3rd Party Warranty

[Nick2011B8S4]

Hello All,

I just recently picked up a 2011 B8 S4 from a local BMW dealership and was wondering if there were any extended warranties available through Audi, or any 3rd party warranties that are reputable and not too costly? I've spent hours searching but almost all the threads I've read are specifically for S4's factory warranty or CPO expiring. My car is well out of the 4year/50K warranty and was never CPO'd.

Basically, I'm looking to see what available options I have? looking to get this more for a piece of mind!

Thanks in advance!

[jygesq]

audi pure from fidelity http://fd-warranty.com/audi/coveragelevels.html'

[onlyaudis]

The fidelity one is only available if the car is now covered by the factory or a fidelity extended warranty. I found this out first hand. Most all other ones are a bad joke. put a few thousand dollars away in a rainy day S4 account and warrant yourself.

[amusante]

I was able to transfer a Fidelity Warranty the previous owner had purchased. He said he had paid $4,000 for the warranty, which basically covered everything except a new clutch since it was 6MT. Since I've owned the car, the warranty company has paid for rear diff service, two new rear shocks, and a wheel bearing. I paid the guy $1400 to transfer the warranty, and have had about $3,000 of work done in ~6 months. If you have the money to get in with them, it seems like a good option.

Fair warning, my shop said they have seen them deny all claims just because of an aftermarket intake, so if you plan on modding your car, I wouldn't even bother.

[Nick2011B8S4]

I was able to transfer a Fidelity Warranty the previous owner had purchased. He said he had paid $4,000 for the warranty, which basically covered everything except a new clutch since it was 6MT. Since I've owned the car, the warranty company has paid for rear diff service, two new rear shocks, and a wheel bearing. I paid the guy $1400 to transfer the warranty, and have had about $3,000 of work done in ~6 months. If you have the money to get in with them, it seems like a good option.

Fair warning, my shop said they have seen them deny all claims just because of an aftermarket intake, so if you plan on modding your car, I wouldn't even bother.

Thank you for the update! My only issue is the car is not currently under any warranty to my knowledge so I'm not sure if this is even an option for me.

The fidelity one is only available if the car is now covered by the factory or a fidelity extended warranty. I found this out first hand. Most all other ones are a bad joke. put a few thousand dollars away in a rainy day S4 account and warrant yourself.

Thank you for the notice. Unfortunately, my S4 is out of factory warranty and I do not believe has any extended warranty on it at all. Would AoA be able to find out if there is an extended warranty? I have an "emergency fund" already just in general (I'm a Relationship Manager for PWM firm), so I do this by nature!

[risc427]

The local Audi dealers here in MN offer extended warranties through a company called Zurich. No existing warranty coverage is required to purchase this. I'd ask around for quotes as I received three different prices for the same coverage from different dealers. You can reach out to Zurich who can point you to a local dealer that offers the warranty. It may not even be an Audi dealer.

[VeNoMS4]

Now i can't speak for all warranty companies, but if they all have policies similar to mine, you might want to take a look at what i went through.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-this-happened

In the end, read the fine prints which specifically talks about modifications. That's where they'll get you

[amusante]

Now i can't speak for all warranty companies, but if they all have policies similar to mine, you might want to take a look at what i went through.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-this-happened

In the end, read the fine prints which specifically talks about modifications. That's where they'll get you

That sounds pretty awful. Do you think ECS Geomet Rotors and Hawk HPS pads could fall under that category since they are not OEM replacements? I need to replace my brakes fairly soon and my warranty is good until Feb '18. Obviously, these aren't OEM/Stock replacements and would be pretty annoyed if those mods ruined warranty work for other random stuff.

Straight from my Warranty:
EXCLUSIONS FROM COVERAGE: THIS SERVICE CONTRACT WILL NOT PAY OR REIMBURSE YOU FOR:
1. ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS, ANY ALTERATION TO THE VEHICLE OR THE PART,
USE OF OVERSIZED OR UNDERSIZED TIRES OR WHEELS, ALTERATION TO THE VEHICLE NOT AUTHORIZED BY
ITS MANUFACTURER, THE FAILURE OF ANY PART NOT COVERED BY THIS SERVICE CONTRACT, OR ACCIDENTAL
LOSS;

[KRp220]

just because you currently aren't covered by the factory warranty doesn;t mean you can't get one, but the cost is a little higher typically.
Zurich has a good reputation in the industry....
i bet you could go to your local audi dealer, walk into the finance office and get them to hook you up
there's probably a member on here that is a finance manager that might be able to help
if not, i still keep in touch with one of my coworkers and he could get you a price too.

