good experiences there as well.

ex-quattro PETE

I've actually heard that Audi of Alexandria is decent, but I still go to Tischer.

donahoe73

I bring my car to HBL to a service writer named John Lindeman. 2 years ago thier service wasn't all that, but in the last year they have really shaped up. They are great now! After everytime I bring my car in their customer service dept. calls me and asks how they did. I hear that the service writers salaries depend on their level of satisfaction there now.

4Rings::G2 boosted::

the first time the rental company brought the car to the dealership, all nice. The Golf was theirs. But the third time I had to take a shuttle to the rental company, wait 45 minutes in line and then they gave me a car with an empty tank and $20 to fill it up myself. I'm not making this up!
I'm thinking of going to HBL next time, but will they give me a free loaner? Or is it only the dealership I get the car at?

donahoe73

The only thing is I think the loaner is free only if you bought the car at HBL, but you may want to check. I bought car 10 months old from a private seller, he bought the car at HBL so I just said I got it there and haven't had any problems. I don't think that they care too much about it anyways.

kennyc

Do a search on HBL and you will find out what I am talking about.

It's not just me. A lot of people who were discrimenated from that dealership. They will never see a dime from me.

Nogaro Nitwit

Everytime I go I get everything done the way I want it and the service is great. Way better than my old Pontiac dealership I dealt with on my last car.