Friend bought a 2014 Fabia TDI 105 bhp manual about 5 months ago from a main Skoda dealer with 9k miles. Now @ 12k miles and had a total clutch failure.

Dealer says not warranty, it is fair wear and tear so will have to pay for it to be replaced.

Sounds like the first owner rode the clutch or possibly abused it, but as a fully used approved you would expect more than a couple thousand miles out of a clutch?

Clutches do seem to be a bit of a VAG weakness, in my humble opinion... That said, I think the dealer SHOULD replace the item as you only had the vehicle a short time, covering a quite low mileage. I believe it is now the onus of the seller to prove there was not a fault with the vehicle and I recon you are correct in saying the wear was done by the previous owner, not yourself, therefor making the clutch not fit for purpose. Mr Clutch have recently quoted me £320 approx, for a new clutch and I think main dealers charge £600 so if you need to pay, I know who will be getting my bucks! This is, unless the dealer is replacing the flywheel too but at that mileage, I doubt it. Diesels are a little tougher on clutches then their petrol counterparts too but you should expect 60,000 miles from the factory to replacement unless you are a clutch slipper! Most aftersales fitters offer a two year 24,00 mile warranty but you should easily double, even treble that, too.

 

One question.... Was it a main dealer you purchased from? If so, insist they replace it and make BIG noises about complaining to Skoda U.K. and ask for the main head office etc. He who shouts the loudest, gets the most!