1.4 TFSI S Line CoD 150 S tronic Auto 4dr Saloon

Lovely car but the dual clutch failed at 15,500 miles

I bought the car from Norwich Audi online, pre-inspected, still under manufacturer's warranty and with an extended 1 year Audi Warranty and had it delivered to my home. Very reasonable price and they even added Sat Nat at no extra cost and included a quattro umbrella. The car looks fantastic, S-Line spec in Silver, drop dead looks and it drives well. S-Tronic 7 speed gear box, great controls, auto brake on hills, electric everything, great stereo and impeccable interior.

Now for the bad. I kept hearing an intermittent noise when the car pulled away and I booked it in to Coventry Audi who could not diagnose the fault over four days. I contacted Norwich Audi and they sympathised but get this, they told me I had to bring the car back to them, at my own cost, pick up a courtesy car and drive home, a 300 mile round trip (and the same round trip to pick the car up again). When I bought the car, the salesman assured me I could get everything done at Coventry Audi and I would not be inconvenienced at all.

I told the HoB at NA that this was unacceptable and the up shot was if I didn't bring it back to Norwich then I was stuffed. The whole matter is now with the Motor Ombudsman and my Credit Card Company. I complained to Audi UK and they tried to change the dealer's mind but they couldn't.

So much for Audi UK Customer Service and so much for Norwich Audi's pre-inspection regime!

I was able to recreate the noise at home by putting the car in drive, my foot on the front brake and feathering the accelerator. I took it back to Coventry Audi who tried this and were able to diagnose the fault as the dual clutch. Less than 3 years old, 15,500 miles! I checked the internet and apparently this is a common fault. Coventry Audi replaced the dual clutch and it runs like a dream.

I love the car, it's gorgeous and cheap to run (43MPG average and £20 a year road tax). The clutch is a bit worrying but Coventry Audi saved the day and my experience with them has always been fantastic. I can now get on with enjoying the car, no thanks to Norwich Audi.

All I can say is buyer beware when purchasing online over a long distance!

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