Audi

gilbert_and_sullivan

Expensive lesson unfortunately, we've all been there.

Research is 90% of the work the shrewd car buyer does before even looking at a prospective car, in retrospect you should have made the service and cambelt replacement part of the sale deal.

victor2

FiftyPents wrote: »

.....The letter says it's recommended its replaced after 5 years or 75,000 miles, whichever one comes first. I really can't afford to replace it right now, and given that it's had an MOT, a full service and i've only got 34,000 miles on the clock.....

FiftyPents wrote: »

I'm not complaining (now) about the M.O.T, and the car isn't 3 years old.

So, it's nearly 5 years old, which is certainly not 3 years old.
As others have suggested, you should have made yourself aware of upcoming maintenance when buying the car.
Not the dealer's responsibility. You haven't got a leg to stand on, but will need two good legs to stand on if the cam belt breaks.

daveyjp

Audi (and Jag and MB) will all service a used car FOC if one is required within three months of purchase.

Sally22_2

He has had the service now, his issue is with the cambelt now needing changing and them not letting him know.

Have to say I agree with the people who have mentioned you should have done your research on when these things are due/needed. Not being funny but you have bought an Audi, its not going to be a cheap car to maintain. If a cambelt goes it will be alot more than £400 to replace. Even though your car has only done 34k miles they have covered their backs by saying 75k or 5 years so its all on you if you decide to ignore it.

If you feel brave, I would contact them again and expect nothing, if you get something its a bonus. But as others have said, I would also get quotes elsewhere, independent garages, even other Audi dealers. They may have different prices, I have experienced this first hand before.

To be honest, the only time I have taken a car to a main dealer is when I bought brand new and wanted the dealer stamps in the book for the warranty which I now know as long as where you take it uses official parts, warranty is still valid. Your out of warranty now so unless your particularly snobbish it doesnt really matter where you take it as long as you have stamps in the book if you want to sell it on. Even my company Renault Megane which is only a year old doesnt go to a dealer for its service, the lease company book it in at Halfords...

forgotmyname

When I read they got a letter about the MOT and cambelt, I assumed the car must be getting on for 5 years old.

Hope you did your homework on the servicing costs. I read something earlier today £1700 for a cambelt on an Audi. I dont know which one though.
Not just a belt though they had to change a few things at the same time.