Audi Bellevue service department any good?

[edwardg]

So, I'm picking up up a new S6 at the Bellevue dealership in a few weeks and contemplating whether or not to do Audi Care.

I'll probably end up tuning the car, but at this point think I'll wait until the warranty runs out, so I'm not worried about that aspect of having the dealer service it. The guys at Achtuning quoted me a price for the scheduled service that's essentially equivalent to that of Audi Care. While I prefer to give my business to excellent independent shops instead of the dealer, they don't offer a loaner or shuttle which makes things much more inconvenient. But if Audi Bellevue's service dept is not well-regarded, getting rides becomes more palatable. Both locations are equally convenient, so it really comes down to who's going to take better care of my car, so.... anyone have an opinion on the service department at Audi Bellevue?

[Eurotuned_A4]

So, I'm picking up up a new S6 at the Bellevue dealership in a few weeks and contemplating whether or not to do Audi Care.

I'll probably end up tuning the car, but at this point think I'll wait until the warranty runs out, so I'm not worried about that aspect of having the dealer service it. The guys at Achtuning quoted me a price for the scheduled service that's essentially equivalent to that of Audi Care. While I prefer to give my business to excellent independent shops instead of the dealer, they don't offer a loaner or shuttle which makes things much more inconvenient. But if Audi Bellevue's service dept is not well-regarded, getting rides becomes more palatable. Both locations are equally convenient, so it really comes down to who's going to take better care of my car, so.... anyone have an opinion on the service department at Audi Bellevue?

I haven't had personal experience with their service department, but I know a lot of people used to prefer them. However, that's when it was Barrier Audi and I dont know how it might have changed under the new ownership of Autonation. On a newer model though, the dealer is probably the better bet.

[NorthWestB8]

If your biggest concern is a loaner check your insurance coverage, ours covers our loaner up to 48.00 a day fee for I believe 2 weeks.

That being said I would still go somewhere else like ACHTuning or support a business that actually loves the car culture and knows what they are doing.

[Peter1.8t]

Good if you get good techs. Ask for Sean or Canyon at Audi Bellevue, they know what their doing.

[zcspec]

I've had a few services there and they are "good" but that's all relative. Personally, I would do the services myself because I simply don't trust people with my car unless it's an issue beyond my scope of knowledge. Are you picking up the blue s6? I saw it day when I had my AR washed and would have killed to buy it.

[JoshDub]

I was recently there. Looks like the same SAs from when it was Barrier, I don't know about techs. There is one SA that is a total bitch, the two guys are pretty nice. Avoid the lady with the big fluffy/curly hair.

There are a ton of euro indies around that area within a reasonable distance.

[edwardg]

Awesome, I appreciate the input and names.

If your biggest concern is a loaner check your insurance coverage, ours covers our loaner up to 48.00 a day fee for I believe 2 weeks.

That being said I would still go somewhere else like ACHTuning or support a business that actually loves the car culture and knows what they are doing.

Interesting... it hadn't occurred to me to use insurance loaner coverage during a service. A loaner isn't make or break, but it's one less PITA when the wife works and the two kids go to child care. Totally agree about supporting the good independents though.

I've had a few services there and they are "good" but that's all relative. Personally, I would do the services myself because I simply don't trust people with my car unless it's an issue beyond my scope of knowledge. Are you picking up the blue s6? I saw it day when I had my AR washed and would have killed to buy it.

Yeah, I used to do all my own services, but see the above note about two small children Once my son is old enough to "help" we'll get back out there.

And are you talking about the 2015 in rivera blue? I saw it online and man, that color is stunning! Wish I could pull it off. Ended up going with mythos black. But you know, I've seen that one in inventory for a while and being an exclusive color, you could probably get a good deal... you should definitely go back and at least test drive it

[Eurotuned_A4]

I know what you mean about doing your own work and the 2 small children in addition to the ease of using a loaner during services. There are some independent shops that have loaners as well, but typically I don't think the are as nice as what Audi would offer.

[CupcakeS5]

The Rivera Blue is still there?! I am honestly shocked it hasn't sold yet. It came from down here in Portland, the guy that bought it originally traded it in for a 2016 model, ALSO in Rivera Blue, because he just wanted the better tech.


I love Achtuning. I also love supporting the dealership network when they support the Audi Club NW chapter. I don't know to what extent, if any, Bellevue is involved; University is a huge sponsor of our track events however. As is Achtuning. As mentioned above, the indy shops tend to appreciate the enthusiast customer more. Someone mentioned DIY service, which as nice as that is and a big money saver, I'd be weary about warranty on a brand new car and proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the proper service intervals were performed in the event you do have a claim.

