Engine coolant leak - Advice requested

[ZD1981]

HI all,

My 2011 Audi A4 is currently with the local audi dealer to inspect a coolant leak (see video below which was picked up by a different mechanic while fixing something else).

I'm expecting them to come back with an extortionate cost and long list of things that need fixing. 

I'm wondering if someone on this forum would be kind enough to give me an idea of i) which parts need repair/replacing based on the video below and ii) what would be a reasonable cost to do that from an official Audi dealer?

thanks

 

 

Edited August 5 by ZD1981
name

[cliffcoggin]

Zahir.

You have shown us low level in the reservoir and a puddle of coolant, but you have not shown where the leak is. How can anybody tell you what needs to be repaired, let alone what it will cost, without that information?

[Magnet]

Hello Zahir,

As Cliff says really. Can we take you the original mechanic didn’t want to do the job because it was too complex to get at?? 

If so, I’m surprised you took this 13 year old car to a main dealer - probably the last place to go to show respect to your wallet. 
Still, regrettably, you are stuck with it there now, and I guess you will just have to await the verdict.

Alternatively, you instruct them to hold fire - pay their labour costs so far, and pay to get it transported to another garage of your choice. 
Sorry, I can’t see any other alternatives - as harsh as that might be. 
If it were me, I would be requesting the main dealer to keep you updated on cause and cure, before agreeing. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[ZD1981]

thanks Gareth - This is super helpful. Main dealer have called and stated £1,185 to replace the whole coolant pump thermostat (thats parts, labour and VAT). From what I've searched online that doesn't seem unreasonable - what do you think?

I take your advice re not going to a main dealer - I've been fortunate in that the car hasn't had any major issues to date (thankfully!) so ive not need to find a trusted independant dealer yet. Audi have charged £140 for the inspection and are happy to return the car if I don't want the work done - Do I take it your advice would be to take the car back, and find an independant? 

thanks - very grateful for your advice

Zahir 

[Magnet]

Thanks for coming back Zahir, 

All of this can only be guesstimates, but it’s quite possible that the parts bill might be halved by buying quality aftermarket parts. Further, I would be surprised if your London Audi dealer’s labour rates are less than £140 + VAT/ hr..Again, this might be halved at a local garage, so you can do the maths, and adjusting  by the £140 (+ VAT?) for inspection, plus the transport costs ( if currently disabled) to get it to another small garage. 
I have to say this as I think ( in caps) it might be:-you must be knowledgeable of the added cost of engaging main dealers in looking after this 13 year old car, so larger than average bills must be the norm to you.

If so, it might be a case of ‘carry on then’ with this job, rather than perhaps shopping around in the future to get better value for money. 
Perhaps you could let us know what you think. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[ZD1981]

Hi Gareth,

Thanks for this. I have started calling around independant dealers and will likely take the car back from Audi (they've not opened it up yet - it was a visual and camera inspection). 

Its less that I'm used to big bills (although that might well be true), and more that we've been very lucky the car hasn't needed any engine work to date. Regular servicing/MOT/tyres etc was always independant dealers but not Audi specialists (eg Kwik Fit). This is the first time its having any significant engine work, hence was keen to get an audi opinion first. But as you say, i am discovering some very knowledgeable inpendant Audi specialists and the prices are considerably lower, so seems like its time for me to get to know one of them better.

As I said - I appreciate the advice - thank you

Zahir  

Edited August 5 by ZD1981

[Magnet]

Sounds good Zahir. If it were mine, I would do the same, but it’s not my position on here to make decisions for members - only to provide alternatives for them to consider. 
In case it helps :- 

For external water pumps, thermostat housings etc. I’ve used aftermarket parts by Febi to good avail, rather than main dealer parts. Independents may want to use main dealer parts, so worth checking what you are getting for your quote. 
If using aftermarket parts I tend to favour on- line mail order motor factors Parts in Motions down at Exeter. ( no connection). 

Kwik Fit for servicing ? Um!? Not for me, I like top branded filters etc. not ones from possibly ‘own-brand’ parts suppliers. 
We are all different, but whatever, it’s always worth fostering good relations with whoever you use, be it an independent or a local garage. Last resort for me is having  to deal with front-of-house service receptionists rather than those who are actually much closer to the tools. 
Just let us know if we can help further. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

 

[ZD1981]

thanks - again super helpful re the parts. As for Kwik Fit - surely for tyres and MOT (which its always passed with minimal isues), its an acceptable option?!

But agree re getting to know the actual mechanics .

One question to get me going - how would you go about looking for Audi specialists in my local area? Is there a directory or database somewhere? Or is it a case of google searches and asking around?

thanks

Zahir 

Edited August 5 by ZD1981

[Magnet]

Thanks Zahir, 

Apologies re KF - misread you use them for servicing. 
Can now see you use independent dealers. Are we talking independent VW/ Audi specialists? 
Searching:- I would suggest you use Google, then when you have narrowed it down then start asking around for opinion. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.