Magnet

Many thanks for an excellent review from Paul, which is far, far beyond expectation usage for normal owners - couldn’t wish for better. Thanks also to Keith for expressing his gratitude. The two don’t come together very often, so many thanks to you both. Keep us posted Keith, and happy hunting. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thank you Peter, ’So no I won’t apologise and I will use my caps any way I choose thank you’. That’s fine by me, with any dialogue you might select to embark on on anything apart from the Audi Forum. Your choice of how you behave is not down to you on here, it is directed at by the Forum, and unfortunately for you Peter, you cannot enjoy your free will on here. Since you don’t intend to adhere to the normal behaviour we require on here, I am now going to ban you from any future involvement here - indefinitely. Good luck with your future dealings. Thank you. Gareth.

Thanks Barry, Might, just might find that the belt was indeed changed contrary to what you were told. The computerised record should be the definitive statement. Kind regards, Gareth.

Possibly haven’t replaced it Barry, because Audi are paying!

Welcome Peter, What are you asking us to comment on/advise? Do you (in caps) want to keep the car or not? If yes, simply look after it until it expires - of course with the limiting factor of LHD. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Barry, Well worth doing a search on here under Timing belts and/or Cambelts. Audi have changed their change intervals. You will need to read, and form your own opinion and decision. I wouldn’t renew a water pump and refit the old belt - daft for the cost of the belt, but…. assuming it’s belt driven. Kind regards, Gareth.

Any A8 owners able to help Keith out? Many thanks, Gareth.

Thanks Dan, I wonder if you can do the forum a kindness and let us have the pros and cons of Agreed Value insurance. Many thanks and kind regards, Gareth.

Please do not shout at me Peter - not acceptable behaviour on here. I and other forum members are trying to realistically advise you. I think an apology would be in order here. Many thanks, Gareth.

Thanks Peter, your problem is not associated with finding the correct colour code wing in pristine condition, but finding a body shop who doesn’t turn out substandard work. You don’t tell us the extent of the damage - a photo would be useful. Possible ways to find better bodyshops:- Ask at your local smallish car sales sites and take note of who they use. These chaps usually work on lowish margins, and need good work at reasonable prices. Seek out regional classic car clubs covering your area, and ask for advice there. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Peter, Sorry to be pessimistic, but I think you are on extremely short odds to find a wing in the correct colour and free from surface imperfections associated with storage and transport. What is wrong with your current one, that a reputable body shop can’t correct? Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks Stefan, but please keep it clearly explained. We will take it one step at a time. Just dealing with the temperature gauge first - and nothing else. How long does it take for the gauge to reach Normal? ( 90 degrees). Once the gauge gets to that temperature, does hold at that temperature for the rest of the journey? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Chris, So it’s failed its MOT, and the subframe has to be replaced now-? How did it pass last year? Cost? Not sure but I would think it could be a full day’s work x his hourly rate. Perhaps you could come back to us. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Stefan, Simple things first - is the car getting up to 90 degrees reasonably quickly, and then holding that temperature? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Paul, Worth trying a couple of squirts of WD40 around the swivel position. Please report back on whether it has eased the situation or not. Kind regards, Gareth.

Welcome Peter, Where have you tried so far - to ensure we don’t tell you to search where you already have?

Hello Michael, I have removed your telephone number, since this is an open forum. Interested parties can contact you via. PM. Kind regards, Gareth.

Thanks David, Worth registering your ‘want’ on the on-line car breaker link sites such as Partsfinder - there are more. Kind regards, Gareth.

Where else have you tried David - to save us repeating actions already taken? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Rachael, If it were mine, I would be e-mailing Halfords CEO, seeking redress. Kind regards, Gareth.

Surely, any degree of ‘messing around’ with this 4 month old car is highly likely to run the risk of invalidating the warranty. Not my business, but if there is any element of PCP or finance involved in its purchase, it may be legally claimed that it’s not fully your property to mess around with anyway.

Hello Paul, I too just cannot understand the thinking on this, other than ‘ It’s out of warranty - tough!’ , and can well understand your dissatisfaction with the outcome, since it seems you have presented your case in text book fashion. I believe there is a definite underlying item defect within the cambelt and associated assembly, and I bet that cause could be established on strip down, but…. We certainly all share your disappointment, and please excuse me using your misfortune as advice to other owners :- DO NOT ABIDE BY VAG’s RECOMMENDATION THAT CAMBELT CHANGES ARE NOT NECESSARY ON A TIMED BASIS (previously 5 years). IF YOU DO, YOU DO,SO AT YOUR PERRIL. Sorry to ask more questions Paul, but I wonder what your intentions are for this once-valuable vehicle? Wishing you good luck with whatever you decide to do. Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Andy, Is it really a newish 2024 (as in your first post) car you intend to play around with? Profile - 2067! Kind regards, Gareth.

So was the battery only 48% charged, or 48% efficient? Just wondering who tested it for you, and whether you had a print out of the result to show the selling dealer? If not, he only has your word for it needing a new battery. As a matter of interest, what make battery did you buy, and was the new one coded to the car? Alternator output checked? Kind regards, Gareth.

Hello Nigel, It seems you have posted, and not responded to the request for further information. No doubt you have got good reason, but perhaps you would be kind enough to come back to us.