Is Drive1 worth it for an Audi A6 1.9 TDI

[Luffytaro]

I have recently purchased an Audi a6 1.9 TDI 1999. There seems to be a problem with the AC compressor and also I need to get the car serviced. Pls recommend me a good place for this, thank you. 

1) Drive one?

2) Senok?

3) Vishwa Motors?

Lemme know the pros and cons of the above mentioned, and what do y'all prefer.  Thanks again ❤

[fiat fan]

Congrats on the purchase.

Don't stick to one place. All 3 places are kind of expensive. So compare prices(for each individual repair done) before committing.

People say Vishwa Motors are not that good anymore. 

Drive one is overpriced and overhyped. They push out that elite attitude. Also they don't work on cars that haven't been agent imported(might have changed now)

Does Senok even deal with Audi’s anymore?

We service our 2017 A6 at Drive one due to it being under warranty. Plus the other basses cant work on the 3.0 engine it has.

The members I tagged also drive Audi. They may be able to help you further.

Good Luck!

@ramishkad @dantoddd @Quiet

[kadsa98]

Sunway Automotive is pretty good in my opinion

[Luffytaro]

7 hours ago, fiat fan said:

Congrats on the purchase.

Don't stick to one place. All 3 places are kind of expensive. So compare prices(for each individual repair done) before committing.

People say Vishwa Motors are not that good anymore. 

Drive one is overpriced and overhyped. They push out that elite attitude. Also they don't work on cars that haven't been agent imported(might have changed now)

Does Senok even deal with Audi’s anymore?

We service our 2017 A6 at Drive one due to it being under warranty. Plus the other basses cant work on the 3.0 engine it has.

The members I tagged also drive Audi. They may be able to help you further.

Good Luck!

@ramishkad @dantoddd @Quiet

Thank you so much for your kind words and quick feedback, Fiat Fan. Really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience and thoughts. Msg well noted. 

Yup, I have read some very bad reviews about Vishwa Motors too and decided not to go there unless if it is really required. One member who asked us not to go to Vishwa Motors (with reasons) provided another genuine contact with reasonable charges, his name is Mr.Lalana @ Mt Lavania. Unfortunately for me he has now opened his workshop in Kurunegale. Tough luck. 

I contacted Drive1 yesterday, after giving my car details, after checking with the system they said "yes" all services and repairs can be done for the car. My only concern is the cost. I'm aware that they use genuine parts, therefore obviously it should be expensive, but is it well overpriced when you compare with other places with the same genuine parts?

I've heard the name Senok, but haven't called and checked yet. How's D*MO Bosch?  Thanks

[Luffytaro]

3 hours ago, kadsa98 said:

Sunway Automotive is pretty good in my opinion

Thank you for your feedback. This is in Battarramula right? 

[YoungGrasshopper]

Not sure if they can handle your car, but for what it's worth, why not check with Ideal Choice? I think they're at Union Place

[Quiet]

I have taken my Audi to D*MO Bosch/Vishwa and then to Drive 1 for various requirements and decided to stick with Drive one

 

I would not recommend Bosch - Shitty service

Vishwa is okish. Mind you i have done some minor repairs with them for rat attacks. Observing their work it seems they have lost focus on quality.

Drive one - I did vehicle service plus some minor repairs (Sunroof and few other stuff). They did a good job plus cost was not that inflated i thought.

lalana is also ex Vishwa motors i think but not sure.

[peugeot407]

Lalana was a founding member Vishwa motors and he was trained at Carmart. For your requirements Sunway automotive will be a good option. 

[Luffytaro]

On 9/9/2020 at 11:18 AM, YoungGrasshopper said:

Not sure if they can handle your car, but for what it's worth, why not check with Ideal Choice? I think they're at Union Place

Noted with thanks ?

