Seatbacks and thieving stealers!

[jimbutler]

OK I have had my S4 since Dec 2004, it was 3/12 old when I got it, warranty ran out in September.

Shortly after I got the car I noticed that the rear seat didn't latch into position properly, minor annoyance only as the seat flopped forwards under heavy braking, but not a serious issue. Reported it when I took the car in for first service, said they'd fix it, but when I collected the car said they didn't have the parts in and I'd have to book it in again. I am too busy to be taking the car in for minor annoyances, so left it until next service.

Car went in for 2nd AVS in August this year, and I specifically mentioned the seat when booking in, when I collected the car they said it had stuck in the locked position and rather than spend time forcing it open to fix it they decided to just do the service and I'd have to rebook.

I reported a broken cupholder at the same time, no parts available. They sent a guy out to me at work to fix it, I thought he'd do the seatback too - but he didn't. He said the parts were ordered and they'd contact me when they were in.

So my Wife is due to provide child number one in a week or two, and I decided that I MUST get the seatback fixed so the baby can safely travel in the back of the car.

I speak to the stealer, helpful chap gave me his name, arranged for car to come in today. Said the parts had come in for the job, but then sent back to stores as nobody thought/knew to contact me.

I arrive at the stealers, and they aren't expecting me. It's logged on their system but without a date. They kindly kept me waiting half an hour, arsed about a bit, lent me a car (A4 2.0 Sline TDI 170 quattro, not bad but I won't be giving up my V8 for the time being), and told me I would have to pay for the seat latch to be fixed.

£190!

I've spoken to Audi customer services, and they are investigating.

I know I could have made more effort to get it fixed, but given that they had several attempts, then forgot to tell me the parts were in, I don't see why I should pay anything. £190 to undo a few screws and put a new bit of plastic in is obscene.

I shan't name the stealer at this stage, but despite the fact that the sales guy still remembers my name and always makes me feel welcome, I don't think I'll be buying another car from them.

[CarMad]

Not good when you get bad service like this. Car's have problems they aren't prefect but its how those problems are fixed that can define the brand and your experience of the car.

Hope it all gets sorted out for you.

[jimbutler]

I spoke to Audi customer services who will call back at some stage. had to pay £173 to get the job done. Wrote "paid under duress pending audi CS review" on their copy of the invoice. Will see what happens.

BMW's are quite nice and I do own a few already!