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Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - Majid

Hi Guys,

Just need some advice. I recently purchased an Audi A6 2.5 TDI, 51 plate second hand and it's now time to have the vehicle serviced. I basically need the full service including having the Cambelt replaced.

I have been quoted £949 from Audi with the brake fluid, £900 without brake fluid. kwikfit have quoted me £715 with brake fluid, £685.05 without brake fluid. Audi are saying that they use Genuine Audi parts, whereas Kwikfit are using Uniparts. Kwikfit are saying that there is next to no difference and I would only be paying extra for the Audi badge. They've told me that Uniparts are recognised by the dealers.

Also Audi are giving me a 2 yr warranty with the Cambelt, whereas Kwikfit are giving me 12 months. Again Kwikfit are saying that if nothing goes wrong in the 12 months, then the Cambelt is fine which is why Audi are confidently offering a 2 yr warranty.

Can somebody independant give me an honest answer regarding the difference between Genuine Audi parts and Uniparts. There is over a £200 difference, and if they are just as good as each other, then I will go with the cheaper option.

Thanks guys

Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - injection doc
I would question the competence with kwik fit for such a major service rather than just the price, I would find a good local indy such as a VW audi specialist or use the dealer.
I would personally use genuine parts any day.
I have never had any serious issues with genuine but after market parts have been cause for concern
Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - Majid
Why would you question their competence?

What cause for concern do you have with after market parts?
Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - injection doc
I'm sorry you even have to ask why would i question their competence, if £200 quid is so more important than the total value of your car then go with your wallet
Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - Peter D

I would have this done by a VW Audi Independant. He will source the parts from Audi and the parts carry a 2 year warrantee. I would not entertain after market spares or any Kwik Fit/Budget. You may be surprised if you get a price form VW to do the job. My loacl VW garage can match my Independant on these tyres of jobs. Where do you live. Regards Peter

Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - injection doc

this probably sums it up best,

www.foxyladydrivers.com/foxyblog/2010/09/17/bbc-wa.../

make sure you read from top to bottom Majid & digest.

Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - mastertechGeoff

Find your-self a competent local garage they will probably use continental or gates belts as a general rule anyhow, good garages do-not use inferior products as they know there more hassle than there worth, find a garage that sweares by gates,dayco or Ina (ina part of the schaeffler group that make/supply luk clutches,ina (cambelt pulley/idlers etc), fag bearings and own the majority stake of continental all OE supplied parts in the aftermarket. Find a garage that sweares by gates, dayco or continental belts and ina or gates tensioners / pulleys and you'll have no problems. P.S i'd change the water pump at the same time, auxilary drive belt, Alternator freewheeling pulley and check the auxilary tensioner, if it's done 100k it's unlikely to last another.

Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - madf

Any chain -which cannot enforce its quality standards when it adjusts tracking but lets its fitters get away with adjusting one track rod only (other one was "tight") - is not the kind of place to entrust with a skillful job .

But that is effectively recognised by them in the length of their warranty..

Save £200 now, redo the job in 13 monhs time and spend another £500.. or worse, replace the engine..

I use to think KF were pants, then I thought they had changed, now - from personal experience this year - I see they have not...

There are lots of independent Audi specialist with good reputations. Find one.

Edited by madf on 06/10/2010 at 16:45

Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - garage-express

Where abouts are you based? If your near north west london there is a very good indy garage called RussellAutomotiveCentre they have awarded best independant service provider for the last 2 years and are shortlisted for this years

Audi A6 TDI 2.5 Saloon - Servicing an Audi A6 with Uniparts - nudger

Please don't let this poor car into a Kwik Fit garage, especially for such major work!

I can only go on my own experiences although I am also influenced by Which?, but I wouldn't take my A4 there. My prior car (Ford Focus) had it's brakes rogered after getting tyres changed there and its alloy wheels always came out more scratched then they went in. I just got the feeling that they never took much care over what they were doing.

It doesn't look good to see someone racing your car into the garage and then slamming on the brakes to skid it to a halt and then dropping your wheels onto the floor does it? If that's what they do when they know there's a window from the waiting room, what do they do when they know you aren't watching?!

Go for an independent VW place. That's where my A4 gets looked after - lower prices than Audi and proper parts and servicing.

Edited by nudger on 12/10/2010 at 20:10