Ha ha ha, some of these replies are brilliant. I can honestly say I have never taken any car to a Main Dealer for actual work. Heard way too many stories and know all about the exorbitant costs. My mum used to get stiffed for years before I finally persuaded her to use my mechanic. She loved the massive reduction in bills, the care she was offered, the honest explanations of work needed and the fact her cars actually worked when they were returned.
I recall going to Audi in Kidlington a few years back to ask their service parts desk for some grommets for the headlight trim on my Audi S2. The guy behind the desk took great glee in telling me that I was mistaken and that Audi had never made an S2. I sorted of played along as it was fun, so he brought out a colleague who also confirmed that their "system" confirmed that no S2 existed, that I was mistaken and i definitely meant A2 rather than S2.
I then told them that I wouldn't be seen dead in that coffin carrier and that maybe they would allow me to escort them to the car park outside so I could show them. They came out, almost sniggering. Which stopped fairly abruptly when in front of them was a mint condition Audi S2 3b in gleaming Emerald Pearl. I pointed to my slightly wonky headlight trim and said "I need a grommet for the side of this trim please. It will need to fit an Audi S2" The sniggering stopped at that point.
Naturally they couldn't help me because Audi seem to have a policy of not giving a sh*t about any modern customers, let alone those who maintain the very classics that made them famous. Porsche, BMW and Mercedes ensure a fine back availability of classic parts. Audi, not so much. They really are complete wan*ers.
he went straight to the garage involved and let rip. No bills and they haven't seen him again since.
