Audi Assist - worth it?

[A2MK]

Hello all, I have been the proud owner of a silver 2004 1.4 petrol A2 for almost exactly a year now - and having downsized from a much larger BMW I can honestly say I don't regret it for a moment. This site has been absolutely brilliant for answering all the questions I've had so far - so thanks to you all.

When I bought my A2 from Audi last year it came with a year's warranty and a year's Audi Roadside Assistance (with RAC).
It's now coming up for renewal time - and I can do so for £89 for an additional year. Do you think its worth it? Normal RAC cover would be less than this, but do you think its worth paying the extra for the so-called 'Specialist Audi technicians on hand 24 hours a day!'?

[ULP]

The 'specialist Audi Technicians' would be the RAC as it's they who come out to you. However, don't let that put you off.

I have called on the services twice

The first time when I was forced off the road by a truck and thought I needed two new nearside tyres, only when the bloke arrived to take me to my parents where I would source tyres from did it become apparent it was also most of the front left suspension that was out of kilter. I then rang Audi Assist in a panic as this would likely be an insurance issue, but the lady there kept me informed of what they would do by taking me to my parents (120 miles) then low-load my car back home (230 miles) followed by another pick-up to take my car to the Audi dealership all at no cost to me - the first journey was 'to get me to a place of safety', the second to 'get me home' and the third to 'take my car to a repairer'. I dealt with the same person who rang me when she was going off duty to advise who I should ask for who would be looking after my file in her absence, useful as I was in contact with them from 20:00 on the Friday night through to the last pick-up at 22:00 on the Sunday night.

The second time I got a flat at 7:00 am after hitting a pothole - while waiting for the RAC low-loader to arrive, Audi Assist were sorting me with a tyre fitter for the RAC bloke to take me too - when he arrived at 8:30am (being a bloke at the side of a busy road but in a lay-by I would not consider myself a priority for immediate pick-up) he took me to a tyre fitter with my choice of Pirelli P6000 in stock.

They always called me back when promised and called me back later to make sure everything was OK.

So in answer to your question, they are worth their weight in gold.

[lanejo]

I wholeheartedly agree. When I bought my first A2 from new in June 05, the gearbox self destructed in a car park. Audi Assist were brilliant and, although really RAC, I do think their service levels are higher. Recently renewed Audi Assist on both my A2s this month and although a little bit more expensive than RAC in its own name, there is something feel good about dealing with the Audi brand. Look I've come all over gushing now!

[Adrian888]

Do they offer an extended warranty with this and if so how much? In view of the potentially expensive warranty claims I have had so far ( fortunately covered with my Audi Used car warranty) I may extend mine if available.

[lanejo]

Audi do offer an extended warranty coupled with Assist - but it is pretty expensive. Cannot recall exact amount but circa £400.