Congrats on the upcoming new rocket couch.

[edwardg]

The Rivera Blue is still there?! I am honestly shocked it hasn't sold yet. It came from down here in Portland, the guy that bought it originally traded it in for a 2016 model, ALSO in Rivera Blue, because he just wanted the better tech.


I love Achtuning. I also love supporting the dealership network when they support the Audi Club NW chapter. I don't know to what extent, if any, Bellevue is involved; University is a huge sponsor of our track events however. As is Achtuning. As mentioned above, the indy shops tend to appreciate the enthusiast customer more. Someone mentioned DIY service, which as nice as that is and a big money saver, I'd be weary about warranty on a brand new car and proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the proper service intervals were performed in the event you do have a claim.

Congrats on the upcoming new rocket couch.

Wow, I understand the new car itch, but taking that depreciation hit for a mid-cycle refresh seems a bit much. Somebody will get a nearly new car for a solid deal though.

"Rocket couch" sounds totally appropriate, thanks.

Sounds like achtuning may be worth the bit of transportation hassle, if nothing else to establish a relationship with the people that will be tuning and working on the car at least somewhere down the road

Thanks again folks.

[tonymission]

Benefit of not going with the dealer is that you can tune the car sooner and not have to worry about unflash/flash every time you take the car in for a basic service.
And don't kid yourself-- the S6 begs to be tuned!


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[edwardg]

Benefit of not going with the dealer is that you can tune the car sooner and not have to worry about unflash/flash every time you take the car in for a basic service.
And don't kid yourself-- the S6 begs to be tuned!


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True, and even though I'll probably wait before tuning, not having paid for the audi care makes it easier. I do see what happens to everybody that tunes the S6/7, and I'm wary of what my wife will say when I pull an RS7 up to the house... haha

[tonymission]

True, and even though I'll probably wait a bit before tuning, not having paid for the audi care makes it easier. I do see what happens to everybody that tunes the S6/7, and I'm not sure I want to find out what my wife does when I pull a RS7 up to the house... haha

Haha it's a slippery slope. Took me 8 months to complete, but my wife knows to just shake her head now... :)


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[wangshuo1989]

I was recently there. Looks like the same SAs from when it was Barrier, I don't know about techs. There is one SA that is a total bitch, the two guys are pretty nice. Avoid the lady with the big fluffy/curly hair.

There are a ton of euro indies around that area within a reasonable distance.

Haha indeed! I had a bad experience with that lady as well, mostly because she didn't know much about our cars.. Would you mind pm me the name of those two guys? That'll be helpful for my next visit, thanks!

[Strikered]

Congrats on the new ride, Ed! That thing is sweet! (Oh... the sweet, sweet sound of a V8)

I purchased a CPO b8 S4 from Audi Bellevue a year ago... shortly after the Autonation acquisition. I've had to work with their service department on a few warranty claims, and each time its been an amicable, reasonable, and a painless engagement. A loaner awaits at my drop off time, we do the walk around and I drive off (the convenience sure is nice). State you need a loaner though, don't assume they know you need one.

Now, I've worked with the guys at Achtuning before when I had an MK5 GTI. I got my tune there and they even helped me diagnose a few issues. I have nothing against them, and of course you want to support the local tuner shop whenever possible (curse you, stealerships!), but for me, it comes down to a few factors considering you have a brand new car...

• They charge as much as the dealership, which doesn't sit right with me considering they don't have the same overhead as the big boys. For the same price, I much rather take the Audi Care route, especially with a DSG. What if you move, or happen to be out of town and need service?
• Its also a numbers game -- How many S6's has Achtuning serviced over Audi Bellevue? Knowledge on a fairly new car is important, and the factory trained guys will likely have more "insider" knowledge than the mechanics at Achtuning on any given day (again, nothing against their guys. I'm sure they are highly capable).
• I much rather drive into Audi Bellevue than to the back of a warehouse that is tucked way in the back (I smell a snob).
• Most all parts needed to fix your car on the majority of issues are going to be in stock at the dealer. Achtuning simply cant match that because its not scalable for them.

I know some will disagree, and that its totally fair. Just my .02

Enjoy the new ride. Super jelly!

-Ed

[Pure Adrenaline]

I moved to the area in August, and soon took my S8 to Audi Bellevue for an oil change.

