Beware prospective Audi buyers!

In the interest of keeping big (arrogant) business accountable and warning other/prospective Audi A3 buyers through my experience:

The engine of my new 2013 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI S had to be replaced by Audi SA at 105 000kms (just out of warranty but after a struggle that lasted months as you can imagine). The cylinder bore was out of specification (I have that in writing). This really sounds like a manufacturing defect. Surely a model recall should have been effected? I hear I'm not the only one to lose an engine.

Approximately 100 000kms later, the new replacement engine is using 1.2L of oil per 1000kms. The new pistons and/or rings on the "new" engine failed. My battle with Audi through the dealer started again 8 months ago.

Audi South Africa's response? We have no liability as its the 2nd engine. No warrant on a warranty. Their attitude was that they have done me a favour in the first place by replacing the first defective engine. Can you believe that? It would appear they have accepted that their engines on this model only last 100 000kms.

To open the second engine and repair would cost me R40 000 (after my clutch replacement of an exorbitant R32 408 in March this was a significant financial burden).

I was left with no option but to allow the dealer (who was very helpful but hamstrung by Audi SA) to auction the vehicle off at R68 000 (alternatively they offered me an outright purchase of R55 000).

The "book value" is R147 200; "retail value" R167 700. The customer (me) therefore lost between R79 000 and R99 700 AFTER incurring the inconvenience of an expensive vehicle that was faulty for months on end.

I had nothing but trouble with this vehicle and Audi's attitude to my very patient attempts at resolving this was effectively "we've already given you an engine - be grateful".

As a consumer I feel like I have zero protection in this situation as initiating a legal challenge would incur further cost.

The least I can do besides getting this off my chest is to warn prospective Audi purchasers to beware. After an Audi sale, you are on your own.