[VeNoMS4]

That sounds pretty awful. Do you think ECS Geomet Rotors and Hawk HPS pads could fall under that category since they are not OEM replacements? I need to replace my brakes fairly soon and my warranty is good until Feb '18. Obviously, these aren't OEM/Stock replacements and would be pretty annoyed if those mods ruined warranty work for other random stuff.

Straight from my Warranty:
EXCLUSIONS FROM COVERAGE: THIS SERVICE CONTRACT WILL NOT PAY OR REIMBURSE YOU FOR:
1. ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR EXPENSE CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS, ANY ALTERATION TO THE VEHICLE OR THE PART,
USE OF OVERSIZED OR UNDERSIZED TIRES OR WHEELS, ALTERATION TO THE VEHICLE NOT AUTHORIZED BY
ITS MANUFACTURER, THE FAILURE OF ANY PART NOT COVERED BY THIS SERVICE CONTRACT, OR ACCIDENTAL
LOSS;

well i wouldnt think it would matter since brake pads and rotors wont be covered anyways. It sucks that your warranty wont cover if you have bigger wheels either. So if anything goes wrong with the control arms, bushings, etc. Better have stock wheels to put back on before inspector inspects it. My warranty didnt care about wheels but did care that i had an exhaust. And in my contract, it specifically stated exhaust modifications will flag my car against any future engine coverage.

Now if your contract doesnt specifically state that changing a particular part results in no coverage, you can always hit them with the magnusson-moss law.

[shadycrew31]

I have a very poorly rated one but they have been good to me so far. I doubt they will be nice on big expenses (like my trans repair coming up).

I had one on my RX8 as well which had an engine failure. I had lowering springs on my car so they said the entire policy was void and did not cover the engine rebuild. Even if your tires aren't the same size as stock it will get you flagged. You need full maintenance records as well. They are in the business of not paying out big claims its the only way they can survive as a company.

All that said my buddy had a policy through USAA and they were fantastic when his battery exploded all over the engine bay due to an alternator over charging.

[Nick2011B8S4]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I requested a quote for FD and am in the process of requesting one through Zurich as well. The car to my knowledge is not modded and I don't plan to mod it as of now (with the exception of the Flat Bottom steering wheel as I do not believe this was an option on the 2011 S4). My main concern is the coverage encase the Mechatronic goes (fingers crossed I'm not affected).

If you have any contacts or any finance managers for Audi on here than can help, please PM me and I will reach out!

[sacandagaD]

OP- You only have 40k on the car, and it appears to have been well maintained up to this point. I say skip the warranty and roll the dice.

[Nick2011B8S4]

OP- You only have 40k on the car, and it appears to have been well maintained up to this point. I say skip the warranty and roll the dice.

For now I am! I just want to explore the various warranty options as it doesn't hurt to get quotes!

[sacandagaD]

For now I am! I just want to explore the various warranty options as it doesn't hurt to get quotes!

Of course if you really do want one, it's like life insurance, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be, lol!

[Nick2011B8S4]

Of course if you really do want one, it's like life insurance, the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be, lol!

Duly Noted! Will see what kind of quotes I get!


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[Nick2011B8S4]

Had anyone had any experience with CarMax?


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[onlyaudis]

Carmax

I read they were often even more expensive than the dealers ones.

like anything online, some people love their warranty, some people don't even want to give them 1 star

I went through this 18 months ago when i got my S4 with only 1 month left of the factory warranty. Got the top Fidelity plan, but so far, nothing has gone wrong on the car at all.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/auto...-warranty.html

[Vanimal]

OP- You only have 40k on the car, and it appears to have been well maintained up to this point. I say skip the warranty and roll the dice.

I generally would... UNLESS its a DSG, more so if its not a B8.5. That is the ONLY thing i see being the back breaker and needing or wanting a warranty with these, which stinks because its a great trans "sometimes" plagued by unfortunate problems . I don't generally like warranties and have had them in the past and really never used them before they ran out, but that is just me in my case of luck. The thermostat doesn't bother me with these, most would be already fixed by the factory warranty if someone bought it pre owned.

