Four months later the problem has been somewhat resolved. My attorney hired
a automotive crash specialist who inspected the car and took a million
photographs. Apparently, my clutch was faulty and it literally exploded.
The seals were intact on my transmission so it looks as if the dealer never
even looked at it. Either the clutch did something to damage the
transmission or the dealer was just looking to ream me. Anyway, last week I
got my car back at no charge, the dealer has agreed to pay my attorney's
fees and the rental car bill. They can take it up with AoA. Perhaps
they'll have better luck with them than I do.
Thanks for all of your input. It helped me to keep my sanity during this
nightmare.
cursichella
"venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
news:2eNed.61755$hj.50263@fed1read07...
> Hi Steve and Mark,
>
> Right. Guess it may void the warranty (as if the warranty has done me any
> good)? Anyway, I do appreciate all of your input. Thanks for your
> messages. An update...the dealer has repaired it (the Mercedes guy, see
> below, told me to have it repaired there as they were to give me a minor
> break) and I'm supposed to pick it up Monday. The price came down by 1K,
> though I'm less than ecstatic with a 7K+ bill. Initially, it was to be
> ready two weeks ago. They kept calling and saying "probably tomorrow".
> They were ordering one part at a time?! Should I do the same and let them
> wait while I ponder picking it up for a few weeks? (I'll withdraw the
money
> to pay them with at their dealer-speed...one dollar a day???) OK, I'll
> definitely look for a good attorney and put off paying/picking up until I
> have that in place. Should I be seeking one that specializes in the Lemon
> Law or auto repair/warranty issues? Does this seem like a Lemon Law item
or
> service-scam type of issue? Who does one go after? This particular
dealer
> or all of Audi??? Would this be a chain of custody issue? Like maybe
they
> messed with the transmission sometime between the tow-in and my first
> visit?? Ugh...I hate dealing with stuff like this...
>
> Some further explanations/answers...I guess they reason that if a woman's
> car interior is such a disaster (not very ladylike...), it's a safe bet
that
> her driving style must be a disaster, too? I couldn't take it to my
> original dealer because this one said all the info on their findings was
now
> in the database so any dealer would deal with it the same way they were.
A
> family friend who's a former Mercedes dealer, still a Master Mechanic (one
> of two Platinums??) went to the dealer on my behalf. The best he could
> manage was to get them to split the cost of the rental car (no big deal
but
> it is at least something...). He also has them on tape admitting they'd
> initially said it would all be covered. (I also have their initial quote
of
> 1 cent estimate.) He got them to agree to speak to their field rep and
see
> if he'd consider splitting the cost of the repair (when he comes to town),
> though it seems unlikely they'd do anything for me once I've paid for it.
> (Of course, this "rep" never did go out of town, but now I've learned "he
> was recently hospitalized...".) Of course, I've asked for his name and
was
> told he didn't know it but (with some enthusiasm said...) he would get it
> for me. Same answer when I asked for the name of the field rep that
> initially decided I was the culprit. Oi...for a redhead, I must look
REALLY
> blonde! I'm certainly feeling like one! (With apologies to any blondes
out
> there...)
>
> Thank you so much for your suggestions. It helps me a lot just knowing I
> have some moral support out there.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca>
> Newsgroups: alt.autos.audi
> Sent: 21 October, 2004 07:26 AM
> Subject: Re: PLS HELP 2002 A4 Quattro 1.8 Turbo needs clutch/tranny 20K
mi?
>
>
> > Mark,
> > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> shaky
> > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things like
#
> > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
shift,
> > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> teeth
> > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> "handbook
> > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
US,
> > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are only
> > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > dealerships.
> > Cheers!
> > Steve Sears
> > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > 1980 Audi 5k
> > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> >
> > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer and
> > have
> > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they can
> > prove
> > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they said
> > "we're
> > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't do
> > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car get
> > into
> > > it and cause it to fail.
> > >
> > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
can
> > get
> > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> stealership
> > > will charge you.
> >
> >
> "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca> wrote in message
> news:cMPdd.54724$JG5.817983@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > Mark,
> > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> shaky
> > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things like
#
> > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
shift,
> > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> teeth
> > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> "handbook
> > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
US,
> > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are only
> > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > dealerships.
> > Cheers!
> > Steve Sears
> > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > 1980 Audi 5k
> > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> >
> > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer and
> > have
> > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they can
> > prove
> > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they said
> > "we're
> > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't do
> > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car get
> > into
> > > it and cause it to fail.
> > >
> > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
can
> > get
> > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> stealership
> > > will charge you.
> >
> >
>
>

