Car Broke down Same Day of Purchase

Understandable on 21/01/2023 - 23:58
Last edited 23/01/2023 - 11:23 by 1 other user

Hi everyone, I purchased an 2013 Audi A5 coupe and picked it up today. It came with statutory warranty of 3 months/5000km, after about 50 minutes of driving the stop start failed came up with an alert, car started vibrating at idle so pulled over straight away and the engine would not start after, there is an EPC light and looks to be engine aswell.

The roadworthy was done by the dealers mechanic yesterday and now today the car is now with their mechanic to be fixed. When test driven and prior to the fault the car felt fine, only has 105,000KM with service history.

I am unsure of what I can do in this situation, I realise I should have done a Pre-Purchase Inspection but as a result of the warranty can I take the car to an reputable mechanic to compare a RWC or look for major faults?

The dealer will have to make repairs but how can I know that they are doing things properly? I had a look at the reviews on the mechanic given and they do have reviews stating about their dodgy RWCs…

Thanks, any suggestions will help :)

Automotive Audi A5

Comments

  • Hybroid on 22/01/2023 - 00:01
    +26

    You take it back to the dealer to repair and resolve all issues under the 3 month warranty for second hand cars.

    You can always take it to a mechanic or even do a pre-purchase inspection at your leisure for peace of mind later (but ideally within the 3 months period in case it brings anything else up).

    Alternatively, you can take it to Audi for a full service and they'll surely find any issues with it there too.

    Not sure what possessed you to buy a 10-year old Audi in Australia. They might be regular run of the mill cars in Europe but will be pretty expensive to maintain here. If the dealer doesn't get repairs done satisfactorily or quickly enough, push for a full refund and buy something else.

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 00:11

      Thanks, if I do a PPI now and major issues are found, will they have to act on those? Aside from it being 10 years old the car presented very well but hopefully theres nothing too wrong with it.

      What is a reasonable time for a dealer to have repairs done?

      • Hybroid on 22/01/2023 - 00:17
        +2

        Depends what the issues found are. If related to safety, reliability and roadworthiness then they should cover it. Anything wear and tear or not critical like say radio doesn't work then not necessarily.

        There's no set reasonable timeframes, depends what's wrong and what they need to do. If they need to order a sensor from Germany vs replace a basic frayed electrical wire vs complete engine tear down and rebuild would differ.

        • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 00:22

          I will get one completed, thank you. All that matters is for me to have the car working. Only plan to keep it for 1-2 years, what scenario allows a full refund? e.g constant faults/breakdown?

          • Hybroid on 22/01/2023 - 00:35
            +12

            @Understandable: The scenario where you make the dealer's life miserable with constant complaints and chasing and (polite) outrage that they agree to refund just to get rid of you from their lives.

            Not joking. They're not obliged to refund so it'll be down to you to make them. This literally happened with a colleague and it worked. YMMV.

      • Peanut money on 22/01/2023 - 06:31
        +8

        They will probably stretch it till the end of the 3 mths warranty

        • Gunnar on 22/01/2023 - 08:25
          +2

          This! Which also means the sooner you do stuff with getting any independent inspection done the better the dealer will try to drag it out so get on things sooner.

          And make sure you keep everything in writing so you have proof in case you need to raise it

          As others have said below a RWC has nothing to do with the overall condition of the car

          • Understandable on 23/01/2023 - 14:14

            @Gunnar: I can get an independent inspection and they will have to act ont he listed faults?

    • HeWhoKnows on 22/01/2023 - 21:18

      I believe the NSW Used Car 3 month statutory warranty does not allow for a refund. Only for repairs
      See here: https://www.mtansw.com.au/consumer-advice/motor-vehicle-warr…

      Same applies for new cars
      You cant just take them back for a refund under the new car warranty

  • Muzeeb on 22/01/2023 - 00:06
    +9

    The roadworthy has nothing to do with the overall mechanical condition of the engine.

    2013 Audi A5 coupe

    Gorgeous looking car but why did you get a 10yo euro without a PPI?

    how can I know that they are doing things properly?

    They will be doing it as cheap as possible just trying to get you through the statutory period.

    I assume it's the 2.0 turbo?

