Friday 31 January 2020

Will Your Audi Warranty Last Long Enough?

  • A standard Audi warranty lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • After the expiration of the factory warranty, Audi owners can extend their coverage by purchasing either a dealership vehicle protection plan or a third-party extended warranty.
  • Keep reading to learn more about the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty and the pros and cons of partnering with a third-party extended warranty provider.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Buying an Audi is a thrilling lifestyle choice and a major financial decision, not only because of the hefty upfront purchase price, but also because of the considerable long-term costs of ownership. This is why an extended Audi warranty may be important to consider.

If you want to protect yourself against unexpected costs, one of the most effective things you can do is understand what is and isn’t covered under your factory warranty. When you’re familiar with the ins and outs of your Audi warranty, you’ll be well equipped to select a comprehensive and cost-effective extended warranty provider.

To kick-start your warranty research process, we’ve put together both a detailed overview of Audi’s factory warranty and a handy guide to Audi’s extended warranty options. 

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What’s Covered Under The Audi Factory Warranty

Audi’s warranty for new cars and SUVs, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, guarantees standard bumper-to-bumper coverage for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers repairs and defective component replacements for an exhaustive list of independent parts and vehicle systems.

Other coverage that comes with a new Audi includes:

  • Audi accessories limited warranty.
  • Four years of 24/7 roadside assistance support.
  • 12 years of unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage.
  • First scheduled maintenance service at one year or 10,000 miles.

Unlike competing luxury car brands, the Audi factory warranty does not include extended term conditions for a dedicated powertrain warranty. Instead, Audi bundles comprehensive powertrain coverage into its standard bumper-to-bumper plan. 

Like most warranties, coverage under Audi’s warranty is contingent on you, the owner, taking reasonable precautions and avoiding terrain or driving circumstances that would put your vehicle at risk of preventable damage. Vehicle damage or breakdowns resulting from improper care or negligent driving will not be covered.

Will your Audi warranty last long enough?
Will your Audi warranty last long enough? Read on for more information on how you can protect your Audi.

Audi Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

Audi’s Certified Pre-owned (CPO) Limited Warranty is a transferable warranty contract for approved used Audi models. Its coverage is equivalent to the Audi New Vehicle Limited Warranty’s list of primary covered components, with the exception of a few minor powertrain components.

Your eligibility for an Audi CPO Limited Warranty will generally depend on whether your CPO Audi still has an active warranty plan as of the purchase date. If your vehicle is still covered under the Audi warranty, you will be protected under this plan for the remaining term limit. Once the factory warranty expires, you have one additional year of coverage.

Your car’s warranty coverage may include several service caveats if you own one of the following Audi models:

  • Audi R8: This vehicle can only be serviced at an Audi R8 Certified Point authorized dealer.
  • Audi Q5 Hybrid: This vehicle can only be serviced at an authorized dealer with an Audi Q5 specialist designation.
  • Audi A3 e-tron: This vehicle can only be serviced at an authorized dealer with an Audi A3 e-tron specialist designation.

Since Audi’s CPO warranty only lasts a year, we recommend you strongly consider purchasing a low-cost third-party extended warranty plan if you plan to buy a used Audi.

How To Stay Protected After Your Audi Warranty Expires

Purchasing an extended warranty is the best way to protect your Audi after its factory warranty lapses. An extended warranty, sometimes known as a vehicle service contract or vehicle protection plan, ensures your Audi is financially protected during unexpected mechanical breakdowns. Extended warranties mitigate repair costs and help preserve your financial security and overall peace of mind.

If your Audi warranty is closing in on its expiration date, it might be time to start reviewing extended warranty options. The first and most important choice to make is whether you’ll purchase your plan from an Audi dealership or from a third-party extended warranty provider. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. We’ve listed more information about the pros and cons of each warranty provider further down in this guide.

Common Audi Defects

More than most auto companies, Audi has a thorny relationship with vehicle reliability. With a reputation for luxury and high performance engineering, Audi models are typically packed with complex moving parts and premium detailing. While exhilarating to drive and stunning to admire, this precise level of design means even the most routine Audi repairs or maintenance work can very quickly turn into a hefty stack of expenses.