 

Four months later the problem has been somewhat resolved. My attorney hired
a automotive crash specialist who inspected the car and took a million
photographs. Apparently, my clutch was faulty and it literally exploded.
The seals were intact on my transmission so it looks as if the dealer never
even looked at it. Either the clutch did something to damage the
transmission or the dealer was just looking to ream me. Anyway, last week I
got my car back at no charge, the dealer has agreed to pay my attorney's
fees and the rental car bill. They can take it up with AoA. Perhaps
they'll have better luck with them than I do.
Thanks for all of your input. It helped me to keep my sanity during this
nightmare.
cursichella
"venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
news:2eNed.61755$hj.50263@fed1read07...
> Hi Steve and Mark,
>
> Right. Guess it may void the warranty (as if the warranty has done me any
> good)? Anyway, I do appreciate all of your input. Thanks for your
> messages. An update...the dealer has repaired it (the Mercedes guy, see
> below, told me to have it repaired there as they were to give me a minor
> break) and I'm supposed to pick it up Monday. The price came down by 1K,
> though I'm less than ecstatic with a 7K+ bill. Initially, it was to be
> ready two weeks ago. They kept calling and saying "probably tomorrow".
> They were ordering one part at a time?! Should I do the same and let them
> wait while I ponder picking it up for a few weeks? (I'll withdraw the
money
> to pay them with at their dealer-speed...one dollar a day???) OK, I'll
> definitely look for a good attorney and put off paying/picking up until I
> have that in place. Should I be seeking one that specializes in the Lemon
> Law or auto repair/warranty issues? Does this seem like a Lemon Law item
or
> service-scam type of issue? Who does one go after? This particular
dealer
> or all of Audi??? Would this be a chain of custody issue? Like maybe
they
> messed with the transmission sometime between the tow-in and my first
> visit?? Ugh...I hate dealing with stuff like this...
>
> Some further explanations/answers...I guess they reason that if a woman's
> car interior is such a disaster (not very ladylike...), it's a safe bet
that
> her driving style must be a disaster, too? I couldn't take it to my
> original dealer because this one said all the info on their findings was
now
> in the database so any dealer would deal with it the same way they were.
A
> family friend who's a former Mercedes dealer, still a Master Mechanic (one
> of two Platinums??) went to the dealer on my behalf. The best he could
> manage was to get them to split the cost of the rental car (no big deal
but
> it is at least something...). He also has them on tape admitting they'd
> initially said it would all be covered. (I also have their initial quote
of
> 1 cent estimate.) He got them to agree to speak to their field rep and
see
> if he'd consider splitting the cost of the repair (when he comes to town),
> though it seems unlikely they'd do anything for me once I've paid for it.
> (Of course, this "rep" never did go out of town, but now I've learned "he
> was recently hospitalized...".) Of course, I've asked for his name and
was
> told he didn't know it but (with some enthusiasm said...) he would get it
> for me. Same answer when I asked for the name of the field rep that
> initially decided I was the culprit. Oi...for a redhead, I must look
REALLY
> blonde! I'm certainly feeling like one! (With apologies to any blondes
out
> there...)
>
> Thank you so much for your suggestions. It helps me a lot just knowing I
> have some moral support out there.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca>
> Newsgroups: alt.autos.audi
> Sent: 21 October, 2004 07:26 AM
> Subject: Re: PLS HELP 2002 A4 Quattro 1.8 Turbo needs clutch/tranny 20K
mi?
>
>
> > Mark,
> > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> shaky
> > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things like
#
> > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
shift,
> > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> teeth
> > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> "handbook
> > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
US,
> > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are only
> > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > dealerships.
> > Cheers!
> > Steve Sears
> > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > 1980 Audi 5k
> > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> >
> > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer and
> > have
> > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they can
> > prove
> > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they said
> > "we're
> > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't do
> > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car get
> > into
> > > it and cause it to fail.
> > >
> > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
can
> > get
> > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> stealership
> > > will charge you.
> >
> >
> "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca> wrote in message
> news:cMPdd.54724$JG5.817983@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > Mark,
> > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> shaky
> > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things like
#
> > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
shift,
> > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> teeth
> > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> "handbook
> > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
US,
> > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are only
> > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > dealerships.
> > Cheers!
> > Steve Sears
> > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > 1980 Audi 5k
> > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> >
> > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer and
> > have
> > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they can
> > prove
> > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they said
> > "we're
> > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't do
> > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car get
> > into
> > > it and cause it to fail.
> > >
> > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
can
> > get
> > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> stealership
> > > will charge you.
> >
> >
>
>