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 00:14

      I didn't even think about a PPI, watched videos on what to look for on the car. I've learnt my lesson here, it is the 2.0 turbo

      • Muzeeb on 22/01/2023 - 00:20

        What's the build date of your car?

        If you're in Vic the 10 year statutory warranty could be expiring very soon?

        I'm not sure but if it was sold at less than 10yo then you get the full warranty period??

  • SF3 on 22/01/2023 - 00:08
    +6

    It’s Understandable you have trust issues with the dealer.

  • brendanm on 22/01/2023 - 00:11

    Which engine in it?

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 00:13

      EA888 the 2.0 T Quattro

      i believe these are a GTI engine

      • maybeamacy on 22/01/2023 - 01:05

        Is it a Gen 3? 2013 is when they switched over from Gen 2 to Gen 3. The Gen 3 engine cover kind of looks like a turtle shell whereas the Gen 2 looks more like a brick.

        The Gen 3 EA888 is pretty solid from what I understand. I've the same year car with the 3.0 TDI and it has been relatively trouble free.

        • skillet on 22/01/2023 - 13:20

          Solid yes but probably need new Pistons and Rings at 105K it's probably burning good amount of oil. Also good old carbon clean as the deposits will be pretty thick at this age.

          • maybeamacy on 22/01/2023 - 15:17

            @skillet: Yeah, Gen 2 had that issue where the piston rings were too thin from factory but they were redesigned for the Gen 3 EA888 - haven't heard much complaints from the facelift versions of this car but one or two do occasionally pop up but not nearly as much as the earlier models which at one point or another need an engine rebuild because of the piston rings.

            • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 17:04

              @maybeamacy: Mine is the facelifted version. Will go get it looked at when I get it back, thanks for the information have been very helpful :)

    • Muzeeb on 22/01/2023 - 00:13

      Hopefully not the one with the timing chains at the back 😳

      • skillet on 22/01/2023 - 13:18

        Timing chain tensioner you mean.

        • Muzeeb on 22/01/2023 - 13:31

          No. The 4.2 V8 from the S5 has the timing chains on the transmission side. If When they fail it's a full engine out job and $$$$.

  • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2023 - 00:16
    +1

    What colour is it?

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 00:16

      white

      • [Deactivated] on 22/01/2023 - 00:17

        That model looks better in red

  • lachhelix on 22/01/2023 - 00:28
    +2

    You got your stat warranty! Just let them sort it out and if you still experience problems then you can stress about it then :)
    Enjoy your Audi!

  • Ghost47 on 22/01/2023 - 01:05
    +5

    Let the dealer's mechanic deal with it, after you get it back take it to the track and give it a good fanging then drive interstate just to make sure all is good. If it breaks down right after take it back again. If things are good take it to a third-party anyway to make sure it's definitely ok.

  • Top G on 22/01/2023 - 01:07
    +1

    Finessed

  • Vancomycin 1000mg on 22/01/2023 - 03:09
    +7

    Get a refund and buy a Japanese or Korean.

    • pasey25 on 22/01/2023 - 08:15
      -3

      Then he’ll have the risk of falling asleep at the wheel from boredom

      • Vancomycin 1000mg on 22/01/2023 - 08:38
        +1

        Don't buy the crappy SUVs.

        Trust me when you buy Hyundai i30N, i20N, Kia Stinger, Toyota Yaris GR, Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ.

        Then there is the classic Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution amazing car.

        All great little fun and exciting cars.

      • pegaxs on 22/01/2023 - 09:12
        +31

        Yep, nothing keeps you awake more than the fear of not knowing when your car is just going to shit itself and leave you stranded… so exciting.

        • HelpMeiCantSee on 22/01/2023 - 12:38
          +1

          I know right? I mean, at least it’s not an Alfa though

          • Brick Tamland on 23/01/2023 - 09:11
            +1

            @HelpMeiCantSee: But if you were going to buy an unreliable Euro car why not get the full experience and get the Alfa?

        • Vancomycin 1000mg on 22/01/2023 - 14:36
          +2

          What a nice comeback. European cars are overrated and over priced. There is not nothing special about them except the badge.

          • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 16:55

            @Vancomycin 1000mg: I was going to buy an Alfa Romeo Guilia, but decided to try an Audi first hah… no point going for a base spec giulia due to Provisional license

            • HelpMeiCantSee on 25/01/2023 - 09:59

              @Understandable: I made the mistake once. Lovely, no, beautiful car. But Jesus, the Chinese have better QC than Alfa!