 

Vehicle Model Common Defect Estimated Repair Cost
Audi A4 Head gasket replacement Up to $1,974
Audi TT Clutch replacement Up to $1,924
Audi A6 Quattro Radiator block replacement Up to $937
Audi Q3 Brake rotor realignment or replacement Up to $496
Audi Q7 Intake/outtake valve gasket replacement Up to $428
Audi Q5 Suspension ball joint replacement Up To $284

Remember, this is by no means an all-inclusive list of Audi repair costs. Over a 10 year period, the average Audi owner will spend approximately $12,400 on maintenance and repairs. This is exactly why you need to purchase extended warranty coverage when your factory warranty expires. Without the protection of an extended Audi warranty, you can quickly find yourself owing thousands of dollars in repair and service bills. 

Audi Extended Warranty Options

A dealership vehicle protection plan is one choice for Audi owners looking for extended warranty coverage. Labor and component coverage under an Audi extended warranty lasts up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.

The plans have four deductible options: $250, $100, $100 disappearing, and $0. A disappearing deductible means the cost will be waived if you have your vehicle serviced at the origination dealership.

Choosing the right extended warranty plan requires careful consideration of your budget, vehicle’s reputation for reliability, and projected driving mileage. Audi offers three tiers of extended warranty coverage

  • The Platinum Plan is the most expensive and most comprehensive warranty, providing full-system exclusionary coverage for your vehicle. 
  • The mid-level Gold Plan is an adequate vehicle protection plan, with extensive component coverage for the powertrain, hybrid/electric components, climate control, fuel intake system, suspension assembly, and electrical system. 
  • The Powertrain Plan is the least comprehensive extended warranty plan offered by Audi, with component coverage confined to the engine, drivetrain, and transmission.

Audi vehicle protection plan also come with the following perks:

  • Roadside assistance: 24/7 assistance and coverage for up to $100 per claim event.
  • Towing services: Up to $100 coverage for towing to a nearby Audi dealership or authorized Audi service shop.
  • Trip interruption: Rental car reimbursement and up to $200 per day in general coverage for a maximum period of 5 days.

Audi owners may also choose to augment their extended warranty plan with one or more of the following optional warranty add-ons:

  • Lease-End Protection: $10,000 coverage package for excess wear-and-tear costs.
  • Tire and Wheel Protection: 7-year road hazard damage coverage for wheels and tires.
  • Multi-Coverage Protection: Customizable coverage package for select cosmetic flaws or performance issues.
An extended Audi warranty can help protect your vehicle for the miles ahead.
Despite the company’s well-deserved reputation for innovation and style, Audi vehicles are not immune to defects or mechanical breakdowns. An extended Audi warranty can help protect your vehicle for the miles ahead.

Why Choose a Third-Party Extended Warranty Provider? 

Having done our research, we think third-party extended warranty companies are worthy of your consideration over dealerships, offering more comprehensive, cost-effective extended warranty services.

Now, we understand if you’re skeptical. To give some credibility to this assertion, we’ve listed four key reasons why we think third-party extended warranties are superior to Audi dealership vehicle protection plans. 

1. Customized Coverage

In most cases, third-party extended warranty providers give customers significantly more control over coverage modifications. For example, CARCHEX, a top-rated third-party provider, offers five distinct extended warranty tiers. When you factor in CARCHEX’s coverage customization features, there are actually 16 different extended warranty options, each of which can be further tailored.

2. Customer Service

When you purchase an extended warranty from an Audi dealership, you just add an additional service to your initial vehicle purchase. In this scenario, there isn’t a whole lot of incentive for Audi to treat you as anything but a repeat customer.

In comparison, third-party extended warranty companies specialize in selling and maintaining auto warranty plans, thereby necessitating a more attentive caliber of customer service. In fact, according to the Better Business Bureau, both CARCHEX and autopom! currently boast A+ customer service ratings. 

3. Service Flexibility

One of the biggest downsides to Audi’s dealership extended warranties is that you’re limited to Audi authorized mechanics and service shops. This can be tremendously inconvenient if you don’t live close to an Audi dealership, often forcing you to abandon your relationships with local mechanics or trusted service shops. 

Third-party extended warranty providers do not have stringent service or repair conditions. CARCHEX approves a network of 30,000 certified service locations. If your local mechanic is not certified through this network, CARCHEX allows you to submit online requests for coverage approval exceptions and applications for new service shop certification. 

