1999 Audi A4 review from North America

At 79,000 miles requested from Leith Audi Dealer in Raleigh, NC for appointment to change timing belt. Dealer said they were "swamped" and to call back in 3 weeks (after the holidays). Everything was okay because the timing belt was good until 90,000 miles according to the dealership.

10 days later, my timing belt goes and my wife is pushing my kid in a stroller down the street.

All Audi customer service does is to "Document the situation". They offer no guidance or assistance.

I live 100 miles away from a dealership and their repair estimate is exorbitant. After a few days, I find a local guy to fix it. I get two opinions, but the timing belt has taken the heads and valves and I am looking at a $3500 repair.

Last week, I sent a letter to Audi USA President and VP explaining the situation. Their "representative" calls and basically says something could have been done if we would have brought the vehicle to Audi to repair (after the fact, nice!). I remind her of my earlier responses from Audi Customer Service, which she basically ignores.

I tell her that I realize Audi is blowing me off, but that is fine because I will never buy another Audi again and my next purchase will be either a BMW or an Acura. And I will buy more cars in the future, none of which will be an Audi. And I remind her that through "Word of mouth" my story will be repeated as long as I can talk and hopefully it has been worth it to Audi.

I am a soldier in Kuwait and there are tons of guys will pockets full of cash who are going home after a year over here. I will let every one know who I speak with about the awful customer service of Audi.