[Luffytaro]

2 hours ago, Quiet said:

I have taken my Audi to D*MO Bosch/Vishwa and then to Drive 1 for various requirements and decided to stick with Drive one

 

I would not recommend Bosch - Shitty service

Vishwa is okish. Mind you i have done some minor repairs with them for rat attacks. Observing their work it seems they have lost focus on quality.

Drive one - I did vehicle service plus some minor repairs (Sunroof and few other stuff). They did a good job plus cost was not that inflated i thought.

lalana is also ex Vishwa motors i think but not sure.

Thanks for the feedback, Quiet. Msg well noted. Since I read very bad reviews on Vishwa Motors,  I thought maybe I'll try out Bosch, but now after reading your feedback, I've changed my mind. 

I called Sunway Motors after member "Kadsa98" recommended it, they said it can be done and it'll cost about maximum 15k for service, with filters changed. I've also read lots of positive reviews about the services of European cars and also Members "Peugeot407" also recommends it, so I'm more inclined to try this out (Sunway Motors)

Yes like "Peagout407" said, Lalana is Ex Vishwa Motors. 

@Quiet if you dont mind, may i know how much it cost you for the sunroof repair?  The solar panel in my car is functioning,  but sometimes the sunroof doesn't respond well. I went to drive one today for the Ac compressor, unfortunately they do not have parts for this vehicle as it is old, they stopped manufacturing parts. Tough luck.  And also job wise, once they give a quotation for a certain job, we'll have to pay 10% of the quoted amount, if we are not going to do the job. (The only reason we might not do any job is because it is too expensive for us, in other words, not within our budget) I inquired about the service too, he said it'll cost about 50K with filters changed. Is this okay? They use Castrol Oil. Sunway Motors quoted 15k with filters changed and they use a Mobile Dev Oil, it's cheaper. Do you have any idea what is the difference between these two services?  And what is recommended for my car. Btw if mine was a brand new car, whatever the manufacturered year, it won't matter cause I would prefer the Drive1, I dont mind spending a bit more. Since this is my first car and also an old car, used by 2 owners before me, I'm in a dilemma right now. 

[ajm]

22 hours ago, Luffytaro said:

I went to drive one today for the Ac compressor, unfortunately they do not have parts for this vehicle as it is old, they stopped manufacturing parts.

Thats BS. Parts are available and even probably being manufactured by Audi, since these cars are still running all over the world. Try panchikawatta (Darshana enteprise, Golf motors  and other..). In worst case, it can be replaced by a Japanese vehicle part, with minor modifications. These cars are still somewhat less complicated with older technology.

Edited September 11, 2020 by ajm

[kush]

Sourcing parts outside agents could be tricky due to import restrictions. Other wise there are ample supply for a car like yours online (ebay) etc.

If you do bit of research on line for epc data for your vehicle you should be able to find required parts (genuine/use/specialist). Getting stuff down due to shipping issues and cost could be an issue.

Maintaining at the agent with their part prices could be a costly affair.

[Quiet]

22 hours ago, Luffytaro said:

Thanks for the feedback, Quiet. Msg well noted. Since I read very bad reviews on Vishwa Motors,  I thought maybe I'll try out Bosch, but now after reading your feedback, I've changed my mind. 

I called Sunway Motors after member "Kadsa98" recommended it, they said it can be done and it'll cost about maximum 15k for service, with filters changed. I've also read lots of positive reviews about the services of European cars and also Members "Peugeot407" also recommends it, so I'm more inclined to try this out (Sunway Motors)

Yes like "Peagout407" said, Lalana is Ex Vishwa Motors. 

