Shock replacement cost

[Witchcraft]

Newbie here. Got 66 plate A4 s line during lockdown from a Škoda dealership. Restrictions meant we just had to drive away, no test drive etc. Had a few issues already and know it’s due a cam belt replacement but noticed tonight when parked it leans. Easy get hand between one front tyre but other side is tight. Wonder if the shock has gone on this one. Off to local Audi for the service on 21st September and there’s no record of any service done since previous owner in September 2019 so unlikely car was even looked at by Škoda dealership as no paperwork from them. Think it’s going to be costly. If it is the shock, anyone know how much replacement cost? Got costs for cam belt, and a few other bits and pieces but wondering what this new issue would potentially add to bill? Thanks 😊 

[Magnet]

Hello Jackie,

Many thanks for being in touch with the forum. 
It is highly unlikely that the issue of the car not sitting correctly is as a result of a shock absorber failure. The most likely cause would be a broken spring - which is not at all uncommon. 
If this proves to be correct, then this raises the question about the whether it is wise to also renew the spring on the opposite side at the same time. In my opinion, yes, it is, 
Now the other question is - why are you arranging for any repairs on this 5 year of car to be undertaken by a main dealer? Logic points to asking this question, when you were prepared to take ownership of the car without even checking that the VAG dealer it was bought off, had serviced it before sale to you. If you couple these questions, with knowledge that an Audi main dealer labour rate is likely to be north of £100/hr plus VAT - £120/hr. may result in you considering getting this car serviced and repaired at a trusted local garage. 
Since you have the main dealer cambelt cost, you can now easily obtain local garage costs - using Audi parts, which you can buy mail order at discount ( I would be able to suggest a couple of sources if (in caps) you are serious about embarking on this alternative route. 
Main dealer cost to renew a spring - and/or shock absorber can easily be obtained in advance from the dealer where the car is booked in to. 
Hope some of this helps to address a sensible resolution to your issues. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Envy]

1 hour ago, Magnet said:

Hello Jackie,

Many thanks for being in touch with the forum. 
It is highly unlikely that the issue of the car not sitting correctly is as a result of a shock absorber failure. The most likely cause would be a broken spring - which is not at all uncommon. 
If this proves to be correct, then this raises the question about the whether it is wise to also renew the spring on the opposite side at the same time. In my opinion, yes, it is, 
Now the other question is - why are you arranging for any repairs on this 5 year of car to be undertaken by a main dealer? Logic points to asking this question, when you were prepared to take ownership of the car without even checking that the VAG dealer it was bought off, had serviced it before sale to you. If you couple these questions, with knowledge that an Audi main dealer labour rate is likely to be north of £100/hr plus VAT - £120/hr. may result in you considering getting this car serviced and repaired at a trusted local garage. 
Since you have the main dealer cambelt cost, you can now easily obtain local garage costs - using Audi parts, which you can buy mail order at discount ( I would be able to suggest a couple of sources if (in caps) you are serious about embarking on this alternative route. 
Main dealer cost to renew a spring - and/or shock absorber can easily be obtained in advance from the dealer where the car is booked in to. 
Hope some of this helps to address a sensible resolution to your issues. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Totally agree with Gareth - springs should be changed in pairs to maintain a handling balance - please also check the seating of the offending spring by jacking the car up. Had a bad experience of a broken spring moving and tearing the inside tyre wall out whilst driving. Do not want to scare you in any way but its not a job to put off for too long. My A6 is now being taken care of by a local specialist using genuine Audi parts. All service work is done to schedule and updated on the online records.  A quick Google search will help you find the best option and recommendation on here can be a valuable thing. Shame mine is too far away. 

The Audi main dealer experience is not a bad one but does come at a cost - the free coffee and muffins must contribute to the £100+ labour costs.

[Magnet]

Tom’s experience is very valid, and you cannot dismiss the additional risk of using the car while waiting for the main dealer to inspect it. 
if it were mine, I would be nipping it around to my local non-National-chain? tyre retailer, and getting them to inspect the offending side. This can usually be done while you wait. 
Tom indicates that his garage is a VAG Independent, and that would be a great alternative to a main dealer, but you would need to check the respective VAT inclusive labour rates at both. It has been mentioned that sometimes the difference in rates is not as significant as it might have once been. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.