 

Cursichella,
No probs - now make sure that they'll stand behind the repairs that they did
and anything that might have been damaged as a consequence of the clutch
failure. Then find a dealer who'll be more helpful - they're not going to
change. Ask around on Audiworld for a recommendation.
Glad to hear it turned out ok.
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)


"venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
news:ICtQd.31684$xt.31384@fed1read07...
> Four months later the problem has been somewhat resolved. My attorney
hired
> a automotive crash specialist who inspected the car and took a million
> photographs. Apparently, my clutch was faulty and it literally exploded.
> The seals were intact on my transmission so it looks as if the dealer
never
> even looked at it. Either the clutch did something to damage the
> transmission or the dealer was just looking to ream me. Anyway, last week
I
> got my car back at no charge, the dealer has agreed to pay my attorney's
> fees and the rental car bill. They can take it up with AoA. Perhaps
> they'll have better luck with them than I do.
> Thanks for all of your input. It helped me to keep my sanity during this
> nightmare.
> cursichella
> "venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
> news:2eNed.61755$hj.50263@fed1read07...
> > Hi Steve and Mark,
> >
> > Right. Guess it may void the warranty (as if the warranty has done me
any
> > good)? Anyway, I do appreciate all of your input. Thanks for your
> > messages. An update...the dealer has repaired it (the Mercedes guy, see
> > below, told me to have it repaired there as they were to give me a minor
> > break) and I'm supposed to pick it up Monday. The price came down by
1K,
> > though I'm less than ecstatic with a 7K+ bill. Initially, it was to be
> > ready two weeks ago. They kept calling and saying "probably tomorrow".
> > They were ordering one part at a time?! Should I do the same and let
them
> > wait while I ponder picking it up for a few weeks? (I'll withdraw the
> money
> > to pay them with at their dealer-speed...one dollar a day???) OK, I'll
> > definitely look for a good attorney and put off paying/picking up until
I
> > have that in place. Should I be seeking one that specializes in the
Lemon
> > Law or auto repair/warranty issues? Does this seem like a Lemon Law
item
> or
> > service-scam type of issue? Who does one go after? This particular
> dealer
> > or all of Audi??? Would this be a chain of custody issue? Like maybe
> they
> > messed with the transmission sometime between the tow-in and my first
> > visit?? Ugh...I hate dealing with stuff like this...
> >
> > Some further explanations/answers...I guess they reason that if a
woman's
> > car interior is such a disaster (not very ladylike...), it's a safe bet
> that
> > her driving style must be a disaster, too? I couldn't take it to my
> > original dealer because this one said all the info on their findings was
> now
> > in the database so any dealer would deal with it the same way they were.
> A
> > family friend who's a former Mercedes dealer, still a Master Mechanic
(one
> > of two Platinums??) went to the dealer on my behalf. The best he could
> > manage was to get them to split the cost of the rental car (no big deal
> but
> > it is at least something...). He also has them on tape admitting they'd
> > initially said it would all be covered. (I also have their initial
quote
> of
> > 1 cent estimate.) He got them to agree to speak to their field rep and
> see
> > if he'd consider splitting the cost of the repair (when he comes to
town),
> > though it seems unlikely they'd do anything for me once I've paid for
it.
> > (Of course, this "rep" never did go out of town, but now I've learned
"he
> > was recently hospitalized...".) Of course, I've asked for his name and
> was
> > told he didn't know it but (with some enthusiasm said...) he would get
it
> > for me. Same answer when I asked for the name of the field rep that
> > initially decided I was the culprit. Oi...for a redhead, I must look
> REALLY
> > blonde! I'm certainly feeling like one! (With apologies to any blondes
> out
> > there...)
> >
> > Thank you so much for your suggestions. It helps me a lot just knowing
I
> > have some moral support out there.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca>
> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.audi
> > Sent: 21 October, 2004 07:26 AM
> > Subject: Re: PLS HELP 2002 A4 Quattro 1.8 Turbo needs clutch/tranny 20K
> mi?
> >
> >
> > > Mark,
> > > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> > shaky
> > > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things
like
> #
> > > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
> shift,
> > > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> > teeth
> > > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> > "handbook
> > > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
> US,
> > > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are
only
> > > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > > dealerships.
> > > Cheers!
> > > Steve Sears
> > > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > > 1980 Audi 5k
> > > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> > >
> > > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer
and
> > > have
> > > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they
can
> > > prove
> > > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they
said
> > > "we're
> > > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't
do
> > > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car
get
> > > into
> > > > it and cause it to fail.
> > > >
> > > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
> can
> > > get
> > > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> > stealership
> > > > will charge you.
> > >
> > >
> > "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca> wrote in message
> > news:cMPdd.54724$JG5.817983@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Mark,
> > > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> > shaky
> > > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things
like
> #
> > > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
> shift,
> > > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> > teeth
> > > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> > "handbook
> > > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
> US,
> > > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are
only
> > > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > > dealerships.
> > > Cheers!
> > > Steve Sears
> > > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > > 1980 Audi 5k
> > > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> > >
> > > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer
and
> > > have
> > > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they
can
> > > prove
> > > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they
said
> > > "we're
> > > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't
do
> > > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car
get
> > > into
> > > > it and cause it to fail.
> > > >
> > > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
> can
> > > get
> > > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> > stealership
> > > > will charge you.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