@Quiet if you dont mind, may i know how much it cost you for the sunroof repair?  The solar panel in my car is functioning,  but sometimes the sunroof doesn't respond well. I went to drive one today for the Ac compressor, unfortunately they do not have parts for this vehicle as it is old, they stopped manufacturing parts. Tough luck.  And also job wise, once they give a quotation for a certain job, we'll have to pay 10% of the quoted amount, if we are not going to do the job. (The only reason we might not do any job is because it is too expensive for us, in other words, not within our budget) I inquired about the service too, he said it'll cost about 50K with filters changed. Is this okay? They use Castrol Oil. Sunway Motors quoted 15k with filters changed and they use a Mobile Dev Oil, it's cheaper. Do you have any idea what is the difference between these two services?  And what is recommended for my car. Btw if mine was a brand new car, whatever the manufacturered year, it won't matter cause I would prefer the Drive1, I dont mind spending a bit more. Since this is my first car and also an old car, used by 2 owners before me, I'm in a dilemma right now. 

I think You should try the other joint recommended by the members. Not worth spending 50K which is what they charge for the initial service. Subsequent services will cost you far less. My sunroof repair and assemble cost me somewhere around 4K

[peugeot407]

For your car, you have to use an oil with VW 505 000 standard, which will be a high end fully synthetic. Castrol  EDGE 5W-30 meets this requirement. Else, liquid moly 5W-40 Molygen was previously available in the market but from what I heard agents (Semini Mortos) has an issue with their imports license.

In my opinion, rather than going for an expensive oil first check with your service records and what type of oils previous owners have used on it. If the engine is in good condition, I would highly recommend you to stick to manufactures requirements. Because in the long run, it will be economical for you. Further, you do not have to stick for 7500km service interval if you are using the vehicle in moderate traffic conditions. With correct oil and filters + super diesel you can exdend the interval for 15000kms. 

[Luffytaro]

On 9/10/2020 at 7:31 PM, ajm said:

Thats BS. Parts are available and even probably being manufactured by Audi, since these cars are still running all over the world. Try panchikawatta (Darshana enteprise, Golf motors  and other..). In worst case, it can be replaced by a Japanese vehicle part, with minor modifications. These cars are still somewhat less complicated with older technology.

Msg noted with thanks ?

[Luffytaro]

On 9/11/2020 at 7:31 AM, kush said:

Sourcing parts outside agents could be tricky due to import restrictions. Other wise there are ample supply for a car like yours online (ebay) etc.

If you do bit of research on line for epc data for your vehicle you should be able to find required parts (genuine/use/specialist). Getting stuff down due to shipping issues and cost could be an issue.

Maintaining at the agent with their part prices could be a costly affair.

True. I got relatives and friends abroad (UK and Dubai) and they are looking for the spares I urgently need.  The quoted msg below was sent by a relative of mine from UK. 

"AC compressor £ 278 Brand new (Hella German)
Freight by Air     £    50 ( 10 days
‐‐-----------------------------------
Freight by sea    £   25 ( 30 days
 ===============//======="

It's about 77k SL Rupees.

I inquired here in SL, they give the brand new Japanese made one for 75k. Reconditioned is about 40k to 45k (Jap). 

I called Vishwa Motors just to inquire about the the AC compressor, they said Brand new Ac compressor is 52k with one year warranty,  but it's Taiwan made. What do y'all think about this? @kush @Quiet @peugeot407  pls shed some light on this guys, it'll be really helpful. And if y'all know any specialist for AirCon repairs who has knowledge  about EU vehicles,  pls let me know. Thank you very much.  

[Luffytaro]

7 hours ago, peugeot407 said:

In my opinion, rather than going for an expensive oil first check with your service records and what type of oils previous owners have used on it. If the engine is in good condition, I would highly recommend you to stick to manufactures requirements.

I'm sorry, a bit confused here. I should stick with Manufacturers requirements or stick with previous owners service record oil type? 

[Luffytaro]

7 hours ago, peugeot407 said:

Further, you do not have to stick for 7500km service interval if you are using the vehicle in moderate traffic conditions. With correct oil and filters + super diesel you can exdend the interval for 15000kms. 

True, but 15000km milage is too much tbh from my point of view even with low traffic + super diesel and correct oil. I'd say 8k to 10k or once a year, whatever comes first would be the safest option, that is if we use the recommended oil by car manufacturers. 

