Sanders1

Okay, I'm getting really close pulling the trigger on getting A3 2.0.

Should I get all "non-warrenty" service/repair/check up done by Mechanic who specializes in Audi? Or can I go to my mechanic that I've been using for years for my Japanese & American Cars?

All honesty, only thing that's holding me back is Audi's very dodgy realibily & customer service history.

finch

audi does maint until 50k miles

Sanders1

Yes, but that only covers their "schedule maintenance." I'd like to change oil at more frequent intervals than 10k. Also, I have a very un-predictable schedule and I've heard of dealers having very long waiting list for "schedule maintenance". And I know I won't be able to make any appointments that I'd have to make weeks in advance.

I also just hate dealing with Dealerships. My mechanic is 2 blks from my house and pretty much puts my car at priority whenever I bring it in un-announced. If my car breaks down late at night..I can have it towed to his shop, leave it in front of the garage door, give my key to an attendant, and he'll know who's car it is.

I am very attached to my mechanic.

qfrog Ti20

Buy some things in advance... oil filters, oil, wipers.. keep them at home and then drop then drop the car off at your mechanic with the correct parts and have him change the oil. Maybe you want to skip the dealer completely... buy up all of the items you are going to need in advance... oil filter, air filter, pollen filter, spark plugs and if DSG trans fluid too. Maybe this would be more worthwhile than the free services which you would essentially skip... just be sure to keep the parts recipts and labor recipts with dates and mileage... just in case your service record is called into question.

If you need it I can get you the maintenance list for each "scheduled" service.

Sanders1

So you are saying that my mechanic should be able to do the work as long as he has good quick access to audi specific parts and supplies.

Which I guess can be an issue unless I stock up on them personally? Is Audi bad about having stuff readily available at their shop for Independents to get? Do Audi's have lot of stuff that cann't be gotten at regualr Auto shops?

qfrog Ti20

you would be very lucky to find an oil filter and 502 spec oil in many places in the US for the 2.0T engine.

You can always order stuff from places like puremotorsports (purems.com) and have it delivered to your shop. Filters and other maintenance items are easy to get from audi specialist parts vendors. If something fails on the car... it will probably have to visit the dealership.

MikeSS

such as Mobil 1....

The filter is probably only available from a dealer, but oil should be no problem.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audiusa.com/common/images/Audi_Approved_Oil_Chart.pdf">Audi approved 502 oils PDF</a></li></ul>

danham

... is the collective knowledge of the entire Audi dealer network. For oil and filter, that is not relevant, but for PREVENTING problems you may not even know about, it is.

I'd go to your neighborhood shop for o&amp;f but have the big maintenances done at the dealer. The price is right.

-dan

Troll2

Cost of repairs will drive you nuts if you keep the car out of warranty. But, when you're in the warranty it's an annoying inconvenience.

Troll2

filters are easy to get.
nothing special.