Went to the dealer today to have my winter wheels installed and oil changed only to get a call that i had some leaky gaskets and that more than likely they would have to drop the tranny or engine to repair. My first question......"IS THIS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY?" response...YES.

I then show up at the dealer to pick up my loaner vehicle and am told that upon inspection that my clutch looks 75%worn and that I should replace it, at the cost of $830. The tech indicated that I will save myself around $800 in labor by doing the clutch now. Seems rational.

My question is this:

I only have 19K miles, almost all highway and I am having to replace the clutch before the summer tires which between two summers have around 13K on? Is this normal wear? I drive aggressive but no track and no clutch drop launches. Just curious.

 

I am curious what dealer you are using? Did they tell you what gaskets are leaking that require dropping the engine. Even if it is covered by warranty you should know the specifics. Some dealers are willing to use warranty work to keep the shop busy.

As to the clutch, if it is 75% worn at 19,000 miles someone doesn't know how to drive a stick. Or it may not really need replacing. However, it is cheaper to do the clutch if the engine is out of the car, although you don't have to drop the engine to do a clutch. If they are doing the IMS seal then they have already done all the work of disassembly and the only cost should be the parts for the clutch.

 

cough 'bool $h!t' cough. Just kidding. Crazy timing though.

 

i did buy the car used with 2500 miles on it. I have driven stick for 20 years so i doubt that is the issue. They ended up dropping the tranny only. the gaskets were on the valve cover and near the tranny seal. ill get specifics tomorrow. How long should the clutch last? AVG?

Dealer is Rizza in Orland Park

 

You got taken!!! Should have gotten another opinion from another mechanic.

 

+1 I would have checked with another dealer.

You may want to find out if something else caused the clutch to wear prematurely.

If it is at 25% then I would change it now, perhaps a sports clutch would be a good idea.

 

Personally - I would agree to ordering the parts for the clutch under the condition that you get to see the one coming out of your car. They can't deny this as theoretically, you are allowed to keep the old part.

If they start to back beddle, then you know they were trying to scam you.

If not, then they are doing the right thing by recommending that you get the clutch done while they are in there for seals.

 

19K miles seems way too low to have worn out your clutch to the degree the dealer is indicating. I'd have the dealer show you the problem while it's on the car. As is doesn't sound as if they have dismantled the car yet, they must have put it on the lift to determine the condition of the clutch. Pretend you're from Missouri and have 'em show you. If they can convince you they're telling you straight, $ 830 is the cheapest P Car clutch you will ever replace. Don't pass it up if you comfortable that the dealer is being straight with you. Other wise have 'em fix the leaks and take your chances on the clutch.