On 25 Jun 2003 11:22:17 -0700, droberts@mail.colgate.edu (Dave) wrote:

>I am going to pick up my 2003 A4 1.8T from the dealer tomorrow
>evening. I am extremely excited about it and have spent the past few
>days endlessly reading news groups and various websites.
>
>I have read a good deal about performance upgrades and I plan to make
>a few in a year or so, when I finished paying for the car and after it
>has completely broken in.
>
>Ideally, I would like to drive the car for 7-10 years without having
>to put too much money into it for major repairs.
>
>If I put a chip and/or exhaust in this car, am I preventing myself
>from driving this car for that amount of time? Have any of you guys
>gotten 100+k on a chipped car with minimal repairs?
>
>Also, I plan to speak with the service department upon pickup of my
>car... I was wondering if any of you have any stories about warranty
>problems created from chipping your car. Or, on the other hand, know
>of any performance upgrades that are approved by audi.
>
>Thanks a lot guys.
>
>-Dave

You mod it, you void the warranty. Some guys will give you the "they
have to prove the modification caused the problem" story. Here is a
reality check. If the dealer denies you service on a warranty repair
because you modified the vehicle, then you have to go to court on your
own time and money to prove otherwise.

That being said, some dealers (Fred Baker in Ohio, for example) are
used to modifying Audis and actually have agreements with tuners. If
you buy the car from a dealer that has that kind of mindset, then they
may be more tolerant of modifications. IOW, they understand the
modifications, the engine limits, reliability trade-offs, and can add
2 and 2 and get 4. Some dealers just can't cope with it.

My 2 cents.

Elroy
2000 S4 - still stock...but lusting for better intercoolers...