I called and made an appointment and asked how long it would take. "Not long; you can wait" was the answer.
I was there right when the shop opened, and I was told to wait about 1.5 to 2 hours and this was after asking to expedite based on what I had been told. This is not "not long; you can wait" on the spectrum of turnaround time in my book. I was a little miffed, but no big deal. I enjoyed the coffee and the cars in the showroom.

Two problems:
- I specifically asked that they remember to reset the service reminder as forgetting this seems to be the SOP for every technician. The adviser acknowledged and made a note. The car was returned to me with the reminder still on. The adviser immediately got on the phone with the tech and on their case a little bit. Still, I had to wait another 15 minutes or so while they brought somebody up from the shop to reset it.
- I then noticed that they reset my tire pressure from the recommended 44 all around to something like 34. I asked why, and the adviser said they sometimes receive new recommended PSI. He was so inundated with the workload at this time, I just stopped by CostCo on the way home. I wasn't about to wait 30 minutes for this.

So all in all, the adviser was very nice, but the dealership overall missed the mark. Frankly, if I still worked on my car like back in the old days, I wouldn't have to deal with this, or at least double check their work. But I stopped at just checking the oil level. I can only hope they actually swapped out the filter.

I will probably check out another shop before going back to Bellevue. It wasn't necessarily a bad experience; I just think there is probably a better one out there before I have to accept this.

[NorthWestB8]

I moved to the area in August, and soon took my S8 to Audi Bellevue for an oil change.

I called and made an appointment and asked how long it would take. "Not long; you can wait" was the answer.
I was there right when the shop opened, and I was told to wait about 1.5 to 2 hours and this was after asking to expedite based on what I had been told. This is not "not long; you can wait" on the spectrum of turnaround time in my book. I was a little miffed, but no big deal. I enjoyed the coffee and the cars in the showroom.

Two problems:
- I specifically asked that they remember to reset the service reminder as forgetting this seems to be the SOP for every technician. The adviser acknowledged and made a note. The car was returned to me with the reminder still on. The adviser immediately got on the phone with the tech and on their case a little bit. Still, I had to wait another 15 minutes or so while they brought somebody up from the shop to reset it.
- I then noticed that they reset my tire pressure from the recommended 44 all around to something like 34. I asked why, and the adviser said they sometimes receive new recommended PSI. He was so inundated with the workload at this time, I just stopped by CostCo on the way home. I wasn't about to wait 30 minutes for this.

So all in all, the adviser was very nice, but the dealership overall missed the mark. Frankly, if I still worked on my car like back in the old days, I wouldn't have to deal with this, or at least double check their work. But I stopped at just checking the oil level. I can only hope they actually swapped out the filter.

I will probably check out another shop before going back to Bellevue. It wasn't necessarily a bad experience; I just think there is probably a better one out there before I have to accept this.

Biggest issue I have with stuff like this is the price they charge you for it yet the quality of work done is crap. Not the oil change itself but they always seem to do stuff to cut corners for whatever reason. And always have for better lack of words "some broscience" explanation as to why.


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[edwardg]

It's great when a topic gets good stories from both sides of the issue. Your viewpoints are appreciated and helped me ultimately decide against the Audi care. After seeing and driving the car yesterday at delivery, I realized I'll just have to make time to do the work myself or at worst take it to achtuning because I can tell already that I'll completely obsess over this car and won't want anyone touching her if I can help it. Hah.


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[16AudiS6]

It's great when a topic gets good stories from both sides of the issue. Your viewpoints are appreciated and helped me ultimately decide against the Audi care. After seeing and driving the car yesterday at delivery, I realized I'll just have to make time to do the work myself or at worst take it to achtuning because I can tell already that I'll completely obsess over this car and won't want anyone touching her if I can help it. Hah.


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Bringing up an old thread. edwardg were you able to get the 6% Audi discount on your S6? My S6 is on it's way from Germany and I've wondered if Audi Bellevue offers the 6% discount that I've heard countless others get at other dealerships.

[CupcakeS5]

Bringing up an old thread. edwardg were you able to get the 6% Audi discount on your S6? My S6 is on it's way from Germany and I've wondered if Audi Bellevue offers the 6% discount that I've heard countless others get at other dealerships.

This is for being an Audi Club member - you must be a member for at least 6 months to receive the discount. All dealerships offer this discount off MSRP to ACNA members.

http://www.audiclubna.org/resources/...oyalty-program