EcoAndy

Hi Peter, Thanks for this. Yes, there was a burning smell. There were no other symptoms other than the gear getting very stiff on changing and then suddenly refusing to get into gear - ie. it got stuck at neutral when changing. It only got out of neutral again and into gear when I'd let the engine cool down for a few minutes. When it first did this I then drove on for about 80 miles with no further problem. When I next used the car about a week later changing the gears got very stiff again after about 2 miles, then got stuck in neutral. I pulled over, turned the engine off, then started it up a few minutes later and was able to engage the gear. I then decied to give up and take it to the dealer (with a nice RAC man by then following me). I managed to drive ok for another 2-3 miles till I got to the garage. There was no clutch slipping. The biting point did change though, and was almost to the floor. As you can tell, I am no expert on cars, but I do know that I have never had a clutch problem before, so doubt it is my driving style (although of course I know one can fall into bad habits without realising!). I just want to be sure that the wool isn't being pulled over my eyes here. Many thanks, Andy

Ok, thanks for the advice - I may try to get an independent second opinion, but of course that will add to the cost. It did come on very suddenly, and seems to get better when it cools off a bit. One minute the gears won't budge from neutral, but after I've swtiched off the engine for a few minutes and then start it up again I can move the gear lever back into the gear again. There is also a bit of a burning smell. The garage quoted me £550 to replace the clutch. Looks like I may just have to lump it. It has rather shaken my faith in Skoda though...

Hi, my clutch has failed after two years/20,000 miles, and Skoda are refusing to repair it under the warranty. I have driven for 30 years and have never had a clutch fail on me before. I do not use the car much at all around town, and most of the mileage is long distance. Is it normal for the clutch to go so quickly, and why isn't it covered under the warranty? The problem came on suddenly when the gears went stiff and then after a few miles wouldn't move into gear when I tried to change. I stopped, it cooled down, and then I was able to drive another 80 miles without a problem. The next time I drove about a week later the same thing happened, and then I took it to the dealer who said the clutch had gone. Am I just unlucky, or is this a common problem?