 

Cursichella,
No probs - now make sure that they'll stand behind the repairs that they did
and anything that might have been damaged as a consequence of the clutch
failure. Then find a dealer who'll be more helpful - they're not going to
change. Ask around on Audiworld for a recommendation.
Glad to hear it turned out ok.
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)


"venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
news:ICtQd.31684$xt.31384@fed1read07...
> Four months later the problem has been somewhat resolved. My attorney
hired
> a automotive crash specialist who inspected the car and took a million
> photographs. Apparently, my clutch was faulty and it literally exploded.
> The seals were intact on my transmission so it looks as if the dealer
never
> even looked at it. Either the clutch did something to damage the
> transmission or the dealer was just looking to ream me. Anyway, last week
I
> got my car back at no charge, the dealer has agreed to pay my attorney's
> fees and the rental car bill. They can take it up with AoA. Perhaps
> they'll have better luck with them than I do.
> Thanks for all of your input. It helped me to keep my sanity during this
> nightmare.
> cursichella
> "venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
> news:2eNed.61755$hj.50263@fed1read07...
> > Hi Steve and Mark,
> >
> > Right. Guess it may void the warranty (as if the warranty has done me
any
> > good)? Anyway, I do appreciate all of your input. Thanks for your
> > messages. An update...the dealer has repaired it (the Mercedes guy, see
> > below, told me to have it repaired there as they were to give me a minor
> > break) and I'm supposed to pick it up Monday. The price came down by
1K,
> > though I'm less than ecstatic with a 7K+ bill. Initially, it was to be
> > ready two weeks ago. They kept calling and saying "probably tomorrow".
> > They were ordering one part at a time?! Should I do the same and let
them
> > wait while I ponder picking it up for a few weeks? (I'll withdraw the
> money
> > to pay them with at their dealer-speed...one dollar a day???) OK, I'll
> > definitely look for a good attorney and put off paying/picking up until
I
> > have that in place. Should I be seeking one that specializes in the
Lemon
> > Law or auto repair/warranty issues? Does this seem like a Lemon Law
item
> or
> > service-scam type of issue? Who does one go after? This particular
> dealer
> > or all of Audi??? Would this be a chain of custody issue? Like maybe
> they
> > messed with the transmission sometime between the tow-in and my first
> > visit?? Ugh...I hate dealing with stuff like this...
> >
> > Some further explanations/answers...I guess they reason that if a
woman's
> > car interior is such a disaster (not very ladylike...), it's a safe bet
> that
> > her driving style must be a disaster, too? I couldn't take it to my
> > original dealer because this one said all the info on their findings was
> now
> > in the database so any dealer would deal with it the same way they were.
> A
> > family friend who's a former Mercedes dealer, still a Master Mechanic
(one
> > of two Platinums??) went to the dealer on my behalf. The best he could
> > manage was to get them to split the cost of the rental car (no big deal
> but
> > it is at least something...). He also has them on tape admitting they'd
> > initially said it would all be covered. (I also have their initial
quote
> of
> > 1 cent estimate.) He got them to agree to speak to their field rep and
> see
> > if he'd consider splitting the cost of the repair (when he comes to
town),
> > though it seems unlikely they'd do anything for me once I've paid for
it.
> > (Of course, this "rep" never did go out of town, but now I've learned
"he
> > was recently hospitalized...".) Of course, I've asked for his name and
> was
> > told he didn't know it but (with some enthusiasm said...) he would get
it
> > for me. Same answer when I asked for the name of the field rep that
> > initially decided I was the culprit. Oi...for a redhead, I must look
> REALLY
> > blonde! I'm certainly feeling like one! (With apologies to any blondes
> out
> > there...)
> >
> > Thank you so much for your suggestions. It helps me a lot just knowing
I
> > have some moral support out there.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca>
> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.audi
> > Sent: 21 October, 2004 07:26 AM
> > Subject: Re: PLS HELP 2002 A4 Quattro 1.8 Turbo needs clutch/tranny 20K
> mi?
> >
> >
> > > Mark,
> > > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> > shaky
> > > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things
like
> #
> > > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
> shift,
> > > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> > teeth
> > > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> > "handbook
> > > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
> US,
> > > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are
only
> > > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > > dealerships.
> > > Cheers!
> > > Steve Sears
> > > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > > 1980 Audi 5k
> > > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> > >
> > > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer
and
> > > have
> > > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they
can
> > > prove
> > > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they
said
> > > "we're
> > > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't
do
> > > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car
get
> > > into
> > > > it and cause it to fail.
> > > >
> > > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
> can
> > > get
> > > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> > stealership
> > > > will charge you.
> > >
> > >
> > "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca> wrote in message
> > news:cMPdd.54724$JG5.817983@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Mark,
> > > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> > shaky
> > > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things
like
> #
> > > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
> shift,
> > > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> > teeth
> > > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> > "handbook
> > > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
> US,
> > > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are
only
> > > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > > dealerships.
> > > Cheers!
> > > Steve Sears
> > > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > > 1980 Audi 5k
> > > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> > >
> > > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer
and
> > > have
> > > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they
can
> > > prove
> > > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they
said
> > > "we're
> > > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't
do
> > > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car
get
> > > into
> > > > it and cause it to fail.
> > > >
> > > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
> can
> > > get
> > > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> > stealership
> > > > will charge you.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

