I am expecting my 00' A4 in ~ 3 weeks. When I agreed to buy the car I asked them why there were additional charges, ref. "addendum". They stated that the additional charges were for "delivery prep. ie: paint sealant or pinstripe etc." and the additional charge was added to all of their new cars. When we finally agreed on a sale price they said that they would not be able to prep the car due to the low sale price. Will I get my car right off of the carrier? This doesn't make sense.

They will always do a deliever prep: windshield wipers, removal of any plastic overs, drill a couple of holes for the plates, give you a tank of free gas (maybe).
As for the paint sealant, pinstripes (WTF!?!) ...That's extra.... you probably don't need that stuff... Actually you don't want that stuff. They will probably apply that paint sealant (turtle wax) with a high power buffer, add some cheezy pinstripes along the side of the car - pinstripes are for American cars in the 80s.
So, you may actually want to tell them... you don't want anything extra (pinstripes, paint sealant, their dealer decal on the trunk). Unless of course, you like that kind of things.

Cris

Have you signed a contract stating all these facts?? Or, are they adding these items on top of what you have signed for already. Verbal agreements (let's shake on that) between a customer and dealer are worthless. You need to have a written contract with all options/prices that you both have agreed upon. Did you leave a deposit?? All Audi dealers are given a certain amount of money per car for preparation. That pinstripe/paint sealant is only extra money put into the dealer's pocket. If you have no written contract with the dealer/you are not happy with the deal - walk away. You need to do a little homework on what's expected of you and your dealer pertaining to the sale of a new audi vehicle. Look in the archives for some members experiences. Don't rush into your purchase until you understand everything about the purchase, you'll only have yourself to blame.


Al
99.5 1.8tqtsc

Sounds like he's giving you a hard time, don't over react but you may want to re-think your purchase from this dealership. What's going to happen in the future? Even Hyundai's are prepped before the customer picks them up!

Hello,

I'm new here (I'll be saying that until I've been here for a while :-), but I've bought plenty of cars. I never pay for "dealer prep" because its almost always useless pack/profit for the dealer. That said, every car I have ever picked up had been washed/waxed/tire-shined, and ready to go with a full tank of gas. Sounds to me like your dealer might just be a little bitter because you had the "audacity" to negotiate with him.

Walking away from the deal is certainly an option, and one that you may wish to consider, but before that try the following.

1) Talk to the dealer and make sure he's aware of how you feel regarding what you feel to be at least a severe lack of professionalism.

2) Be sure that he's aware that you will do everything in your power to make sure every one in your area knows about this practice.

3) Be sure to let the dealer know that you will be
speaking to Audi USA regarding this practice.

Understand that the the above three points might get you nowhere if you were to actually pusue them, but the dealer should at least be concerned. If they are NOT concerned, THEN you may want to reconsider who you do business with. Whats next? asking you to install your own accesories because you didn't cut them enough profit ? Maybe there will be a box sitting next to the car with the CD changer, some wires, and an instruction manual written in German... :-)

Note that I said dealer: Start with the salesman, realizing that you'll be better served moving beyond him to management. Also note that I didn't say WELL served; remember we're dealing with monkys here.

I personally am convinced that I could sell tons of high end cars close to invoice if I could cut through all of the ugly garbage imposed upon us by the "industry norm". Why can't they just get beyond the facade and treat people with respect and integrity. Sigh... then again, I'm also convinced I could solve that whole cold fusion thing if it weren't for that pesky.... sorry.

best of luck,

Eric.

they wil at least have to make sure it is road worthy. besides our cars are shipped with blocks on the springs to reduce travel while in transit, the engine levels and such will also need to be checked.

If your car is dark in color, I would not let the dealer touch the outside anyway. And they can keep their free gas, most dealers just fill with regular and not the hi test needed.

Our A4 is silver and the dealer prepped, it is my wifes car (leased) and it is difficult to notice any marks in paint.

When I took delivery of my 99 SVT mustang cobra in March I took the car home after the safety inspection as the car is black. I had a great time working on the car getting it perfect. I have a company car so the cobra is for FUN anyway.

good luck

if they are too busy to prep the car, tell them you are too busy to give them an "excellent" rating on the AoA survey. That should get their attention.

My guess: this is a scare tactic on the part of the salesman to make you think you are missing something when you don't get the sealent or pinstripes. Ask again, specifying which "prep" services you are concerned about. I would be shocked if they gave you a car with that white plastic still stuck to the paint and without the brakes checked and the windsheild washer fluid filled and with whatever dirt and grime the car had picked up on the boat.

audi dealers are not paid by the factory for new car prep.Most manufactures pay their dealers to prep new cars,however for them to pull that crap on you is something audi of america would cut their balls off for.

I can't believe Autohaus is still stiffing customers with this add-on pac, and especially with pin stripes now-a-days. I went through the same thing 14 years ago when I bought my 85 5KS from them.
Its pure dealer profit (greed) with very little added value to the customer. Walk away from it.
Check the Audi dealerships in Reading and York, I believe the Harrisburg dealership is the same family as Lancaster.

Tom Serrago
99.5 A4 1.8T qms
85 5KS Avant (still part of the family)