** UPDATE**
I was contacted by the GM at Uptown Audi, and he…read morehas gone out of his way to resolve this situation as quickly possible. I would really like to thank Fred Marmugi and the staff at this location for listening to my concerns about this issue and addressing them. While it obviously took a little while to get resolved, Fred contacted me personally and ensured this was dealt with and completed to my satisfaction. He had no obligation to do so, and I would highlight this fact. Thank you VERY much guys
**********
Recently I took delivery of my Audi Q5, and what should have been a smooth, problem-free delivery turned into a headache.
Back in May, I visited Uptown Audi to shop for a 2018 Q5. I've had my eye on an Audi for several years and had already visited Midtown Audi and was met with indifference, and uninterested salespeople. The salesperson at Uptown was quick to answer all my questions, and went out of her way to help me and make me feel welcome. Everything from getting me water, to taking me for a test drive, to follow-up emails to check-in on me after my initial visit. After the debacle at Midtown, this was great: to feel like the dealership genuinely wanted my business.
One of the items I had asked about was the Q5 roof crossbar, which I considered purchasing for extra cargo or a bike rack. To my surprise, the salesperson told me "that's standard" with the purchase of the car, meaning no additional cost. I asked several times, in person, "so, the crossbar is standard?" and she confirmed each time. I also asked, via email, that I was receiving the crossbar, and this was confirmed via email as well.
Fantastic, right? Nope.
Fast forward to several months after signing, and it's time for delivery. I had given 3+ weeks notice (being out of town) of the day I would arrive, and lo and behold: several items are not ready. The wheel locks cannot be found, the cargo tray is not available, and the crossbar is not available. After agreeing to return the next day, I received an email the following morning (the day AFTER the delivery date) saying "sorry, but the crossbar is not standard on the 2018 model." It was suggested that when I come in for the other items that I speak with the sales manager, and maybe an exception would be made. Apparently, that was a very weak "maybe."
Arriving at the Audi dealership, I fully expected a higher level of customer service... as in: "Hey, we here at Audi made an error, we'll fix this. Here is your crossbar" instead I was asked to compromise and pay several hundred for the crossbar, and they would foot the remainder.
How is that a compromise?
I understand that a mistake was made, and these things do happen. But it was not a mistake on my part whatsoever: so why am I even dealing with this?
On Sept 11, 2017 I was contacted by my sales rep who asked when I was coming in to pick up the crossbars. This was a bit of a surprise as I hadn't anticipated hearing about these crossbars again, and was simply coming back to finally have everything installed on my vehicle (Audi Connect and Wifi).
My final experience with Uptown Audi took place on August 18, 2017 when I arrived to pickup the crossbars. Immediately I noticed that these were scuffed/dirty and obviously used (photos attached). I didn't say anything on the spot because I'm REALLY tired of dealing with this dealership, and its sales staff. I'm not sure if I'm angry or amazed at this attempt to patronize me with what Uptown Audi feels is "fair" for this entire experience.
Absolutely everything else pertaining to this vehicle has been great, but this experience has left me questioning whether to return to this dealer at the end of my lease, or even recommend to my friends/family. Extremely poor choice in customer service. +1 star because the vehicle has been great... otherwise this would be a 1 star review.