Originally posted by HenryJr
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Anyhow, VW came back and said the clutch needed replacing. I explained I mainly do highway miles and only had the first set of tyres replaced last week at 56k. They came back with tough titties the clutch is a consumable and they have seen heaps of Polo GTI's, Golf GTI's and Golf R's back in their shop for clutch replacement around the similar mileage as mine (which I think was a bull**** line).
So I then inquired on the repair costs involved and was quoted $1495 to replace the clutch and I thought that seemed reasonable. Then the guy goes oh.. and then there is the flywheel that could be damaged and could need replacing. Seems a flywheel is also classified as a consumable since its touching a consumable. So again I enquired what the cost was to replace that. Another $1495.
Now VW service would not have picked up the clutch issue had I not raised it with them. Ive tried to replicate the fault using several different methods and can't fault the clutch. Also Im seeing zero issues with the clutch in regular day to day driving either. The guy I was dealing with was no budging an inch on the matter and had his arms crossed the whole time. Went into defensive mode real quick.
Im staggered VW can say that a clutch at 57k needs replacing. Ive driven manuals all my life and have often got 120k+ out of them. I believe Ive got a hotspot/weak point on the clutch somewhere and only shows its weakness in a 1 in 100 type situation.
Are VW putting in a weaker clutch since it falls under the consumer's responsibility and therefore reduces their failure points on their Gearbox/Engines which are covered by warranty? I dont know.
My plan is now to hold out until the new 2018 comes online or if I start to see consistent problems Ill switch over to the new Holden Astra.
Anyhow, just thought Id let others know of my experience and what potential costs you may be looking at.
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