Returning to Dealer for Clutch Replacement

risko

Hi all!

I recently (approx. 6 weeks ago) purchased a used car from a not-so-local garage for a good price considering the mileage (06 plate, 40k miles, £1250).

Recently, I have been noticing a sort of 'shearing' noise with the clutch so I took it to my local garage (purely out of convenience) who have told me it is the clutch release bearing and that it would be best to replace the whole clutch. As this isn't a cheap exercise, they advised that I should go back to where I purchased it from and ask them to repair it as I am still within the six month purchase period.

Before I contact them, I wanted to see what you guys thought. Considering the clutch bearing is a slow burner in terms of death, am I within my rights to claim this would have been an issue at time of sale? If so, are they obligated only to fix/replace the faulty part or is it fair to ask for a full clutch replacement?

All opinions welcome!

motorguy

risko wrote: »

Hi all!

I recently (approx. 6 weeks ago) purchased a used car from a not-so-local garage for a good price considering the mileage (06 plate, 40k miles, £1250).

Recently, I have been noticing a sort of 'shearing' noise with the clutch so I took it to my local garage (purely out of convenience) who have told me it is the clutch release bearing and that it would be best to replace the whole clutch. As this isn't a cheap exercise, they advised that I should go back to where I purchased it from and ask them to repair it as I am still within the six month purchase period.

Before I contact them, I wanted to see what you guys thought. Considering the clutch bearing is a slow burner in terms of death, am I within my rights to claim this would have been an issue at time of sale? If so, are they obligated only to fix/replace the faulty part or is it fair to ask for a full clutch replacement?

All opinions welcome!

Hmmm....

Well the "six months" period applies to faults that are deemed to have been present at the time of sale. Is it reasonable that the clutch bearing is noisy (and thus presumably worn) on a 10 year old car? Yes, it probably is reasonable.

Also, i'm not sure that a bearing being noisy constitutes

(a) a replacement bearing as its not effecting the driving of the 10 year old car and
(b) that the dealer would have to pay for the labour and replacement parts for a full clutch replacement.
(c) a clutch bearing could be noisy for the rest of the cars life and not get any worse.

And also, you said "recently" - that is to say, the noise wasnt there when you got the car, the fault (or wear) has only occured since after you purchased it.

I would certainly try the dealer, but i honestly cant see him forking out maybe £500 for fitting a whole new clutch assembly on a 10 year old car because the clutch bearing is a bit noisy.

You "might" get him to make a percentage contribution, so it would be worth asking.

risko

That's what I thought might be the case. What I think I will do is just take it back to the dealer (they are mainly mechanics anyway) and just be honest about the issue. From what I've heard, they are a good garage, and if they feel they need to cover it they can, or even if a discount is offered I'll be okay with that. I know the car wasn't exactly expensive so there'll be very little wiggle room!

Thanks for your feedback, Paul.

motorguy

risko wrote: »

That's what I thought might be the case. What I think I will do is just take it back to the dealer (they are mainly mechanics anyway) and just be honest about the issue. From what I've heard, they are a good garage, and if they feel they need to cover it they can, or even if a discount is offered I'll be okay with that. I know the car wasn't exactly expensive so there'll be very little wiggle room!

Thanks for your feedback, Paul.

I think thats what i'd be doing - sounds like you're taking a pragmatic approach too, rather than going in all guns blazing with unrealistic demands which only entrenches the situation.

Hope it goes well - let us know how you get on!

forgotmyname

They a will not replace the entire clutch for a new one, not on a £1250 car.

A new bearing at best. If the clutch plates appear about to fail at any minute then maybe even a used clutch. Expect its wear and tear and a £1250 car its to be expected.