I like the idea of the rainy day fund, and if you don't use it more you win. But that mechatronic unit might make me almost always nervous.

I am currently in a B8 S5, looking to add a B8.5 S4 to the arsenal soon, in a DSG. I looked at alot of CPO cars and most around me are not spec'd to my liking color/interior and mostly premium plus versions. What i think i will do is buy a 2013, or 2014 still just barley under the factory warranty. And add the fidelity power train or platinum warranty to cover any DSG woes. Unless i can come across a CPO in my price range which atm is like 35k-ish . I could alos wait for the B9's to hit show room floors, so the B8.5's possibly fall a bit, which could be a smart move.

[jokingjimmy]

Go to your local credit union. They sell good extended warranties (usually the same as the dealer offers) at less than half the price.

[VtotheJ]

Everyone has mentioned purchasing extended warranties but has anyone actually successfully used theirs for repairs? What exactly do they cover? I think this would be useful for prospective buyers.

I am curious because by early April I am going to start shopping for a B8/B8.5 S4, and the ones I have seen so far are out of warranty.

[amusante]

Everyone has mentioned purchasing extended warranties but has anyone actually successfully used theirs for repairs? What exactly do they cover? I think this would be useful for prospective buyers.

I am curious because by early April I am going to start shopping for a B8/B8.5 S4, and the ones I have seen so far are out of warranty.

So far, my warranty company has covered rear diff issues, front wheel bearing, and two new rear shocks. About $3,000 worth of work. It can be a bit annoying, as the shop you use has to call them to tell them about the work/issue and then they may come out to actually inspect it in person, so the turnaround time on your car can be a bit longer than normal. Car is completely stock BTW

[Dr GP]

Fyi, I purchased a 3yr Silver package from Fidelity for $2700 through the Audi Dealership in May 2014 . Car had 49k at the time. Now with 71k, I have yet to need it. I figure the t stat will fail just after the warranty runs out. Deciding whether to extend it or not. No mods.

[sacandagaD]

So far, my warranty company has covered rear diff issues, front wheel bearing, and two new rear shocks. About $3,000 worth of work. It can be a bit annoying, as the shop you use has to call them to tell them about the work/issue and then they may come out to actually inspect it in person, so the turnaround time on your car can be a bit longer than normal. Car is completely stock BTW

This supports one of the main decision criteria for purchasing a 3rd party warranty or not, keeping it stock or not. Your chances of getting good coverage by one is much greater if you don't plan to mod.

[shadycrew31]

Fyi, I purchased a 3yr Silver package from Fidelity for $2700 through the Audi Dealership in May 2014 . Car had 49k at the time. Now with 71k, I have yet to need it. I figure the t stat will fail just after the warranty runs out. Deciding whether to extend it or not. No mods.

I got the platinum from United auto protection or something. Was ridiculous $4750, wished I shopped around.

[jygesq]

I got the platinum from United auto protection or something. Was ridiculous $4750, wished I shopped around.

i paid $2707 for platinum , I bought is when car had less thAN 10k MILES, it extends my warranty 8 years from purchase of warranty date (july 2016) and 80K total miles. As I do 6 k miles per year, July 2024 will be expiration. It is insurance but with both sport diff & DSG ,may be worth it if either goes south.

[shadycrew31]

i paid $2707 for platinum , I bought is when car had less thAN 10k MILES, it extends my warranty 8 years from purchase of warranty date (july 2016) and 80K total miles. As I do 6 k miles per year, July 2024 will be expiration. It is insurance but with both sport diff & DSG ,may be worth it if either goes south.

Im having the shop work on my DSG this week, we shall see what they cover.

[toastsauce]

Anyone with a Dsg and/or ecu tune try to get their transmission fixed through one of these warranties?

[Nick2011B8S4]

Thank you for all of the suggestions! I'm going to get a quote hopefully from Fidelity through and Audi dealer recommended by another forum member. I will keep you posted how it turns out!


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[Nick2011B8S4]

Im having the shop work on my DSG this week, we shall see what they cover.

What specifically is your car in for to get fixed? Mechatronic?


