Reason for Visit: Service
I recommend this dealer: No
My Review of Schneider Nelson:
In November 2008 I brought my 1999 Audi A4 in for service because my ABS brake light was flashing. In the past this usually meant it was a brake sensor and about a $300 cost. I am a car and motorcycle enthusiast so I am aware of how these vehicles work. I chose Schneider & Nelson Audi for this fix because it is close to my current work place.
While I was at work my advisor called and said my power steering rack was leaking. I did notice the steering wheel started to feel funny near the end of the steering lock so I understood that it should probably be fixed soon. He told me it would be about $1700 to replace the steering rack plus the fixing the brakes. He actually asked if I had the money to get it fixed. After I said “yes” he then asked if I also knew my engine was leaking oil. He said the mechanic found oil leaking from a gasket onto the timing belt. When I asked about it further he said it is not an uncommon problem with a V6 engine with 108,000 miles. He said it would all cost about $3000 and that he would take 10% off. After thinking about it for couple hours I called back and told him to go for it and fix the brakes, the steering rack and the oil leak. Of course now I realize that was my huge mistake.
When it was time to pick up my car I was shocked speechless because the total bill invoice was $5,662 with the 10% off.
My brake repair cost $1,194 because a ABS wheel sensor in one wheel was replaced and also the ABS brake module in the engine compartment. I'm skeptical that both of these components were failing at the same time. I don’t believe it was necessary to replace the ABS brake module because the explanation I was given was quick and unclear.
With the steering rack replacement I saw that the tie rods were also replaced. It might be a common practice to replace them with the steering rack, but I was not told they were going to replace them. My tie rods were in good shape because I needed to get them replaced a year earlier.
$2321 of the bill was for replacing the timing belt and all associated parts. I was never told all these things were going to be replaced. This is of course very shady. I was under the impression that a couple of gaskets were being replaced. I had all this stuff replaced 53,000 miles earlier because of a noisy water pump. I would have preferred to wait for the 75,000 mile interval as indicated in the maintenance manual. Now I wonder if I ever had an oil leak, or if it was serious.
I know the service department at Schneider & Nelson Audi performed unnecessary work. They also replaced extra parts that were connected to parts that needed replacing because they felt they could get away with it. I have since learned that this practice is called “padding the bill”. They had my car for 8 days so I’ll say it was nice that they paid for my rental car, but I will certainly never go there again. Bill
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