View Full Version : How hard to swap out seats and inserts
flash_e
09-25-2009, 04:59 PM
Our new s4 came into the dealership today, instead of the nappa leather we had suede inserts. How hard is it to swap out seats and door panel inserts and who could we contact to make that process faster? Our dealer said it was not possible due to the airbags and that we would have to order a new car. They searched the inventory and have not been able to locate a car like we had ordered. They said that they ordered it correctly and that it was built wrong. The car was exactly what we order except for the seats and inserts. Is there anyone we can talk to help us out?
UmIsThisThingOn
09-25-2009, 06:50 PM
Unless this is a complete deal breaker, I'd say go with the Alcantara seats. I'd have the dealership discount the amount of the difference + whatever you feel is fair for the mixup.
From what I've researched, Alcantara is equally durable as regular leather.
It's not that it would be hard to do, it just requires someone with some serious upholstery experience to do it right.
That being said, if the dealer ordered you the wrong car, have them discount the car they messed up on, or find you one that has the right specs.
What did you order?
flash_e
09-25-2009, 08:45 PM
We ordered a prestige, meteor grey S4 with silk nappa, driver assist, audi drive select, and stainless steel decorative inlays with piano black. They have searched the inventory and have not been able to locate the same car. Does this happen quite often?
JasonR
09-25-2009, 09:39 PM
Have you checked it out in person? Personally I'm a big fan of the alcantara. If they intended to build the car with Napa Black interior, the visual difference is very subtle. If you were going for silver, brown or red, then obviously it's a more significant difference.
See what kind of offer the dealer will make you on this car given their mistake. If it's just not what you want, then sadly you'll probably have to wait for a corrected car to be built.
flash_e
09-26-2009, 05:40 AM
Yeah we took a look at it yesterday as soon as it arrived on the truck. Is it possible for Audi to send them the seats and door pannels like we ordered to be changed out? Wouldn't this be similar to a repair that would be done if it were wrecked?
GrnMtnS4
09-26-2009, 07:12 AM
Sorry to hear about this - would talk to your regional audi rep and find out what they can do to make this right. However, I bet you would have to reorder b/c you have what i would assume is a pretty unique car (sounds wonderful by the way) Good Luck
Brad
Yeah we took a look at it yesterday as soon as it arrived on the truck. Is it possible for Audi to send them the seats and door pannels like we ordered to be changed out? Wouldn't this be similar to a repair that would be done if it were wrecked?
Nice color choice!
As far as having the seats "changed out", it's not as simple as that. In the case of an accident or wreckage, should the seats be damaged, they would simply replace the seats.
Think about it, you are asking a dealer to eat the cost of brand new seats or at least covers (a lot cheaper than new seats). This is really a two sided problem. Obviously the dealer messed up if that is what you ordered, however the dealer should also have had you sign a spec sheet to confirm the order at the time it was placed.
So, if you signed something verifying your color combo of choice, then you have some leverage in dealing with this situation. However, should it have been a miscommunication or some other reason, you will most likely have to wait for Audi to build you a new car.
Either way, good luck in getting this resolved. [race]
extremely....cheaper to replace them from a wreck. Or buy a new car
Sandy S
09-26-2009, 06:15 PM
I like the alcantara inserts a lot. Very comfortable. You may want to consider giving it a try.
flash_e
09-26-2009, 09:25 PM
Thanks for all of the responses! The dealer has done a good job at stepping up to the plate to help us out. They are going to change out the seats for us. We actually have the car now with the alcantara seats...(I am still not a fan of the seats). Anyways the dealer's sheet did have the correct information, but for some reason I guess Audi did not build it correctly. You are right about the signed paper with the correct build and luckly I have that. It never came down to having to use that but at least we had that as backup.
adbender
09-27-2009, 08:22 AM
Leverage the discount for the screw-up and let the alcantara grow on you.
It does look pretty good and by no means takes away from the car.
zillmc
09-27-2009, 10:08 AM
I agree with bender; I would leverage the screw-up as much as you can with the dealer and get -$1000 for the seats and hopefully another 1k for the screwup. Although I'm with you on the Alcantra (I don't liek them much either), I feel they will grow on you and will reduce the hassle/possible issues that come with replacing the seats. It's quite possible the seat replacement could reduce some safety as well as the wiring.
That being said, it must be really frustrating to order a $60k car and have them mess it up and I feel you on being firm with them getting the seats you were promised. Good luck!