Are we getting ripped off

We recently had some trouble with the AC in our 2002 Audi A4. When we
turn the AC on, the car shakes violently (Radiator/compressor
trouble?). we took the car to the dealer who initially claimed that a
rock broke the cooling fan and upon questioning that claim, the service
guy said the entire connected parts look damaged and quoted around 1K
to fix everything. They offered to talk to our dealer with whom we
bought the car to find out if any damage went unreported.
Our car is certified and out of the original factory warranty. Can any
serious damage go unreported in a certified car?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated

"ss" wrote in message

> We recently had some trouble with the AC in our 2002 Audi A4. When we
> turn the AC on, the car shakes violently (Radiator/compressor
> trouble?). we took the car to the dealer who initially claimed that a
> rock broke the cooling fan and upon questioning that claim, the service
> guy said the entire connected parts look damaged and quoted around 1K
> to fix everything. They offered to talk to our dealer with whom we
> bought the car to find out if any damage went unreported.
> Our car is certified and out of the original factory warranty. Can any
> serious damage go unreported in a certified car?
> Any suggestions greatly appreciated
>
Any inspection, if carried out at all, would be extremely cursory in nature
and more reliant upon the general condition of the vehicle rather than
specific check points (it's very quick to tick a sheet but takes a lot
longer, costing cash to actually do a meaningful inspection). How many
punters know the difference anyway?

Sellers rely on the likelihood of there being no problems within the
warranty period in any case and if there is difficulty then obfuscation and
BS is always at hand, if they feel so inclined.

I have had cars go in for service, for which the dealer was paid very
handsomely and come out without the oil filter being changed, for instance.
Then have the power steering light come on due to low level in the
reservoir, with no leaks apparent and after pre-delivery check and two
"services". I leave to you to decide if the services/ checks were carried
out adequately if at all. I have had vehicles go for tracking adjustment and
come out without the adjusters locked, thus allowing the potential to come
out of adjustment, maybe even unscrew completely with consequent total loss
of steering control!. These are the people in whom others put their trust! I
do everything I can myself and if I can't do it, then I always check as far
as I can what has been done.

The auto trade has a thoroughly deserved shady reputation and all of the
traders need to be treated as one would a rattlesnake, until the unlikely
event you find out different.

I could bore you with many other instances of lack of care on the part of
car repair "professionals", in the main they're a load of bums!

Never, ever pay a premium price for "certified" or "warranted" vehicles.
These descriptions are designed to make the dealers money, not save it for
you.

The answer to your question is a resounding "Yes".