Hi all -

Purchased a 2009 A4 2.0 with 30k miles yesterday. I'm excited to own the car but hit a bit of a snag that I'd like your opinion on.

When test-driving the car I noticed that the low tire pressure light was on. After the test drive I asked them to inspect, and they told me that there was a slow leak they found and that i'd need to bring it back to have the leak repaired because the service dept was closed but it shoudl be fine for a week or so. We ended up purchasing the car, and when we went out to drive it home...the tire was flat in the dealer's lot.

So we left it there and were told it would be ready first thing this morning, and then this morning they told me they'd replace the tire rather than fix the leak. I asked if they would be replacing two tires since i've heard that it's not good to only replace one but they are only doing one.

So - two questions:

1. Should I ask the dealer for some compensation for this hassle?
2. Is it not good for the vehicle to replace only one tire, if they get the exact same tire to match it and also rotate to try to align tread?

Thanks for your help. I'm excited to get my a4....when i FINALLY get it!

-Matt in Portland, OR

 

Is this an Audi dealership?

I can understand why the dealership wouldn't want to throw in 2 free tires with the purchase of your vehicle.

Rather than compensation maybe you can see if they would be willing to give you a deal on purchasing 3 new tires?

Good luck!

 

It depends on how much tread is on the tires. Since its a certified pre owned Audi has a specifications on minimum tire tread in order to certify it. I think if the tire tread was on the lower end of the spec they might do two but if the tires have most of their treads, almost new you can get away with doing one.

These sales depts as soon as the car is taken in on a trade they are photographing it and putting it up for sale. You could be test driving even before it was certified by a technician. My dealer has cars that are detailed on the front line for sale without certifications. Sometimes we even sell them before a technician even takes a look at what is needed. Its not ideal but Audi has strict timelines for selling a car and if service is backed up sometimes to keep with those timelines can be difficult.

As far as compensation...... Keep in mind you have to return to this dealer for service and repair in the future and people remember who are the pain in the asses. So i guess i will just say. If its not a big deal, Don't make it one. These guys are people too..... Busting their butts trying to feed their families

 

TireRack has good answer ...

Replacing One Tire on an All-Wheel Drive Vehicle - Tucker Talks Tires | Tire Rack

 

I am having the same issue right now and the Audi dealer told me that the tires need to be within 3/32 of an inch to meet Audi's specifications for the Quattro all-wheel drive. Regarding the Tirerack article, has anyone ever heard of "shaving" a tire before? I haven't.