4. Plan Affordability

Third-party providers typically offer extended warranty coverage across hundreds of different vehicle brands and models. As a result, these companies are able to advertise and sell their extended warranty options to a much larger – relative to the Audi dealership warranty customer base – and more diversified market of vehicle owners. In order to remain competitive in such an expansive market, third-party providers have done two things:

  • Developed increasingly customizable warranty plans.
  • Drastically cut the cost of premiums and deductibles. 

If you’re ready to start comparing extended warranty plans, we recommend beginning the process with a free, customized quote from CARCHEX. 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Does the Audi factory warranty cover accidents?

No, Audi’s warranty does not include auto accident coverage for repairs or cosmetic damage. You can look to your auto insurance provider for that. 

What is the difference between an Audi car warranty and Audi car insurance?

“Audi car warranty” should not be used interchangeably with “Audi car insurance.” An Audi car warranty is offered through the Audi dealership and guarantees limited repair coverage for a predetermined term or mileage limit. 

“Audi car insurance” provides a different type of financial protection, covering against damage that occurs during an accident. An Audi insurance plan may also cover limited physical injury and liability expenses if you are the person responsible for causing a vehicle accident. 

Is an Audi extended warranty transferable?

Yes, but you will need to pay a $50 transfer fee.

Original article: Will Your Audi Warranty Last Long Enough?



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Acura MDX PMC Edition Arrives: Here’s How It’s Different.

  • 2020 Acrua MDX PMC Edition is hand-built in Maryville, Ohio.
  • The MDX PMC Edition has a number of special exterior treatments.
  • Production numbers for the United States are limited to just 300 units.

The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition will arrive at select dealerships as soon as this weekend. PMC is the abbreviation for Acura’s Performance Manufacturing Center based in Marysville, Ohio. The facility is famous for being the home of the NSX supercar. The MDX is the second to receive the PMC Edition treatment, joining the TLX which received the designation last year.

PMC Edition vehicles are unique in that they are assembled by hand in limited quantities. The video a little further below from Acura actually takes us inside the Performance Manufacturing Center to see how vehicles there are built.

How Is The Acura MDX PMC Edition Different?

The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition has a number of styling treatments versus the “normal” MDX. Most noticeable is the Valencia Red Pearl nano pigment paint, which Acura is fond of these days. The 2020 TLX uses these pigmentation techniques as well, which are applied to the micas and metal flakes during final assembly. Acura says this creates a “super-high transparency” look, and it’s hard to argue that.

2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition in Valencia Red Pearl with the NSX in the background.
2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition in Valencia Red Pearl with the NSX in the background. Photo: Acura.

Gloss Black Attack

The MDX PMC Edition receives a number of gloss black treatments too. The 20-inch wheels, roof panel, antenna, exterior mirrors, door handles, grille, and exhaust tips are all finished in gloss black. Other exterior treatments include:

  • Metal-finished paddle shifters.
  • Premium floormats with metal A-Spec badging.
  • Dimpled leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching.
  • Red stitched door panels, center console, headrests, and front center armrest.
  • Premium black Milano leather seats with Alcantara inserts, black piping, and red stitching.

Inside The Performance Manufacturing Center

What Engine Does The MDX PMC Edition Have?

The MDX PMC Edition is powered by Acura’s 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 with 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft. of torque. The engine, complete with direct injection, is mated to a newly-refined nine-speed automatic. An active damper system and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) are both standard.

Acura’s new version of SH-AWD increases rear-wheel torque capacity 40 percent versus the prior generation. Up to 70 percent of the available torque can be distributed to the rear wheels; and up to 100 percent of that torque can be distributed to either the right-rear or left-rear wheel. The result is better handling and traction, regardless of weather conditions.

Interior Refinements: Comfort & Tech

Astute Acura fans may notice the similarities between the popular A-Spec package and these PMC Edition touches. Drivers are treated to heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, while second-row passengers also enjoy heated seats. On longer trips, passengers can kick back in the captain’s chairs and pull down the sunshades for additional comfort.

Back in the cockpit, drivers have access to navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an ELS Studio 10-speaker stereo, and GPS-linked climate control (which sounds really slick). The AcuraWatch suite of advanced safety features is also standard.

