‘It’s just annoying’: Audi mechanic calls out customers who buy luxury cars but refuse to pay for one critical thing

An Audi mechanic is calling out luxury car owners who buy expensive vehicles but then refuse to pay for the maintenance needed to keep them running. The mechanic says many customers buy these high-end cars for status but aren’t ready for the costs that come with owning them.

According to Motor1.com, the mechanic, who goes by @mercsways on social media, shared his frustration about customers who decline major repairs in favor of cheap temporary fixes. He was surprised when he first started working at Audi and saw how many owners couldn’t afford proper maintenance.

“When I started working for Audi, I felt like everyone that owns an Audi has the money to just approve and do all the work to these cars,” he said in a TikTok video. “It’s just annoying because you recommend 10-plus hours of work, and the customer just immediately declines that. I’m starting to realize that a lot of these customers buy these cars because it’s not because they need it, it’s because they want it.”

Luxury car ownership comes with hidden costs many buyers ignore

The problem shows a big gap between wanting a luxury car and being willing to pay for its upkeep. Luxury car makers focus on selling the design, technology, and driving experience. But they don’t talk much about maintenance schedules, special labor costs, and long-term expenses until after the buyer takes the car home.

When the first big service bill arrives, problems start. People who stretch their budget to buy a premium car still want to save money, but repair costs are much higher than mainstream cars. Some owners have even faced unexpected engine replacement costs after simple repairs.

The mechanic’s comments started a debate about dealership labor rates. With costs ranging from $220 to over $500 per hour, many owners look for cheaper options. One owner pointed out the huge price difference: “Yea, $220 at my dealer for an oil change, or a mechanic shop that specializes with Audi’s that charges me $95 for an oil change. Where you think I’m going when my oil change isn’t covered under my warranty?!” 

Another commenter said: “It’s not that people don’t have the money to do the recommended services. It’s just a dealership faithfully gouges the customer.” Others echoed similar views, with one saying: “We look at Audis quote, laugh, and go to our Indy shop for half the price.” Another simply called dealerships “Stealership.”

The high costs come from complex engineering. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz all use performance-focused designs and complicated systems. Turbocharged engines, all-wheel-drive systems, and tight engine spaces make even simple jobs take longer, which increases labor costs. Parts cost more than mainstream cars too, but labor complexity is the main reason bills are so high.

Japanese luxury brands like Lexus and Acura usually have lower service costs than Audi. Compared to Honda or Toyota, Audi maintenance is much more expensive after the warranty ends. Many owners turn to independent European car shops after their warranty expires because they offer lower rates. Dealership experiences can sometimes lead to serious disputes over pricing and services. But when you buy a premium car, you need to be ready to pay premium prices for maintenance.