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[Nick2011B8S4]

I generally would... UNLESS its a DSG, more so if its not a B8.5. That is the ONLY thing i see being the back breaker and needing or wanting a warranty with these, which stinks because its a great trans "sometimes" plagued by unfortunate problems . I don't generally like warranties and have had them in the past and really never used them before they ran out, but that is just me in my case of luck. The thermostat doesn't bother me with these, most would be already fixed by the factory warranty if someone bought it pre owned.

I like the idea of the rainy day fund, and if you don't use it more you win. But that mechatronic unit might make me almost always nervous.

I am currently in a B8 S5, looking to add a B8.5 S4 to the arsenal soon, in a DSG. I looked at alot of CPO cars and most around me are not spec'd to my liking color/interior and mostly premium plus versions. What i think i will do is buy a 2013, or 2014 still just barley under the factory warranty. And add the fidelity power train or platinum warranty to cover any DSG woes. Unless i can come across a CPO in my price range which atm is like 35k-ish . I could alos wait for the B9's to hit show room floors, so the B8.5's possibly fall a bit, which could be a smart move.

This is exactly how I feel! I always try to keep a rainy day fund for various things but still want to consider a warranty for a piece of mind. Btw your theory on waiting for the b9 to hit the showroom is spot on as it should lower the price for b8/b8.5 s4's.

I just happened to be taking a look at some b8's and when I saw and test drove the one I have now, I knew it was well maintained and too clean to pass up!


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[Nick2011B8S4]

Everyone has mentioned purchasing extended warranties but has anyone actually successfully used theirs for repairs? What exactly do they cover? I think this would be useful for prospective buyers.

I am curious because by early April I am going to start shopping for a B8/B8.5 S4, and the ones I have seen so far are out of warranty.

I second this! It seems like a handful of members have purchased warranties, but I am curious as to how many have actually used them with minor headaches from dealing with the warranty companies. Plus I wonder how many have successfully used them for the mechatronic/DSG issues specifically.


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[Dr GP]

I second this! It seems like a handful of members have purchased warranties, but I am curious as to how many have actually used them with minor headaches from dealing with the warranty companies. Plus I wonder how many have successfully used them for the mechatronic/DSG issues specifically.


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Haven't had the need to use mine. I feel like I threw away $2700

[Nick2011B8S4]

Haven't had the need to use mine. I feel like I threw away $2700

Which company did you get your warranty through?


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[isles1]

I have Platinum via Fidelity. Factory warranty ends this month. Cost was just about 3000 with less than 25k on the clock. Added 6 years and 60k of coverage from the date/mileage purchased, so cover to 85k or November 2021. Deductible is $250. I am pretty sure Fidelity is not the underwriter for new Audi Protection Plans purchased.

[Nick2011B8S4]

I have Platinum via Fidelity. Factory warranty ends this month. Cost was just about 3000 with less than 25k on the clock. Added 6 years and 60k of coverage from the date/mileage purchased, so cover to 85k or November 2021. Deductible is $250. I am pretty sure Fidelity is not the underwriter for new Audi Protection Plans purchased.

Thanks for the info! I'm wondering if anything happens (ie. mechatronic unit failure) if they will cover most, if not all of the cost. If not, maybe i'm just better off socking away $3k-$5k as a "rainy day fund."

[Dr GP]

Which company did you get your warranty through?


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Fidelity

[Dr GP]

Thanks for the info! I'm wondering if anything happens (ie. mechatronic unit failure) if they will cover most, if not all of the cost. If not, maybe i'm just better off socking away $3k-$5k as a "rainy day fund."

Rainy day fund looks like a better alternative to me.

[Nick2011B8S4]

Rainy day fund looks like a better alternative to me.

I'm leaning towards this too! However, I'm going to give Fidelity a call on Monday to get pricing and will then determine if it makes sense or not.

As a side note, am I able to call AoA or the dealer where the car was serviced and get all previous warranty items (i.e. Was there anything replaced on the DSG)?


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[onlyaudis]

Haven't had the need to use mine. I feel like I threw away $2700

same here so far. have used up 18 months of the warranty without a single claim. basically, its a gamble to go without a warranty on a car like an S4, but the insurance company is the house, and the house never loses overall. I bought a car with 1 month left on the factory warranty, and had no idea if i had gotten a good car or not, so I bought a extended warranty before the factory one ran out out of fear of the unknown. time will tell if it was worth it, but as of now, probably was a waste of money. My opinion about insurance in general though, is you want all of it to be waste of money! Home owners, car insurance, and especially life insurance .