 

Cursichella,
No probs - now make sure that they'll stand behind the repairs that they did
and anything that might have been damaged as a consequence of the clutch
failure. Then find a dealer who'll be more helpful - they're not going to
change. Ask around on Audiworld for a recommendation.
Glad to hear it turned out ok.
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)


"venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
news:ICtQd.31684$xt.31384@fed1read07...
> Four months later the problem has been somewhat resolved. My attorney
hired
> a automotive crash specialist who inspected the car and took a million
> photographs. Apparently, my clutch was faulty and it literally exploded.
> The seals were intact on my transmission so it looks as if the dealer
never
> even looked at it. Either the clutch did something to damage the
> transmission or the dealer was just looking to ream me. Anyway, last week
I
> got my car back at no charge, the dealer has agreed to pay my attorney's
> fees and the rental car bill. They can take it up with AoA. Perhaps
> they'll have better luck with them than I do.
> Thanks for all of your input. It helped me to keep my sanity during this
> nightmare.
> cursichella
> "venezia10" <venezia10@***.net> wrote in message
> news:2eNed.61755$hj.50263@fed1read07...
> > Hi Steve and Mark,
> >
> > Right. Guess it may void the warranty (as if the warranty has done me
any
> > good)? Anyway, I do appreciate all of your input. Thanks for your
> > messages. An update...the dealer has repaired it (the Mercedes guy, see
> > below, told me to have it repaired there as they were to give me a minor
> > break) and I'm supposed to pick it up Monday. The price came down by
1K,
> > though I'm less than ecstatic with a 7K+ bill. Initially, it was to be
> > ready two weeks ago. They kept calling and saying "probably tomorrow".
> > They were ordering one part at a time?! Should I do the same and let
them
> > wait while I ponder picking it up for a few weeks? (I'll withdraw the
> money
> > to pay them with at their dealer-speed...one dollar a day???) OK, I'll
> > definitely look for a good attorney and put off paying/picking up until
I
> > have that in place. Should I be seeking one that specializes in the
Lemon
> > Law or auto repair/warranty issues? Does this seem like a Lemon Law
item
> or
> > service-scam type of issue? Who does one go after? This particular
> dealer
> > or all of Audi??? Would this be a chain of custody issue? Like maybe
> they
> > messed with the transmission sometime between the tow-in and my first
> > visit?? Ugh...I hate dealing with stuff like this...
> >
> > Some further explanations/answers...I guess they reason that if a
woman's
> > car interior is such a disaster (not very ladylike...), it's a safe bet
> that
> > her driving style must be a disaster, too? I couldn't take it to my
> > original dealer because this one said all the info on their findings was
> now
> > in the database so any dealer would deal with it the same way they were.
> A
> > family friend who's a former Mercedes dealer, still a Master Mechanic
(one
> > of two Platinums??) went to the dealer on my behalf. The best he could
> > manage was to get them to split the cost of the rental car (no big deal
> but
> > it is at least something...). He also has them on tape admitting they'd
> > initially said it would all be covered. (I also have their initial
quote
> of
> > 1 cent estimate.) He got them to agree to speak to their field rep and
> see
> > if he'd consider splitting the cost of the repair (when he comes to
town),
> > though it seems unlikely they'd do anything for me once I've paid for
it.
> > (Of course, this "rep" never did go out of town, but now I've learned
"he
> > was recently hospitalized...".) Of course, I've asked for his name and
> was
> > told he didn't know it but (with some enthusiasm said...) he would get
it
> > for me. Same answer when I asked for the name of the field rep that
> > initially decided I was the culprit. Oi...for a redhead, I must look