How Much Is The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition?

The 2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition has a starting MSRP of $63,745 with destination and handling. However, if you are thinking about one, get in line as quick as you can. Acura is building just 300 of them for the U.S. market. Our neighbors to the north in Canada are only scheduled to receive 30 units.

The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany. 

2020 Acura MDX PMC Edition Gallery

Photos, Video & Source: Acura.

Original article: Acura MDX PMC Edition Arrives: Here’s How It’s Different.



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Lotus Evora GT410: Not Coming To America. But We Want It!

  • Lotus Evora GT410 billed as a more affordable and practical daily driver.
  • Standard features include heated seats, satellite navigation, and Apple CarPlay.
  • The new GT410 will compliment the GT410 Sport but won’t be available in the USA.

Lotus, maker of all things light and wonderful, has just unveiled the new Evora GT410. Ah Lotus. See, I always said if they could just get some financial stability, they could do great things. And here we are with what is very definitely a great thing: the new Lotus Evora GT410. The Hethel outfit, finally going strong after all these years, has introduced the GT410 to sells alongside the Evora GT410 Sport.

What Is The Lotus GT410?

This new Evora, according to Lotus, has improved usability, more comfort, and a whole slew of features that are now standard versus being options before. Lotus aimed to make the Evora GT410 a more usable “everyday” car, a laudable goal for fools like me who look at cars like this as daily drivers.

The GT410 comes equipped with Sparco sport seats and air conditioning. There’s also a backup camera to aid with rearward visibility (always a bugaboo with mid-engine cars). There’s also a premium infotainment system with DAB digital radio, satellite navigation, and Apple CarPlay. Cruise control, heated seats, and rear parking sensors are also part of the standard equipment list.

Increased cabin sound insulation reduces road noise and improves overall refinement as well as improving the listening experience if you’re one of those car stereophiles. Other thoughtful touches include arm rests, storage bins, and revised paint choices including historic shades from Lotus’ past.

Lotus Evora GT410
Lotus Evora GT410. Photo: Group Lotus.

Difference Between The GT410 & GT410 Sport

The 2020 Evora GT410 includes a body-colored roof, side sills, hatch, front access panel, and mirrors. Compared with the GT410 Sport, this version has revised damper rates for a more compliant ride in the real world. Tires are all-weather Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for better year-round use. The brakes feature red AP Racing calipers and there are silver or gloss-black V-spoke cast alloy wheels; 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the back.

If this all sounds a bit too cushy for you, Lotus has also tweaked the Evora GT410 Sport for 2020. It is the most driver-focused and lightweight choice already, but the upgrades include Sparco sport seats, air conditioning, and a premium infotainment system with DAB digital radio, navigation, and Apple CarPlay.

Lotus Evora GT410 interior layout.
Lotus Evora GT410 interior layout. Photo: Group Lotus.

How Much Is The Lotus GT410?

The GT410 costs £3,000 less than the GT410 Sport, or around $4,000 in American money. It’ll cost you around £82,900 total – or around $110,000 – which Lotus deems an “exceptional value” for money. Yes, that is a lot of money. Yes, that’s about what a new-ish 911 costs (and about a third of what a Ferrari does), but much to Stuttgart’s chagrin, you know the GT410 is going to out-handle 99 percent of the cars on the road.

So, everybody in the Evora family gets a little bit more for 2020. And even if a low six-figure car cannot be considered “cheap,” it can be considered a good value and livable in everyday situations. It’s just that those of us in the USA won’t be able to drive it, let alone live with it. Lotus is not making the GT410 available for the U.S. market.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz

Lotus Evora GT410 Gallery

Photos & Source: Group Lotus.

Original article: Lotus Evora GT410: Not Coming To America. But We Want It!



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No Dad Bods! 2020 Dodge Durango SRT Gets New Appearance Package

  • 2020 Dodge Durango SRT adds more customization options with new Black package.
  • A sleek Redline stripe can be added to the SRT which runs the length of the Durango.
  • The Durango is not your average SUV, with the SRT trim approaching 500 horsepower.

Sometimes, SUVs and crossovers get classified (this also happened to minivans) as the “dad bod” of vehicles. There is that sad story of a guy; the one who trades his hot convertible, boss off-road truck, sports and/or muscle car for something with three-rows and a rear-seat entertainment package. Such a visual could easily become a Bill Burr skit about how this particular guy has nothing now to really look forward to.

