Why won't this Mercedes-Benz dealer repair my friend's B Class after the clutch failed?

I have an elderly friend who bought a brand new B-Class Mercedes-Benz in May. In September, after only some 3000 miles, the clutch failed and the fire service was called on the advice of the police, as smoke was coming out of the bonnet. The Mercedes-Benz dealer in North Wales is blaming him for "riding the clutch". He has been driving for over 60 years with no such problems and the dealer is refusing to release the repaired car until he pays £2500. Can you please advise what action he should take?

Asked on 15 December 2012 by RP, Dembigh

Answered by Honest John

The fact that he has been driving for 60 years makes him at least 77 and increases the likelihood of loss of feel or loss of control of limbs. He could attempt small claims via www.moneyclaim.gov.uk if he really wanted to. But he could lose.

Tags: clutch failure legal advice repairs

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