Group 1 Audi Southend

I purchased an Audi Approved Used Q5 from Audi Southend in June 2026. Unfortunately, three months later I am still trying to resolve problems that began almost immediately after purchase. Shortly before I bought the car, it had failed an MOT with a nearside front CV boot defect. Within days of collection I reported a low-speed shudder/rumbling under throttle and booked the car into Audi for investigation. On 29 June the AA subsequently inspected the car and reported that the CV gaiter had previously split and been replaced, but that the joint itself was noisy and needed replacing. Audi Southend eventually replaced the driveshaft/CV joint. Unfortunately, this did not resolve the original shudder. Before that repair, Southend confirmed to me in writing that if the shudder/rumbling remained, they would continue investigating the cause and determine any further action required. I have since taken the car to Audi Hitchin. Their inspection recommended a 4WD coupling oil flush/change and basic settings. They also discovered a leaking water pump contaminating the timing belt, which thankfully has now been repaired under warranty, along with a rear washer fault. Hitchin also recorded the front brake pads as 80% worn and noted the front curved-arm bushes were starting to split. Southend have since told me their April preparation inspection recorded the front pads as only 25% worn, which is a significant discrepancy I have asked them to provide the original records for. Southend have now declined to authorise the 4WD coupling work, despite the original shudder remaining unresolved and their earlier written commitment to continue investigating it. After only around three months of ownership, I've had a driveshaft/CV joint replacement, leaking water pump/timing-belt issue, rear-washer fault, suspension and brake advisories and, most importantly, I still have the original drivetrain problem I reported shortly after buying the car. This is not the experience I expected from an Audi Approved Used vehicle. I do want to recognise Paul Southgate, who was particularly unhelpful, and ultimately went back on his word (see attached screenshots). My disappointment is with the overall experience, quality of mechanical inspections, the failure to resolve the original problem but particularly with the broken promise of Paul. I've included supporting screenshots of the MOT history, AA report, Audi Hitchin findings and relevant correspondence so people can see the documented history for themselves. Southend have refused to comment further and seemingly don't even have it in them to reply here, I must be the only one on here that they haven't replied to. Wouldn't take a free vehicle from here, liars and terrible mechanics. They should all be working in dodgy used car dealerships, not an Audi garage. I will update fully pending the outcome of my section 75 claim and case with Ombudsman, even if I lose, because fair is fair.

Very happy experience felt welcomed and cared for Amy kept me up to date though out the whole process of service and mot

Great service at this Audi dealership staff excellent would always recommend friends and family Thank you

Great experience with southend audi. Liam found me a great nearly new Q5 in the network and got it to southend for me to test drive. Entire process was really stress free and smooth and Liam was super patient showing me all the features and answering a million questions. Very happy with the car and highly recommended.

I had a fantastic experience purchasing my Audi, and I can’t thank Amedeo enough for all his help throughout the process. From the very beginning, he went above and beyond to find us a fantastic car, and he managed to do so incredibly quickly. The car was even better than we expected and came at a great price. He made the whole process feel completely stress-free and was always keeping us updated at every stage. He would go out of his way to make sure we knew what was happening, giving me a call whenever there were updates or new documents to look out for, and he was always happy to talk me through any questions or issues over the phone. What really stood out was how he made the actual collection of the car feel special. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for an Audi, and I’d definitely return to him in the future. Thank you again for making what could have been a stressful process such an enjoyable experience!

Amazing service from Jimmy! Brought my first car from audi southend. Jimmy was very helpful in sorting me out and took care of everything and i really appreciate his customer service. So happy with the car and service and a big thank you to Jimmy i definitely recommend!!!

I have recently purchased a new car from Audi Southend and I really must say that the service is next to none. Special shout out to Liam, Michelle and Parvez. The service is so personal and best I’ve had compared to other main dealers Thank you guys and I will buy from this dealership for the foreseeable.

Really excellent experience with Audi Southend. I had an issue with my e-tron GT which resulted in the car needing to be recovered to the dealership for diagnosis and repair. Sophie and Amy were both fantastic throughout the whole process. They understood that I rely on the car for work and needed as quick a turnaround as possible, and they really made an effort to accommodate this and get everything sorted promptly. Communication was excellent from start to finish — clear, transparent and proactive, with regular updates on the diagnosis, parts and repair. I always knew exactly what was happening with the car, which made a stressful situation much easier. A huge thank you to Sophie, Amy and the team for going above and beyond. Really impressed with the level of service and would happily recommend Audi Southend.

Rude, unhelpful and dismissive reception. I called with a genuine problem, something missing from my car. Was told "I doubt there is going to be anyone available for you, please hold" followed by saying that no one is available and just blew off my concerns. I've just recently started taking my car elsewhere. I don't see myself going back. I bought my last car from Bury, I think I'll go back there for the next one. If you record your calls, listen and make up your own mind. 16:32 25/09/26