 

[Luffytaro]

8 hours ago, peugeot407 said:

For your car, you have to use an oil with VW 505 000 standard, which will be a high end fully synthetic. Castrol  EDGE 5W-30 meets this requirement. Else, liquid moly 5W-40 Molygen was previously available in the market but from what I heard agents (Semini Mortos) has an issue with their imports license.

Thank you for the info, really appreciated. 

My previous owners have been using Mobil delvac mx 15w-40 for years. But the manufacturer recommends Castrol edge professional. I thought of changing it to Castrol Edge professional 5W-40, it's 3x more expensive than the Mobil delvac mx 15w-40. Plus the service period can be extended too. 

For example,  using the Mobil Delvac mx 15w-40, I'd service my car in the range of 5000-6000kms, but by using Castrol edge professional 5W-40, I can go up to 8000-9500kms. It's a family car and we won't be driving during peak traffic hours of the day, unless if it is neccessary. Let me know if I'm wrong about this pls, cause I'm not experienced, just being analytical here. Thank you ?

[Luffytaro]

On 9/11/2020 at 2:06 PM, Quiet said:

I think You should try the other joint recommended by the members. Not worth spending 50K which is what they charge for the initial service. Subsequent services will cost you far less. My sunroof repair and assemble cost me somewhere around 4K

Noted with thanks. 4k seems very reasonable, I'll get this fixed in the future maybe as I got the sunroof disabled today, permanently closed for the time being as it is really not needed for me and very risky too in our country with kids. But the solar panel is functioning well and I'm happy ?.  Btw the lady in drive 1 called me, inquiring about my visit to drive 1 and how did it go, I explained to her what happened and she said that the initial charge of 50k for service is for unregistered cars it seems and my car has been already registered,  so she said the service would cost less, like 25k to 35k, she said she'll get back to me on Monday.  I'm still inclined to go to Sunway Motors and get the service done, but what if drive one is like only 5k more? Cause if I'm using Castrol Edge professional 5W-40 at sunway Motors, the whole service will maximum cost about 23k. 

[ajm]

47 minutes ago, Luffytaro said:

AC compressor £ 278 Brand new (Hella German)
Freight by Air     £    50 ( 10 days
‐‐-----------------------------------
Freight by sea    £   25 ( 30 days
 ===============//======="

It's about 77k SL Rupees.

I inquired here in SL, they give the brand new Japanese made one for 75k. Reconditioned is about 40k to 45k (Jap). 

If i were to keep the  car for a while, would stick to Hella german in best case. AC will work like brand new and no worries later. Japanese /Denso is also ok but the lifetime and performance would be a bit less.

[Luffytaro]

2 minutes ago, ajm said:

If i were to keep the  car for a while, would stick to Hella german in best case. AC will work like brand new and no worries later. Japanese /Denso is also ok but the lifetime and performance would be a bit less.

Well, tbh I'm hoping to keep the car for a long time. But what if something happens to the compressor due to negligence or incompetence? We won't be having a warranty for sure cause they'll just pass the ball back and forth. Is it really worth spending more than 1lak for the new one (including condenser and labour charge) or get a Japanese one and spend half that amount?  ?  if we decide to get the German compressor,  do you know any Ac specialist to install it properly?  If yes, pls let me know. 

[ajm]

The compressor will go bad if you use with low gas pressure, regardless of brand. My compressor went bad 1week after I had to drive a few hundred meters on a road flooded about 1foot. I think that was the price for removing the underbody cover due to noise on the highway.

[Luffytaro]

6 minutes ago, ajm said:

The compressor will go bad if you use with low gas pressure, regardless of brand. My compressor went bad 1week after I had to drive a few hundred meters on a road flooded about 1foot. I think that was the price for removing the underbody cover due to noise on the highway.

Msg noted. What about this Taiwan made brand new compressor? Is it good. 

[ajm]

I doubt if they will survive even one year.  You will waste labor and gas refill cost. You are talking about the nobrand ones, right? In that case I would get the used original.