Ford Galaxy clutch

ProStuart

Hi,


We bought our Galaxy from new back in 2008 - my wife and I have been the sole drivers and to our knowledge our driving style has not changed. Car has done 53k miles.


In March 2015, the car broke down (couldn't get into gear) - KwikFit advised us it needed a new gearbox and a new clutch. We had that work done and all has been fine since.


However, last week (18 months later), a strong smell of burning rubber started to emanate from within the car & we noticed the clutch bite point had somehow changed so it was right at the top vs 75% of lift previously.


We took the car to KF and they confirmed that the clutch will need replacing again. They've said that the parts only have a 1 year warranty so they are charging us £600 to have it replaced.


I have tried a call to the regional manager explaining the car has only done 10k miles since having a new gearbox & clutch but they say KF have no obligations as the part is outside warranty.


When I asked who the manufacturer of the part was, they couldn't answer because they have not recorded the correct part number in their system so the only way to know it is by actually looking at the part to see the manufacturer.


If you were in my position, what would you do here? Is it worth pursuing with their head office?


Thanks for reading.


Stu

markelock

Hi Stu


I certainly wouldn't take it back to KF to get it replaced again. They're already telling you how poor they are in advance this time.

Ebe_Scrooge

ProStuart wrote: »

If you were in my position, what would you do here? Is it worth pursuing with their head office?

I wouldn't use KF again ! Actually, I wouldn't have used them in the first place. They're fine for tyres, but for anything else, avoid them like the plague.


When you initially had the problem, needing a new clutch I can believe. But a new gearbox ?!?!?!


It's definitely worth pursuing with their head office. Within the strict letter of the law, so to speak, they're correct - if their warranty is one year then so be it. And it is unusual - though by no means impossible - to go through a clutch in 18 months.


You may get no joy from head office, but it's worth a shot. Other than that, steer clear of KF and find a proper independant mechanic to help you.

ProStuart

Thanks for thoughts people.


Lessons learnt - the only reason I'm looking at them going it again is convenience. We're planning on replacing the car within the next 6 months anyway.


As a side note - other than asking around, any good sites out there to help find a reputable garage in your area?

Tothepoint.

I tried the Kwickfit complaints system once and it was as successful as you clutch. I got a lovely response to my complaint about a totally separate complaint complete with all that customers personal details. Head Office is about as good as their spanner monkeys.

Ebe_Scrooge

ProStuart wrote: »

As a side note - other than asking around, any good sites out there to help find a reputable garage in your area?

In a word, No. There is a site called the Good Garage Scheme, but the general consensus is that it's biased and not very trustworthy.


Asking friends / neighbours is definitely the best way. If your local community has a facebook page, try asking on there.

markelock

If you can find a decent local, it might also be worth asking them to keep the old parts, in case you want to investigate the issues that have presented themselves.

iolanthe07

I wouldn't trust Kwik Fit to top up my windscreen bottle, let alone mess about with a clutch and gearbox.