Greetings Folks,

I am new to this forum, and look forward to gaining much from it!

I have a 2001 A4 Avant 2.8 quattro with sport package (almost as nice as the esteemed S4 wagon!), don't drive it much (24k miles in 3 years). The only real problem I have had with the car is that when I turn on the vent in the econ setting, it smells like coolant. I either have to turn on AC or open the windows. The car has been in 4 times already under warranty. First 2 times in the dealer closest to me, they just cleaned the air filter and it did nothing to fix the problem. Next 2 times took it to the dealer I bought it from, and they kept it longer, once finding a cracked coolant bottle, and the other time replacing the heater core and keeping the car for 2 weeks! The smell came back every time 1-2 weeks after getting the car back. I also notice that in the last few months, I have lost a little coolant (maybe 0.5 quart).

I was going to say how dissatisfied I am with the car, since it is very frustrating to not be able to do something so simple like use the vent in a $40k car, and it shouldn't take 4 visits (and counting) to fix it. However, honestly I must say this is the only real problem I have had with the car, and I love driving it. It looks and handles beautifully, it seems really well put together and many safety features. This problem has me concerned though, since I get scare to think of what will happen when the warranty runs out next year. I have a very hectic lifestyle and just physically cannot take it in every month for stuff like this, not to mention the massive expense. How worried should I be about this problem? I have seriously contemplated just trading it in for a Japanese car (even though I love German cars) just because of my time limitations.

btw, I am used to this love hate relationship- I owned (and still own) a VW Jetta GLI 16V for 14 years! My commute car is a Honda Civic, with 75k miles after 4 years, and I have no such (or any) problem with it. Lot less fun, but also lot less worry.

Any feedback is very welcome, also if anyone could recommend a good Audi dealer in the SF bay area would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-racerx

 

Are you positive it is a coolant problem? Mine smells bad also. A lot of times there is some fungus growing in the air track. I bought some lysol and sprayed it into the air intake after removing the pollen filter. This took care of the musty smell for a while.

 

Nope, it's definitely coolant. What is more interesting is that it is only in econ setting, and also I am losing a little coolant as well.

 

I'd contact the factory Rep. They usually get it done right. If the car runs out of warranty you might try a stop leak.

 

How would I get a hold of a factory rep?

I have been in 4 times already. I have contacted Audi of America, and they said that they could not recommend any particular dealer, as they have no statistics or satisfaction information wrt the dealers (only contact info). They instructed me to take it in for a 5th time, and this time I am on my own for any rental or other transportation. very nice.

I didn't know that by "luxury" car, they weren't referring to having just a lot of money to spend, but also the "luxury" of a lot of time on your hands

 

Check out the lemon laws in your state.

 

I would file a complaint with Audi of America

 

I did. They just wanted me to go in for a 5th time, and said they have no control or recommendations on specific dealers ("they are independent").

 

Audi America can tell you who your factory rep is. I had to contact the rep in Michigan once and my issue was taken care of very quickly.

 

Audi of America is correct. All auto dealerships in the US are independently owned and are not owned by the auto manufacturers or distributors. As such, they have no direct control over the dealerships, and cannot recommend specific dealerships.

The car is under warranty and the repairs should be covered. I'd suggest taking it to another dealership (perhaps you can provide your location and ask for help finding the best dealership service shop in your area.

If that fails, get the name of the Audi of America district rep.