However, there are SUVs and crossovers, and then there is the Dodge Durango.

The Durango can haul the family, haul the mail, and it even has those rear DVD players. And for 2020, the Dodge Durango SRT comes with a new appearance package and special Redline stripe to help chisel up that body a little more. SUVs and crossovers may have their stereotypes, but the Durango tends to easily break that mold.

2020 Dodge Durango SRT: By The Numbers

Under the hood is 392 cubic-inches of spitfire and freedom pushed through a burly exhaust. The 6.4 Hemi V8 produces 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque, sending the Durango SRT to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. As certified by the National Hot Rod Association, the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT runs the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds. Away from the track, the Durango SRT hauls a maximum of 8,700 lbs. when properly equipped, plenty for a weekend outing to the lake.

To help balance all that juice, the Durango SRT comes with all-wheel drive, a special Active Damping system, stiffer front and rear springs, and Brembo brakes. The Brembo system consists of six-piston front calipers, four-piston rear, and vented rotors at all four corners. Like true performance vehicles often do, the 2020 Dodge Durango SRT has a 50/50 weight distribution.

“The numbers tell the story,” explained Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo and Head of Passenger Cars – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and Fiat, FCA – North America. “As Dodge performance enthusiasts move through the Durango lineup to the fastest, most powerful, and most capable American three-row SUV, they want their vehicle to stand out in a crowd.”

2020 Dodge Durango SRT with the Black appearance package and Redline stripe.
2020 Dodge Durango SRT with the Black appearance package and Redline stripe. Photo: FCA US LLC. 

What Is The Durango SRT Black Package?

The SRT Black package features Midnight Grey Metallic and Gloss Black exterior accents, including:

  • Gloss Black mirror caps.
  • Eclipse Black Tint exhaust tips.
  • Satin Black “D O D G E” taillamp applique.
  • Midnight Grey Metallic “SRT” grille badge.
  • Midnight Grey Metallic “SRT” liftgate badge.
  • Midnight Grey Metallic “Durango” liftgate badge.
  • Gloss Black “4” badge with Midnight Grey Metallic Rhombi.
  • Midnight Grey Metallic with Gloss Black tracer “392” badge.
  • 20-inch by 10-inch Matte Vapor wheel (Brass Monkey wheel can be optioned at no cost).

The SRT Black package retails for $1,495.

What Is The Redline Stripe?

Available on the Durango SRT, the new Redline stripe is a full-length, Satin Black center stripe with Redline Red accent tracers on each edge. The Redline stripe retails for $1,295.

The Dodge Durango SRT Black package and Redline stripe join four other available appearance options, plus five stripe options for the Durango based on trim level.

Durango appearance package options:

  • SXT: Platinum, Blacktop
  • GT: Blacktop, Brass Monkey
  • R/T: Blacktop, Brass Monkey
  • Citadel: Anodized Platinum
  • SRT: Black

Durango stripe options on GT, R/T, and SRT:

  • Bright Blue
  • Flame Red
  • Low Gloss Black
  • Redline (SRT only)
  • Sterling Silver (metallic finish)
  • Gunmetal Low Gloss (metallic finish)

The Durango SRT Black and Redline stripe are available with 10 colors: Billet Silver, DB Black, Destroyer Grey, F8 Green, Granite Crystal, Octane Red, Reactor Blue, Redline, White Knuckle, and Vice White.

There Are Other Durangos Too

Buyers can have a Durango with a more “sensible” package. Available for the 2020 Durango is the famous 5.7-liter Hemi, complete with cylinder deactivation to save fuel under light throttle demands. With 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft. of torque, the 5.7 Durango can tow 7,400 lbs. when properly equipped. By comparison, the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 generates 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque. Max towing is still a healthy 6,200 lbs. when properly equipped.

But that Durango SRT tho . . .

Availability & In Person

The Dodge Durango SRT Black with the Redline stripe will be on display at the Chicago Auto Show, beginning on February 8th. It will be available for dealer orders in March.

Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, is a past president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

Photos & Source: FCA US LLC.

Original article: No Dad Bods! 2020 Dodge Durango SRT Gets New Appearance Package



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