Affording Audi repairs in CA / USA question

[sashaa]

Hey guys, hope you're doing well. I bought my Audi A6 C7 108k mileage 4 months ago, it wasn't in the best condition some basic things needed to be replaced like fluids, spark plugs, tires, etc but overall I thought the deal is good. There was a huge noise at the time, so I replaced the front bearing wheel with a hub(1.4k$) but it didn't help :( After a couple of months, I did a full car inspection at the local Audi shop and it turned out that I need new engine mounts. I replaced the engine mounts (1.5k$). Recently I was starting the car and it told me that there is no coolant, I looked at the coolant level and OMG there was just a little coolant at the bottom however I did drive it normally without any temperature issues for months. I went to the shop they told me to replace the water pump (1k$) which did help a little, there is less leak now but it's still leaking. Overall I spent more than 6k$ on repairs already and for the price I bought the car and the tax I paid I think I could've financed the used A6 2021 with 3.0L, 20k mileage with a 20k$ down payment(looked up the prices around 32-35k). My shop labor rate is 180$, we also have 034 Pure Motorsport shop which charges 156$ for an hour of work. But these prices are just a rip off. I could easily afford to have this car in any European country(originally I'm from Europe). How do you guys afford Audis in the US? Do you just buy them new? I can't imagine having a 5-6 old year Audi with 80-90k mileage it will just make you poor. I live in San Diego, CA

[949]

Hey guys, hope you're doing well. I bought my Audi A6 C7 108k mileage 4 months ago, it wasn't in the best condition some basic things needed to be replaced like fluids, spark plugs, tires, etc but overall I thought the deal is good. There was a huge noise at the time, so I replaced the front bearing wheel with a hub(1.4k$) but it didn't help :( After a couple of months, I did a full car inspection at the local Audi shop and it turned out that I need new engine mounts. I replaced the engine mounts (1.5k$). Recently I was starting the car and it told me that there is no coolant, I looked at the coolant level and OMG there was just a little coolant at the bottom however I did drive it normally without any temperature issues for months. I went to the shop they told me to replace the water pump (1k$) which did help a little, there is less leak now but it's still leaking. Overall I spent more than 6k$ on repairs already and for the price I bought the car and the tax I paid I think I could've financed the used A6 2021 with 3.0L, 20k mileage with a 20k$ down payment(looked up the prices around 32-35k). My shop labor rate is 180$, we also have 034 Pure Motorsport shop which charges 156$ for an hour of work. But these prices are just a rip off. I could easily afford to have this car in any European country(originally I'm from Europe). How do you guys afford Audis in the US? Do you just buy them new? I can't imagine having a 5-6 old year Audi with 80-90k mileage it will just make you poor. I live in San Diego, CA

I'm assuming your just venting.

yeah buying an audi new or used can be expensive.
many here do lease or buy used but then end up fixing it like you are. its good to hear your story as it should enlighten many people who think buying a used car is an awesome deal every time.

even with a brand new audi, we still need to do regular repairs. its not uncommon to replace things that shouldn't be replaced as a normal maintenance item. audi parts so far seem like a hit or miss. they don't seem to be engineered to last long enough. since you bought used your just taking on someone else's repairs.

[sashaa]

Thank you for your answer!

[audrobotic]

I found out something that would make the OP cry a river.

There is an Audi dealer in OC that charges a $298 hourly labor rate. This is Audi Fletcher Jones in Costa Mesa. I’ve never heard of such a high labor rate. Thankfully my indy shop only charges $130/hr.

[RMode]

Firstly you bought a car with known issues. I presume to save some cash vs the same car with lower mileage and no such issues. Those issues are often indicative of how the car was cared for, or not cared for, in general. Secondly, 2.0 or 3.0? Matters a lot.

A lot of people learn to work on older or high mileage ones themselves. Labor rate is one thing, but so is the quality of work. I’ll gladly pay a significantly higher rate for something I don’t want to, or can’t do solo/with friends, vs a cheaper Indy rate but it takes 2’or 3 trips to solve it. So pays up front to research the shops in the area, then purchase, vs the other way around. Ideally, a great Indy shop with a reasonable rate that knows the car inside and out, becomes very, very helpful.


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[audrobotic]

This is sort of an old thread but the OP mentioned Pure Motorsport in San Diego. They’re a first rate VW/Audi shop at some of the most competitive prices you’re ever gonna find. Unfortunate that he thinks that’s a rip-off.