              • Understandable on 25/01/2023 - 13:58

                @HelpMeiCantSee: How was it while you had it?

                • HelpMeiCantSee on 26/01/2023 - 13:00
                  +1

                  @Understandable: Really nice to drive, pretty sporty, nice power, I’d say a tad heavy on fuel. Honestly, a lovely drive. But Jesus, she spent more time off the road broken than on the road. It was only 2 years old! I vowed never another Alfa after that :(

                  Went to BMW next, which cost less, but still maintenance (cost) intensive. Then went to a foul can which was ok, cheap on all fronts but just a boat. Now I play with 4wd so longevity and strength are my criteria these days.

                  • Understandable on 26/01/2023 - 15:31

                    @HelpMeiCantSee: Which Alfa was it? the GME t4 engine or the ferrari. I've heard the T4 is pretty reliable. the Audi seems to be pretty good now after the repairs, only thing is its heavy on fuel aswell. looking at city driving 400-500km but as soon as that hits the highway the litre per 100km drops down to 4ish

  • 87percent on 22/01/2023 - 08:23
    +3

    What can go wrong when the dealers mechanic does the rwc???

    • pegaxs on 22/01/2023 - 09:17
      +5

      It’s one step down from “I got the dealers mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection.”

      • 87percent on 22/01/2023 - 09:21
        +1

        And then it’s “oh don’t worry, my mates a panel beater” after you get into an accident and you get a quote

  • cashless on 22/01/2023 - 08:47
    +7

    I purchased an 2013 Audi

    🤦‍♂️ welcome to the forum where you will receive nothing but sympathy.

    • Ghost47 on 22/01/2023 - 13:05
      +2

      The replies are nicer than I thought they’d be lol.

  • pegaxs on 22/01/2023 - 09:16
    +8

    Can’t wait till the warranty runs out and OP is back asking what legal options they have because the dealer is now refusing to fix it. Wait till it starts burning oil faster than it burns fuel.

    • Gunnar on 22/01/2023 - 13:40
      +1

      But the RWC came out okay. I also spoke to the apprentice mechanic at Audi who said burning a litre of oil every 1000km is perfectly normal, especially for a passenger car predominantly sold to non enthusiasts

      • bbinc on 22/01/2023 - 15:24
        +4

        10-15 litres between services? ???? That apprentice must have been inducted with “tell them it’s normal’” - whatever it is

        • Ghost47 on 22/01/2023 - 15:28
          +1

          "Perfectly normal… for a Euro car" they mean, LOL!!!

  • jrvb42 on 22/01/2023 - 09:31

    Eh? The car is back with the dealer being fixed. What's the problem? Come back if the problem happens again, but new stuff often has issues, let alone a secondhand car. Dealer sounds like they are fulfilling obligation so far.
    Yes, you should have gotten an independent inspection, particularly if small things like this are going to worry you.

  • Dslrfirst on 22/01/2023 - 10:11

    Don't by a US-ed Audi.

  • WreckTangle on 22/01/2023 - 10:31
    +2

    The dealer will sort it. Roadworthy checks things like tyres and headlights, not mechanical issues.

  • AustriaBargain on 22/01/2023 - 10:33
    +9

    The lifecycle of an Audi is rich people buy it new, then maybe three years later they give it to their kids, then three years after that a sucker from the general population buys it. You're probably a few suckers deeper into the cycle.

    • Mumbles on 22/01/2023 - 12:48
      +2

      It can be worse than that. Rich people lease for a year or a few years and let them go. The car only needs to survive 12 months with the cheapest money outlay.

      I've a friend who is paranoid of 2nd hand Mercedes Benz cars as he believes there are so many negligent owners who don't know how to top up the engine oil.

      • Ghost47 on 22/01/2023 - 15:06

        Rich people lease for a year or a few years and let them go.

        Indeed, they lease a car for a few years, then lease another, then another… and the cycle goes on. I would say "some people" rather than "rich people" as well.

      • bbinc on 22/01/2023 - 15:26

        My eleven yr old Renault tells me every morning if the oil level is normal.
        My service guy asks me if I ever check the tyre pressures. Sigh.

