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Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.
While an Audi factory warranty will cover you for four years, are you prepared to cover the out-of-pocket costs for your car repairs once that warranty expires? Learn why buying an extended warranty for your Audi can save you time, money, and trouble in the long run.
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What Is Covered by My Audi Factory Warranty?
A factory warranty is the coverage most manufacturers offer new car buyers. They differ, but with a New Vehicle Limited Warranty on your Audi car or SUV, you are covered for the first four years or 50,000 miles of your vehicle, whichever comes first.
New Audi warranty coverage also includes:
- Your first scheduled maintenance service at 10,000 miles or 12 months for free
- 12-year limited coverage on corrosion perforation
- 24-hour roadside assistance for four years
- Audi Accessories’ limited warranty
The Audi factory warranty is a basic warranty that only covers most parts of your vehicle, outside of regular wear and tear. However, it offers a fairly short coverage period, comparatively. Brands like Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Kia offer 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage, paired with five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection. Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Lexus, and Lincoln offer six years (or 70,000 miles) of powertrain coverage, alongside four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper protection.
What’s an Audi Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty?
Audi’s Certified Pre-owned Limited Warranty is a similar protection plan to the new car factory warranty, but with more complex timing. If you buy the car while it’s still covered under the factory warranty, you get the remainder of that coverage. Once that expires, the Audi certified pre-owned (CPO) warranty lasts for five years and unlimited miles from the vehicle’s original in-service date. But if you buy a pre-owned Audi that’s no longer covered by the factory warranty, the CPO limited warranty covers you for one year and unlimited miles.
The good news is that the CPO limited warranty is transferable, so if you buy a used car from anyone who’s not the manufacturer, you can still benefit from the first owner’s protection plan with Audi.
Whether you have a CPO or new Audi, once the manufacturer warranty is up, you may want to look into an extended car warranty. This is a distinct plan from the factory warranty or CPO warranty, and may cover different components or changed terms and conditions.
Alternatively: consider getting an extended warranty plan for your Audi through a third-party provider. Get a free quote today by calling CARCHEX at 866-261-3457 or fill out the online form.
Do I Need Extended Coverage for My Audi?
Just a few years ago, Audi was called a “once sinkhole of service costs” by Consumer Reports. Their cars were breaking down, and owners without Audi extended warranties were on the hook for expensive trips to the repair shop. More recently, Audi ranked sixth out of 33 brands in a similar 2020 study by Consumer Reports. In 2019, Audi ranked two positions higher. Despite the brand’s improvements, even the best cars experience issues and breakdowns. See some of the most common Audi repairs below.
| Oil leaks | Audi engines are known to leak from valve covers, causing a fire hazard and risk for the engine. Most commonly reported at 64,350 miles, this problem may cost between $256 and $383 to repair on an Audi A4, according to RepairPal. If you have to replace the engine, it could run you thousands of dollars. |
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| Faulty turn signals | With older Audis, the hazard switch can malfunction, causing the turn signals to stay on or stop working. RepairPal data notes that this issue is most commonly reported in the Audi A4 Quattro, especially models released between 1997 and 2006. |
| Exhaust leaks | Most Audi models have a flexible joint in the exhaust that is prone to wear and tear over time, ultimately leading to leaks. If you need a new catalytic converter to rectify this issue, RepairPal says to expect to pay between $1,542 and $3,042 for it. Bad news for Audi A4 owners: this is another widely reported issue, especially for model years between 1997–2006, as well as 2010 and 2012. |
| Engine failure | According to CarComplaints.com, this $6,500 repair most often occurs at the 66,350-mile mark, and has been reported in 2002 Audi A4s. |
| Bad piston | If this happens to your car at the most commonly reported 48,300 miles, the $8,500 replacement may be covered by your factory warranty. It’s most commonly reported for the 2012 Audi A4. |
Even though the Audi brand has fluctuated in their reliability, the factory warranty has stayed the same, leaving Audi owners with the burden of paying for expensive repair costs. Depending on the type of Audi you have, you may be especially vulnerable to trouble. The Audi A4 2011 model, for example, was rated as the worst for low-mileage issues by CarComplaints.com. It’s not promising to see engine-related issues at 62,000 miles—just after the factory warranty expires and below the 100,000 mile point.
When these repairs are necessary, the cost to fix a luxury car like Audi will be higher than most. You don’t want to be strapped with outrageous bills once your factory warranty term ends. An Audi extended warranty will offset the cost.
Cost of Audi Repairs
When it comes to extending the life of your vehicle, it’s essential that you fix any necessary repairs in a timely manner. When problems pop up, will you be able to cover the cost of repairs if your Audi factory warranty has expired?
HERE ARE SOME PROBLEMS COMMONLY REPORTED BY AUDI DRIVERS:
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Data provided by RepairPal.com
By purchasing an extended warranty through a third-party company, such as CARCHEX, you can save money on these repairs and get the affordable coverage you need, long after your Audi factory warranty expires.
Why Should I Get an Extended Warranty Through CARCHEX?
Audi powertrain and bumper-to-bumper standard warranties only last for four years or 50,000 miles. Compare that to the five to 10 years of coverage available from CARCHEX. Our team can help you find the right extended warranty plan for your Audi car or SUV and can save you money when an unexpected repair is necessary.
