Audi SA do NOT assist when car is “old”

Bought a brand new Audi Q5 in 2012 and serviced by Audi since then. Ran out of maintenance plan a year ago. The trouble started shortly thereafter. First the gearbox required reconditioning at a cost of R70 000, and three months later, the timing chain slipped/ broke, damaged a valve, etc. The service manual states that timing chain should be replaced at 175000 Kim’s. My car’s mileage is 148000. Audi Centurion tried to discount repairs but they order their parts from Audi SA. Costs between R40-65k. Logged a call for support with Audi SA. It was a fruitless exercise. Audi SA’ official feedback is that the car is too too old, they cannot guaranteee their engine parts and I need to speak to the dealership. Total failure in terms of its brand and slogan of “vorsprung durch technik”

What Audi SA is saying that if your car exceeds 100000 kms, you are on your own because its guaranteed support is only for 5 years or if a maintenance plan is in place. Now what happens to the hundreds of car on their pre- owned floors? An empty promise of “progress through technology” and zero support.

My experience has taught me to steer clear of Audi and worse do NOT consider an Audi as a purchase beyond a maintenance plan. Superior quality, unlike the Asian car makers, and support last only until the maintenance plan runs out.

I am truly disappointed by the brand and in particular “Vorsprung Durch Technik”. Audi SA failed the brand.