    • Ghost47 on 22/01/2023 - 15:05

      rich people

      That's a big assumption.

      • AustriaBargain on 22/01/2023 - 15:11

        Well it's not the poor that's buying new Audis.

        • Ghost47 on 22/01/2023 - 15:15
          +1

          Cars can be financed, people can go into debt for their sugar hits.

          • AustriaBargain on 22/01/2023 - 15:52

            @Ghost47: Rich people might do it because the interest on their car loan is less than their investment properties is projected to earn them.

      • websterp on 22/01/2023 - 19:10

        Well, that's the majority on OZBargain.

  • MrThing on 22/01/2023 - 11:46
    +8

    Used European cars… asking for trouble

    • pegaxs on 22/01/2023 - 14:00
      +3

      This is what I say to my customers when they bring in broken down Euro trashwagens…

      "If you can't afford a new *insert Euro shitbox*, you certainly can't afford a used one."

  • Equalizer on 22/01/2023 - 14:04
    +2

    I'd be booking it in at your local NRMA inspection station where they will go over it with a fine tooth comb, and anything they find I'd be asking to be fixed, and then I'd be getting it re-checked after any necessary repairs are completed. If the dealer is shifty then they may say they've 'fixed' something, when in fact they've done nothing.

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 16:54

      Ok thanks will get this done as soon I receive the car. I’m in Victoria, what is the equivalent ?

      • jm7 on 22/01/2023 - 19:47
        +2

        RACV

  • Drakesy on 22/01/2023 - 16:30
    +2

    I learnt the hard way when i bought a secondhand Audi Q7.
    The badge is not worth the hassle.

    • Muzeeb on 22/01/2023 - 16:38

      Thanks for your honesty. Stay strong my friend. 131114.

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 16:50

      Wasn’t really the badge just loved their coupes and wanted something with some engine displacement in the future since I’m on my P plate

      What went wrong in your case if it’s ok to ask

      • Drakesy on 22/01/2023 - 16:56

        $5000 in injectors + $4000 labour later.

        If it's a diesel i'd run, the DPFS are prone to backing up and causing a multitude of issues if only run around town.

        • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 16:58

          Ahh okay, mine is the 2.0 t ea888 petrol engine unaware of generation but I read online this is the engine with all the fixes compared to 2008-2012 engine

  • Bid Sniper on 22/01/2023 - 20:14

    Cant afford it new, cant afford it used

    • Understandable on 22/01/2023 - 21:23
      +2

      I don’t see how these type of comment is helpful, I never state my financial situation I just like to purchase things that have depreciated already 👍

      • Bid Sniper on 22/01/2023 - 23:42
        +1

        Its the modern way of saying caveat emptor.

        Particularly when it comes to very used European vehicles and associated maintenance costs. Why they are cheap to being with.

      • randomusername2017 on 22/01/2023 - 23:45
        +2

        after about 50 minutes of driving

        That's some rapid depreciation …

        Nice ride, had one back in the day.. don't go near the dealer servicing at the 100K mark.. quote will be north of 5k

        • Understandable on 23/01/2023 - 02:09

          gonna look into a vagcom or obdeleven, got a few mech friends that'll teach me how to work on it. what is dealer price compared to standard mech?

          • maybeamacy on 23/01/2023 - 13:26

            @Understandable: Dealer 60k/120k major service including DSG transmission fluid change is ~2k? Independents about half this.

  • Brick Tamland on 23/01/2023 - 09:14
    +2

    Brave purchase. Hopefully it gets rectified soon. I know a few people who have bought older Audi's and they either love them or hate them. They really are 50-50 on being great reliable cars or a cash burning dumpster fire.

    • Understandable on 23/01/2023 - 10:37

      Am going to look into buying a vag-com cable learning how to do my own servicing etc. Beautiful cars though

      • maybeamacy on 23/01/2023 - 13:25
        +1

        Get an OBDEleven for a more user friendly interface. VAG-COM if you want to get more into it.

  • Understandable on 23/01/2023 - 14:57

    Update **

    They said it is a faulty fuel injector.

    • Ghost47 on 23/01/2023 - 18:44

      Let’s hope after fixing that everything is resolved…

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