Buying a CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plan can ensure that your Audi vehicle is covered beyond the life of your factory Audi warranty. Below is a look at the five levels of protection we offer—Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze—with many plans available within each level.
What Is Covered Under a CARCHEX Protection Plan?
When you choose an extended warranty from CARCHEX, you can be sure that you’re getting the right coverage for your Audi vehicle and the best deal on an extended warranty.
Our most basic warranty will cover engine, transmission, and drive axle components, while our highest vehicle protection plan will provide bumper-to-bumper coverage of your vehicle, from your engine and transmission to your braking, steering, and heating and cooling components.
In addition to comprehensive vehicle coverage, CARCHEX also provides:
- Low monthly payments with no money down
- Plans that can be customized to your budget and driving habits
- Terms and time frames that suit your needs
- Hybrid component coverage
- Easy-to-understand contracts
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- A 99.9% customer satisfaction rating
Benefits of a CARCHEX Extended Warranty Plan
When you buy an extended warranty from CARCHEX, you can expect to see a variety of benefits. Our goal is to provide you with the best customer experience possible and get an extended warranty for your Audi factory vehicle at an affordable price.
Some industry-leading benefits offered by CARCHEX include:
- Affordable Payment Plans—Spending $3,000 to fix your transmission is never as manageable as an affordable payment plan with CARCHEX.
- Claims Paid Directly to Repair Shop—There is no need to wait for reimbursement when you make a claim. We pay the auto shop directly, so it’s fast and convenient for you.
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee—If you are unhappy with your service, you can contact us within 30 days and get your money back.
- Coverage All Over the United States—We work with more than 30,000 licensed repair shops, so you’ll be covered for repairs almost anywhere across the U.S.
- No-Haggle Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™— We put customer experience above all, which means giving our customers the lowest price every day without having to negotiate to get it.
- Trusted Industry Partnerships and Endorsements—Don’t just take our word for it: top brands like SiriusXM, CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and more trust and recommend CARCHEX.
Call Us for Your Free Extended Warranty Quote Today
CARCHEX has been an industry leader for over 20 years, and our consistent, exceptional customer service has earned us an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Our team will work to find the best extended protection plan for your Audi vehicle at a price you can afford. Get a free extended warranty quote today by calling CARCHEX at 866-261-3457.
How Does Audi’s Extended Warranty Compare?
When you buy your new Audi, it’s highly likely the dealer will try to sell you an extended warranty on the spot. Audi’s version of extended warranties is called Vehicle Service Protection (VSP). While CARCHEX offers a total of 21 contract options, Audi has three coverage levels:
- Platinum: Bumper-to-bumper coverage
- Gold: Powertrain plus coverage
- Powertrain: Basic powertrain coverage (includes hybrid/electric vehicles)
Other important Audi extended warranty features to note:
- The longest coverage available is 10 years or 120,000 miles (eight years or 120,000 miles for CPO vehicles).
- Deductibles can be as high as $250 per visit, but there are some $0 options. Just keep in mind your monthly payment will be higher with a lower deductible.
- Like most extended warranties, perks like roadside assistance and towing, rental car, and trip interruption services are included.
The biggest difference between an Audi extended warranty and a plan from CARCHEX is flexibility for repair parts and mechanics. Audi limits you to using their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and approved repair facilities, namely the dealership. This can be a real inconvenience if there isn’t an Audi dealership in your area.
Also, you’re stuck with their prices instead of being able to shop around and get quotes from different repair facilities. With CARCHEX, you have access to over 30,000 certified repair shops, including national chains, local mechanics, and dealerships.
Lastly, it’s possible you may only be eligible to purchase an extended Audi warranty while your limited warranty is still active. The good thing about CARCHEX is you can purchase our coverage anytime, whether your Audi is under warranty, you’re the second owner, or the vehicle is certified pre-owned.
CARCHEX auto insurance and warranty experts can provide a customized quote based on your Audi’s year, model, mileage, and other factors. If you have questions about how our coverage compares to Audi, the easiest thing to do is call our representatives, get answers, and receive your free quote.
Sources:
Audi: https://www.audiusa.com/myaudi/warranty
Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com/auto-warranty/warranty-and-roadside-assistance-coverage.html
Consumer Reports: www.consumerreports.org/cars/highlights-consumer-reports-2015-annual-auto-reliability-survey/
Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles/
CarComplaints.com: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Audi/A4/2011/engine/excessive_oil_usage.shtml
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/a4/valve-cover-gasket-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/flasher-relay-failure-can-cause-erratic-turn-signal-operation-950#
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/a4/catalytic-converter-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Audi/A4/2002/engine/engine_failure.shtml
CarComplaints.com: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Audi/A4/2012/engine/bad_piston.shtml
Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/car-brands-reliability-how-they-stack-up/
CarComplaints.com: https://www.carcomplaints.com/Audi/A4/
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/a4/head-gasket-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/q5/lower-ball-joint-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/q7/valve-cover-gasket-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/tt/clutch-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/a6+quattro/radiator-replacement-cost
RepairPal: https://repairpal.com/estimator/audi/q3/brake-rotor-replacement-cost
BBB: http://www.bbb.org/greater-maryland/business-reviews/extended-warranty-contract-service-companies/carchex-in-hunt-valley-md-23015869
Audi: https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/audiusa/myAudi/Finance/VSP-Term-Protection-CPO-Brochure.pdf