My First Post:

I have a new (to me) 2001 A4 1.8T Quattro and it has about 78k on it. Can you please let me know what the going rate is for a 80K service. I was quoted $615 by a dealership here in Tampa. Also if anybody knows a good shop in the Tampa area that I should check out please let me know.

One of the reasons that I want to have the service done is because I have a strange vibration or something on the right front. Feels like maybe a bent rim but doesn't. I can feel it more at low speeds and breaking/slowing than I can at high speeds. Let me know if there is anything I can check for before I get ripped off at the dealership. I am a bit upset because I didn't feel this when I test drove it and now is seems very apparent.

I will have more questions in the next couple of days. I trolled around for a few weeks while looking to get this car but now I have it and I will be actually posting.

-Pete

 

You'll probably get an expensive oil change. They should replace the spark plugs, pollen filter , air cleaner , ribbed belt and V-belt.

They'll do the timing belt at 90K mi. Good luck finding an independent shop. Ask people you know with German cars where they get service.

 

I would find an independant shop to handle your service. You are goign to get ripped off at the stealership.

 

Well said Jest.

 

I know that is what I was thinking. Anybody know a good independent shop in the Tampa area?

Thanks,
Pete

 

Here's a few that others have recommended from the area:
Cars and Concepts
Eurotech Racing

 

Another option is to DIY whatever you feel comfortable doing yourself. For example, OEM NGK spark plugs for the 1.8T engine are $11 each at RockAuto.com, but the going parts-and-labor rate for spark plug replacement at a dealership is about $120. Similarly, 4.5 qts. of Mobil 1 = $18 on sale, and you can buy the larger VW 068-115-561B oil filter or its Mann or Mahle equivalent for $7.50, giving you a proper oil change for the cost of a dino schlock job at Jiffy-Lube. The cabin air filter is a trivial DIY and another chance to save money, and the engine air filter is not that tough, either.

 

i thought scheduled maintenance was free of charge while under warranty??

 

The warranty ends at 50K mi.

 

thankfully i have the extended warranty since i bought my a4 certified pre-owned