Gearbox failure on a Clio

I have a 3 year 3 month old Clio sport with 38k on the clock. The gearbox struggles to go into 4th gear and the garage inform me that I need a new gearbox as the synchro is broken.

I expected the gearbox to last longer than this and have told that to Renault UK. They have told me that as a goodwill gesture they will pay £486 inc VAT to have the gearbox removed and inspected but as it is defective they will be unable to refit it. If as I expect there is a defect with the gearbox then as another goodwill gesture they will pay 50% of the £2806 cost of replacing the gearbox with a reconditioned one. Is there anything else that I can do?

I know that I'm out of warranty but surely I can expect a gearbox to last longer than that? The car is driven on the dual carriageway daily by my girlfriend and has a full dealer service history. There are quite a few incidents on the Renaultsport website of the same happening. Do I have any standing with the trading standards "last for the time you would expect and be free from any defects".

Asked on 30 May 2013 by Ben178

Answered by Honest John
That's a fair deal. You could attempt to invoke sale of goods, but I don't think you'll get very far and they you will lose the goodwill you are already benefiting from.
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