> REALLY
> > blonde! I'm certainly feeling like one! (With apologies to any blondes
> out
> > there...)
> >
> > Thank you so much for your suggestions. It helps me a lot just knowing
I
> > have some moral support out there.
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca>
> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.audi
> > Sent: 21 October, 2004 07:26 AM
> > Subject: Re: PLS HELP 2002 A4 Quattro 1.8 Turbo needs clutch/tranny 20K
> mi?
> >
> >
> > > Mark,
> > > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> > shaky
> > > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things
like
> #
> > > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
> shift,
> > > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> > teeth
> > > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> > "handbook
> > > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
> US,
> > > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are
only
> > > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > > dealerships.
> > > Cheers!
> > > Steve Sears
> > > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > > 1980 Audi 5k
> > > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> > >
> > > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer
and
> > > have
> > > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they
can
> > > prove
> > > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they
said
> > > "we're
> > > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't
do
> > > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car
get
> > > into
> > > > it and cause it to fail.
> > > >
> > > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
> can
> > > get
> > > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> > stealership
> > > > will charge you.
> > >
> > >
> > "Steve Sears" <steve.sears@SHOESsoil-mat.on.ca> wrote in message
> > news:cMPdd.54724$JG5.817983@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > Mark,
> > > It sounds like they're saying "it's probably your 17 y.o. son dragging
> > > Hondas down Main Street". Unless they've got proof, it sounds pretty
> > shaky
> > > (unless they've got some kind of onboard telemetry recording things
like
> #
> > > of times engine hit rev limiter, missed shift, ground gears, power
> shift,
> > > etc. etc.). They'll cave, you just have to be a pitbull and sink your
> > teeth
> > > in and don't let go. Calling a lawyer is a good step. After the
> > "handbook
> > > engineering" they did to make the A4 timing belts "last longer" in the
> US,
> > > AoA still has some work to do in the Customer Relations department.
> > > I think Cursichella might be stuck with dealer service if they are
only
> > > leasing the car - after this is all sorted out, they should change
> > > dealerships.
> > > Cheers!
> > > Steve Sears
> > > 1987 Audi 5kTQ
> > > 1980 Audi 5k
> > > 1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
> > > (SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
> > >
> > > "Mark1.8T" <mark1.8t@canada.ca> wrote in message
> > > news:qDIdd.54493$JG5.786646@news20.bellglobal.com. ..
> > > > Sorry to hear about your car. I strongly suggest getting a lawyer
and
> > > have
> > > > the dealership and field rep prove how a messy interior causes a
> > > > transmission to fail. WTF??? They can only deny warranty if they
can
> > > prove
> > > > you, or something you modified, caused the damage. So when they
said
> > > "we're
> > > > not saying you were negligent", then they just admitted you didn't
do
> > > > anything wrong. The tranny and clutch assembly is fully encased and
> > > > underneath the car, how the hell can something from inside the car
get
> > > into
> > > > it and cause it to fail.
> > > >
> > > > If you're out of luck, don't let the dealership do the repairs. You
> can
> > > get
> > > > parts and have a mechanic do it for much cheaper than what the
> > stealership
> > > > will charge you.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>