Citroen C1 clutch gone within 12 month warranty...

FrugalWarrior

Hello,

New here. Thanks for having me.

I bought an approved used Citroen C1 '14 plate from a Citroen dealership in September last year. Came with a 12 month warranty. It's driven fine, a very nice economic little runner about whilst I try and save some money as I set up a business. However, last night I was emerging from a steep gradient and the clutch suddenly became non-responsive. I couldn't even depress the pedal.

The AA towed me to the Citroen dealer garage and I've basically been told that it's not a simple fix, they'll need to take the gearbox out and look at it - and it seems I'm not covered by the warranty on the clutch bearing, pressure plates and centre plate. Hmmm.

Seeing as I've only had the car 3-4 months and am by no means a clutch-riding maniac driver (I had a VW before, never had a problem beyond an O2 sensor failure in 8 years of ownership), am I really expected to fork out however-much-it-costs to replace (Garage lady on the phone said £1500 region inc parts/lab?) OR can morality prevail and they sort out the pup they sold me? Mileage is only 22,000 - but I've no idea how the last person to drive it drove it, of course. Has anyone been in a similar situation and can familiarise me with any consumer rights?

I'm not remotely under-the-bonnet literate, so there's no option of me having a go myself!

tykesi

FrugalWarrior wrote: »

but I've no idea how the last person to drive it drove it, of course

Exactly, and neither do Citroen/warranty provider which is why wear and tear items aren't covered. I get that it's frustrating to happen so soon after you bought it but if the previous owner was an old dear riding the clutch on her way to the shops with her three mates in with her it's feasible the clutch could wear out in just 22k miles.

Someone more knowledgeable about consumer rights might be along to let you know if there are any avenues you can follow, fingers crossed.

FrugalWarrior

Thank you! I fear I've reached the same conclusion. Had no idea buying Approved-used was such a gambling exercise! Or I've just had very bad luck.

wgl2014

£1500 sounds excessively expensive to replace the clutch.

If you do end up having to pay get some other quotes first!

gord115

Get a quote from somewhere else.
I should think you can get it done for under £500.

Just ask friends etc to recommend some good garages near you.

DoaM

Within 6 months form purchase, if a fault develops it is assumed to be inherent and it is for the seller to prove otherwise. (Consumer Rights Act 2015). As such they'd need to prove that YOU wore out the consumable items of the clutch to a degree that early failure occurred. (Previous wear would be the responsibility of the seller to determine - but of course they wouldn't have even looked when they took the vehicle as a trade-in from the previous owner).

It's not going to be an easy battle though.

FrugalWarrior

£1500 is what the service lady said on the phone, so I don't know for sure that'll be the price. Does seem quite excessive even for a dealer garage.

But if it is silly money, guess I'll just have to void the warranty and get someone to tow me to a cheaper option. I was told Aygo parts were cheap to buy and fit when I got it !

All I can say to them is I am sure I am not a bad driver - evidenced by a near spotless previous car ownership over 8 years. !!!!!!.

Hasbeen

FrugalWarrior wrote: »

Hello,

New here. Thanks for having me.

I bought an approved used Citroen C1 '14 plate from a Citroen dealership in September last year. Came with a 12 month warranty. It's driven fine, a very nice economic little runner about whilst I try and save some money as I set up a business. However, last night I was emerging from a steep gradient and the clutch suddenly became non-responsive. I couldn't even depress the pedal.

The AA towed me to the Citroen dealer garage and I've basically been told that it's not a simple fix, they'll need to take the gearbox out and look at it - and it seems I'm not covered by the warranty on the clutch bearing, pressure plates and centre plate. Hmmm.

Seeing as I've only had the car 3-4 months and am by no means a clutch-riding maniac driver (I had a VW before, never had a problem beyond an O2 sensor failure in 8 years of ownership), am I really expected to fork out however-much-it-costs to replace (Garage lady on the phone said £1500 region inc parts/lab?) OR can morality prevail and they sort out the pup they sold me? Mileage is only 22,000 - but I've no idea how the last person to drive it drove it, of course. Has anyone been in a similar situation and can familiarise me with any consumer rights?

I'm not remotely under-the-bonnet literate, so there's no option of me having a go myself!

put your details into some car spare sites euro car parts have one for £113 less 33% get local mechanic to fit.

buglawton

The Citroen C1 (and namesake Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107) had a well known weakness in it's clutch design. So while I've driven other cars up to 130,000 miles with no new clutch needed, our C1 needed one before 30,000. Symptom: Sudden failure and you could no longer engage gear, just about managed to nurse it to work, car taken for fixing by MSE recommended AutoAid.

When the clutch was replaced for about £450 it was replaced by the uprated heavier duty design, 190mm instead of 180mm. This one us supposed to last longer. The 'bite' is much further down but I'm used to that now.

See:
http://pmmonline.co.uk/technical/clutch-replacement-tips-for-the-toyota-aygo/
Where DIY how to check the free play is described because "The lack of free play in the pedal reduces the amount of clamping pressure
applied by the clutch cover, leading to premature wear"

I never did manage to find the described adjuster in mine, though.

Aylesbury_Duck

If you have to get it done at your expense, as others have said, shop around. I needed a new clutch on an Avensis. Toyota quoted £770 which they reduced to £580 because I’m a “good customer”. My independent garage replaced it for £350.

wgl2014

DoaM wrote: »

Within 6 months form purchase, if a fault develops it is assumed to be inherent and it is for the seller to prove otherwise. (Consumer Rights Act 2015). As such they'd need to prove that YOU wore out the consumable items of the clutch to a degree that early failure occurred. (Previous wear would be the responsibility of the seller to determine - but of course they wouldn't have even looked when they took the vehicle as a trade-in from the previous owner).

It's not going to be an easy battle though.

It would however be easy for the garage to show the clutch was functioning correctly when they sold the car. As a consumable part I don't think the OP's chances of getting this paid for are good.

But...... Definitely worth asking if the supplying dealer or Citroen will contribute, they can only say no!