Hi,
I recently got my hands on a used 2014 Audi A3 1.4 Ambiente, with 116,000km on it. The shop I brought it to for servicing recommends a laundry list of repairs amounting to a bit over $7000 (fan belt, timing belt, shock absorbers, engine mounts, suspension works, brake disc, etc.).
I got it for a cheap price and am deciding whether to do the repairs or just drive it for a year or so then scrap.
Hoping to get your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
The shop I brought it to for servicing recommends a laundry list of repairs amounting to a bit over $7000
They're probably just trying to upsell you.
fan belt
should be $20-$150
shock absorbers
Clean them and see if they're leaking, otherwise no need.
engine mounts
Do you feel vibration when sitting in the car at idle? if no then you're good.
brake disc
again shouldn't be too expensive, inspect the lip on them yourself.
suspension works
check, bushings and other stuff ain't too expensive.
I got it for a cheap price and am deciding whether to do the repairs or just drive it for a year or so then scrap.
Go to a another mechanic and see what they'll find.
Look, the A3 is based on popular European family cars, it shares most components with the VW Golf, Škoda Octavia, the Seat Leon - although the 1.4TSI and DSG is a flawed powertrain - there's nothing in that car that should cost that much to maintain - they're probably just trying to con ya.
But generally, you might wanna sell it for fair market value and buy a car that's not German.
I’d say I already had the “essential works” done
Hopefully you didn't pay too much.
km, and $ -your location is?
It's not impossible, the shop wants to rip you off.
What are the other diagnosed faults?
Do you drive the car and what faults do you feel/see/hear/notice? How much previous owners ?
Thanks for responding.
116,000km mileage location is Asia actually, which makes the economics slightly different, though I think the context would be similar to a high COL city in the US (prices converted to USD).
I’m already the 4th owner of the vehicle, and the previous owner does not have the maintenance logs. He was moving overseas and pretty much sold it at a bit above scrap value. The car body was priced at ~$2500 (excluding taxes and vehicle usage fees, of which there is quite a lot where I live).
I was planning to only use it for a year more. Had a mechanic expect it and he said it’s good enough for that time frame.
In terms of what I “feel”, the transmission seems to be a bit slow downshifting, causing a loud hum and higher revs when decelerating (e.g. exiting an expressway). The ride is also bumpier than what you’d expect for an Audi. There’s also a billiard ball / marble dropping sound at times, which I know is the wheel bearing. Other than that, driving experience is pretty good. The car also sounds fine while idle.
The shop sent the following comments with pictures.
- Linkage rod worn and bush crack
- Fan belt and tensioner worn and fray
- Engine mounting worn and sunken in
- Rear absorber worn and oil seepage
- Front Absorber worn and rubber missing
- Front brake disc worn and brake pad left 5%
- Lower arm worn and bush crack
Below is the full list that they gave. The recommend replacing some parts because they’re quite worn as it’s a 9 year old car, hitting 120K km mileage.
1. (done) Servicing Castrol 5W40 4.5L With Oil Filter
2. (done) Roof Lining (vehicle sold as is with this cosmetic issue)
3. (done) Key Battery 2032
4. (done) Air Filter
5. (done) AIR-CON Filter
6. (done) Brake Fluid
7. (done) Gearbox Oil
8. (done) Labour cost for Gearbox Oil replacement
9. Ignition Coils
10. (done) Spark Plug
11. (done) Labour cost for Ignition Coils and Spark
Plug replacement
12. Fan Belt Replacement with Labour Charges
13. Fan Belt Tensioner
14. Timing Belt Replacement with Labour Charges
15. (done) Front Brake Pad
16. (done) Front Brake Disc
17. (done) Labour cost for Front Brake Disc and Pad replacement
18. (done) Wiper Blade
19. Lower Arm
20. Labour cost for Lower Arm replacement
21. Lower Arm Ball Joint
22. Front Linkage
23. Labour cost for Front Linkage replacement
24. Engine Mounting 1set Replacement with Labour Charges
25. Engine Mounting Subframe Bush
Replacement with Labour Charges
26. Front Shock Absorber
27. Labour cost for Front Shock Absorber replacement
28. Front Shock Absorber Cover
29. Front Shock Absorber Mounting
30. Front Wheel Bearing
31. Labour cost for Front Wheel Bearing replacement
32. Rear Shock Absorber
33. Labour cost for Rear Shock Absorber replacement
34. Rear Shock Absorber Cover
35. Rear Shock Absorber Mounting
36. Front Shock Absorber Stopper
37. (done) Front Tires x2
38. (done) Computerised 4 Wheel Alignment
I’d say I already had the “essential works” done, but am debating whether it’s worth keeping the car longer.
Thanks.
116,000km mileage location is Asia
Highly doubt the mechanic's 'laundry list' is really accurate. Have no problems with what's been done so far. Unfortunate, that mechanic wants to sell you as many parts as possible.
No, no way I would not put $7000 more in that car.
just drive it for a year
If that's your goal.. I can only see fixing what's necessary (wheel bearing, etc)
I'm not fan of these small turbocharged engines regardless of the market, Europe or US. As @freshoiled2 suggest, you'll get better answers by providing more information , check section 6!
recommends a laundry list of repairs amounting to a bit over $7000
That cost is insane, the shop is ripping you off. Take it to another shop for 2nd opinion.
