I received this service estimate for my 2001 Audi A4 at a dealership after a check engine light went on and I needed a new key programmed.

What do you think?



Should I drop the coin?
Take it to different place?
Find a new car?

My current plan is to call around tomorrow for some more estimates.

Any ideas, experience, wisdom to share?

 

I don't call them the "stealer" for nothing... Find a shop that doesn't charge $150 an hour. Plus you can get the parts (most of them) in another, less pretty box, from half to a third less. I can tell you that the valve cover and tensioner gasket sets can be had from Blauparts for around $100-150. Might as well do a timing belt change when you do that. Unless they have to drop the engine to change the mounts, $1100 is just effin' crazy. I just replaced the two outer CV joint boots on my 03 A8 since I was also putting new bearing assemblies on it. But since you can more than likely remove the drive shafts without breaking down the front suspension (which would then require a re-alignment), you can get a couple of boot kits from Blauparts ($25 a pop). It'll probably take an hour per side. All 4 door speakers? Dafuq does that have to do with the Check Engine light? Sheesh.... Rip-off

$10K in repairs.. Doesn't that effectively "total" the car?

 

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to make some calls today. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

A lot of those things are fairly simple DIY that will cost a fraction of the price. If you can't DIY then find a Facebook page of local VW enthusiasts and ask them who they take their cars to. Chances are they are MUCH cheaper and probably just as good, if not better, techs. I had a job quoted at $2500 from the stealer and $1000 from my local shop who I trust far more than the local Audi dealer. If none of that floats your boat then sell the car and find another set of wheels. $10K will go a long way in buying a decent replacement.

 

Wow, $10,000.

 

I can't believe they even had the nerve to give him the estimate. As if......