Vauxhall Astra needs new gearbox- only 17,000 mileage

BeenThroughItAll

daltonss wrote: »

I don't need to have mechanical car knowledge to know main car deals are over priced as it is. using common sense tells me they could be trying to over inflate the price and then say here is a 30% of parts labour or whatever discount bringing it down to the normal price

That wasn't what you were saying though. You stated, as if from a position of knowledge and authority, the following:

£3.9k for a replacement gearbox is a lot for that vehicle even for a main dealer

Notice the word I've emboldened. You made that post as a statement of fact, not an opinion. You also suggested it was a lot 'even for' a main dealer, which leads one to infer that you also know that the job can be done cheaper by an alternative provider.


That is NOT the same thing as stating an opinion based 'on common sense'.

daltonss

you haven't emboldened anything. I think the average adult with no mechanical knowledge knows main dealers are almost always more expensive then indys.

GolfBravo

ayesha265 wrote: »

The garage were busy yesterday but checked this morning and confirmed the gear fluid is extremely low. So low, that it has burnt out the gearbox so I will need a reconditioned gearbox.

Huh? Burnt out the gearbox? What was the gearbox made of, hay? And how did they diagnose that? Did they remove it to take it apart?

Have they actually tried to top up the fluid? Are they competent enough to know which particular auto transmission fluid to use, e.g.. dextron 6?

How was the car shifting gears prior to failure, smooth or hard? Slipping gears?

Any red oil leak stains in your driveway? I may be wrong, but I think such auto transmission would take 6 to 8 litres of oil, so any leaks (causing the level to drop to "extremely low") would be quite visible.

Given the very low mileage of your car I would recommend that you first investigate the oil. Transmission and engine oils, in general, have a maximum shelf life of 5-6 years from date of manufacture. The "sealed for life" transmission oil is just b/s.

And BTW, usually you check auto transmission fluid level when hot, and sometimes with engine running, but check your owners handbook.

BeenThroughItAll

daltonss wrote: »

you haven't emboldened anything.

Oh yes, you're correct. Sorry.


My point still stands.

ayesha265

Thank you everyone. Yes- I finally realise 'service vehicle soon' message is somewhat more serious than the vehicle simply needs a service! Hopefully all these issues of late will help me understand cars better, if nothing else!

Car cost me £9k. Probably more than I should have paid but assumed price tag and low mileage meant it won't give me any probs (little did I know...!). I was ok with the £3.9k main dealer quote because if it is main gearbox that needs replacing due to low fluid, then Vauxhall confirmed they will contribute (annoyingly said they cannot confirm how much till they no the problem). I thought even if they pay 50% I'll pay less than initial garage quoted.

Took car to Vauxhall yesterday and they did question how garage even checked gear fluid as apparently that's very difficult to do.

They have finally called me back to confirm I will need replacement gearbox, but no mention of fluid. I expressed if it is because of the fluid then Vauxhall confirmed they will contribute. They have asked for my reference and advised they will contact Vauxhall customer care direct to review and get back to me. I am slightly concerned that they are avoiding (or perhaps have found something different to) what the last garage has said re. fluid, as I simply can't afford £3.9k without Vauxhall support and that's the basis on which they said they would help.

He did say a couple of things that was diagnosed and caused gearbox damage, but sadly my lack of knowledge in cars means it didn't make much sense (need to have a pen and paper ready next time!).

Can I check are Vauxhall and Vauxhall dealers one and the same? So in other words, will they be backing each other on this? Quite concerned that he is speaking on behalf of me to Customer Care to agree how much (if anything) they will cover...

Inner_Zone

ayesha265 wrote: »

Can I check are Vauxhall and Vauxhall dealers one and the same? So in other words, will they be backing each other on this? Quite concerned that he is speaking on behalf of me to Customer Care to agree how much (if anything) they will cover...

No Vx dealers are independent franchises like all businesses in business to make a profit. Vx will pay them parts and labour charge. You need to get in writing from Vx what for and how much they will contribute and the same from the dealer.

ayesha265

Inner_Zone wrote: »

No Vx dealers are independent franchises like all businesses in business to make a profit. Vx will pay them parts and labour charge. You need to get in writing from Vx what for and how much they will contribute and the same from the dealer.

Excellent- many thanks.