Cinch - our experience

[Fastpedaller]

This is the last update, as everyone is probably getting bored now. We've got the car back after having brake fluid and cabin filter changed, and they also picked up that the wheel alignment was out. So it's again been approved to go back in to have this done. I've read so many horror stories about people buying cars from dealerships who completely ignore any faults etc, so I would thoroughly recommend buying through Cinch if you want peace (piece?) of mind.

It's also worth noting that the Audi garage have tripped over themselves to try and help us out...as they're being reimbursed by Cinch and probably want us to be repeat customers once our 90 day warranty is up. Sadly we won't be booking it in there for what I assume is a very expensive rate for servicing. They don't quote their proces online so I'm guessing it's a "if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it" scenario!

If you DIY service you know it's been done. Lots of garages apparently replace oil with the correct grade of oil eg 0-40 , but the spec may not be the one the manufacturer recommends. This can be a bit of a minefield, with specs for different manufacturers that may not amount to anything eg the manufacturers name on the can, but may be important, e.g., a difference in detergent quality. I always ensure I buy the oil processed by a major manufacturer. I can understand why garages do this, as it would be difficult to keep 100L of one spec for each grade of oil, but the outcome may never be known. If they claim they've bought in 5L of the specific oil for your car, and only used 3 (but charged you for 5) you are due the other 2L for top-up
When we had a Fiat we had the Fiat Dealer do the first service (under threat of losing the warranty), and they charged for 4L of oil (the service book stated 2.6L oil and filter). When I checked the dipstick (wiped and re-inserted) it was about 1.5 inches above the max. I queried this with them and they said "that'll be alright we put 4L in every engine!". My response was "Ok, who's going to give a written statement that in the event of engine damage through oil seals blowing or similar, they'll fit a new engine?" The car went back in, and they drained a lot off, then said "If you're going by one bay we'll give the car a free wash" Not likely, thought I, they'll ruin the paintwork!