'Audi charged me Rs 6.22L to repair my car, then revised it to Rs 2.77L'

Who doesn't like a joy ride in an Audi? Anybody would be quite overwhelmed with this very idea. But what might sound quite bizarre is the fact that this German luxury auto giant, considered to be the epitome of engineering precision and prowess, is turning heads around in a negative manner.

Ramesh Kumar Arya, director, Arya Projects Limited had bought an Audi A4 2.O TDI bearing registration number WB 02 AE 6061 in December 2013 from Mohan Motors distributors private limited, an authorised dealer for Audi cars in Kolkata.

In December 2016, the car developed a problem after it travelled only 24,331 km in three years. The engine of the car suddenly packed up abruptly and the vehicle had to be towed away. Arya said the matter was brought to the notice of Audi India as he wanted to know the exact reason behind the mechanical snag. Audi, however, failed to provide any reply to this, he claimed.

Meanwhile, Mohan Motors sent him an estimate for repair which amounted to Rs 6,22,476.38. After the owner of the vehicle protested to this as it had done only 24,331 km, the estimated cost was brought down to Rs 2,77,998 without citing any reason.

"How can such a well-known company make such an inflated estimate and cite no reason as to why it was brought down by nearly Rs 4 lakh," Arya wondered. He added that the car was sparingly used and proper maintenance was done whenever required by the authorised dealer.

Several complaints have been received against the car manufacturer and particularly against the after sales service wing. In a recent incident, well-known industrialist Sanjay Budhia had a narrow escape when his Audi hit the divided on Maa flyover. The same vehicle had developed similar problem on NH6 a few months ago.