Faulty clutch on MINI Countryman - what are our rights?
We have a MINI Countryman All4 John Cooper Works, which we bought new from a main dealership two and a half years ago. The car has now done 11,500 miles and we noticed a burning smell from the clutch, coupled with the biting point now being very high.
We do not "ride the clutch" or rest our foot on the pedal or anything. MINI has diagnosed this, but when we dropped it to the garage they suggested that the clutch was a wear and tear item. I'm 43 and have been driving since 17, so have driven card over 25 years and have never ever had to replace a clutch. My wife is 38 and has been driving for over 10 years, again never having had to replace a clutch.
Where do you think we stand with the dealership? 11,500 miles is is my opinion no mileage at all, and I'd expect a clutch to last tens of thousands of miles. Have you had any other reports of this at all?
We do not "ride the clutch" or rest our foot on the pedal or anything. MINI has diagnosed this, but when we dropped it to the garage they suggested that the clutch was a wear and tear item. I'm 43 and have been driving since 17, so have driven card over 25 years and have never ever had to replace a clutch. My wife is 38 and has been driving for over 10 years, again never having had to replace a clutch.
Where do you think we stand with the dealership? 11,500 miles is is my opinion no mileage at all, and I'd expect a clutch to last tens of thousands of miles. Have you had any other reports of this at all?
Asked on 10 October 2016 by Jonathan Davidson
Answered by
Honest John
A clutch is a wearing component that a determined driver could destroy in 15 minutes. Most manufacturers warrant them no longer than six months, though Hyundai and KIA give a two year warranty. I don't think you will win with this one unless the clutch slave cylinder has been leaking, but you might get some goodwill towards the repair.
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