Hi all,

Just bought an approve used A5. Registered in March 2021, but it is a MY2020 and looking at the boot sticker, I think 2019 built. The VIN number suggests 2020 though (10th digit is an L).

So I am a little disappointed this was not better flagged by the dealer. I don't think the salesperson knows, they just know it was registered in March 21 and have shared its ownership and service history from that point, but the myAudi app shows that it was delivered to an Audi UK dealer in H2 2020.

 

Surely that is a LONG period not to have registered the car?

Anyone have experience or thoughts about any potential concerns?

Hello Jay,

The definitive answer lies in the build record, and you should be able to obtain this from Audi Cust. services, or possibly through a dealer - both through the VIN.

Possible theory:- delayed release due to the chip crisis?? 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Let's not forget we also had a pandemic in 2020 which shut most of Europe. 

On 4/17/2024 at 9:12 AM, Magnet said:

The definitive answer lies in the build record, and you should be able to obtain this from Audi Cust. services,

That sounds like what I need.

Will Audi customer services in the UK know what the build record is, and can they access?

Would certainly expect them to have access to that information - as probably would the Parts Dept. of your local dealership - as said. I would be visiting the latter, rather than ringing, and be armed with your V5. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hi @Magnet, My car was at the dealership for a s/w update.

I asked for the build list, but all I got when they returned the car is a printout of the optional extras, which they called the vehicle spec along with the service history (not sure why).

Who, at the dealership did you ask Jay? 
Incidentally it’s not a ‘Build list’ you are after, it’s a print out of the ‘Build Record’. 
Naughty boy! - to the back of the class, for not reading the question and answer properly.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hi Gareth,

On my request I did write BUILD RECORD. The Head of business picked up and dropped of the car, but he said he was busy, so left it with the Service Mgr.

I also wrote that please ask the Parts Dept or Service team for this information.

Next to that they wrote Vehicle Specification + Digital service history. Incidentally, they printed the correct service history (but I can get that from myAudi) but I've now noted that the Spec is not for this car!!

Any good reason why you cannot make your request on a person-to-person basis with the Parts. Dept. representative via. a walk in visit? 

The franchise dealer I bought from is a chain, the car was in Scotland and they had a branch ~30 miles from me. So close enough to buy from but not close enough to pop over to.

I could ask another Audi dealer's parts dept closer to me, will investigate.

Yes. 

So the challenge of being in London is that there maybe showrooms, but a local parts window might be harder to find.

I got a report like this attached via a contact for my vehicle. Is that what would be covered by a build record, or would I get even more detail?

WAUZZZ4E35N013100.pdf

Hello Jay,

9 hours ago, icstm said:

So the challenge of being in London is that there maybe showrooms, but a local parts window might be harder to find.

I got a report like this attached via a contact for my vehicle. Is that what would be covered by a build record, or would I get even more detail?

WAUZZZ4E35N013100.pdf 136.69 kB · 2 downloads

Hello Jay,

London certainly isn’t unique in not having a Parts Dept ‘window’ at Audi dealerships - same here in the sticks - but if you pay a visit to the inevitable Reception desk, and say you want to buy, say a timing belt for your car, then a Parts person usually comes in sight. 
The example sheet you have posted, does appear to be a build record, and does give you a date of production. 
If this is the date which is important to you, then there you have it, and you should be able to get the appropriate sheet for your VIN - from your same source?? 
Perhaps you could keep us informed Jay. 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Yep that was the date I was after and yes they sent me one for my car.

Date was Nov 2019.

From the earlier discussion we (you guys) seem to think the 2021 registration date is not too unusual a gap from build to registration.

So how does VIN work, if the sticker in the car and the build record show 2019, how is the VIN showing 2020 "L"?

Sorry Jay, not understanding your last paragraph and question. 

The 10th letter of your VIN is supposed to tell you year of manufacture.

In my case the 10th letter is an L, suggesting 2020. However the Build info says 2019...

 

https://www.alldata.com/us/en/support/repair-collision/article/vin-to-year-chart

https://www.webuyanycar.com/free-car-check/what-year-is-my-car/

If the build record shows it was built in 2019 Jay, then it was built in 2019 - rather like anyone’s birth certificate. If there are any anomalies then they could be accounted for by component supply issues due to Covid. 
I think you should now take up any discontents with the selling dealer. 
Kind regards,

Gareth.