revtothelimit - motorbike forum

My oldest lad passed his driving test and wanted to get a car.

I helped him look at a few. In the £1500 to £3000 range. Most from dealers, most were shockingly bad.

We found a 2012 Fiesta petrol which seemed really decent and went for that.

He's been driving it for a few days. He says the clutch bites high compared to the driving instructor car he learned in.

We bought the car from a local independent dealer who seemed ok and well established.

If the clutch does need replacing, does anyone know if we can expect the dealer to sort it or contribute? I'm aware it is a consumable part. If however the consumable part is worn out at the time of sale, that could be relevant.

We declined additional warranties. As in my experience they are mainly worthless and just a way to convince you your statutory rights do not apply.

If the bite is higher then it's likely to be less worn than the car he learned in, not more, if it's on the floor you have to worry..It could just be a different car with a different feeling, have you not done the experienced thing and had a drive to check that it's not slipping and goes through the gears smoothly?

That sounds hopeful!

I did test drive it but I've been in an auto for the last 20+ years so any manual feels a bit weird at first.

Find a hill. Any hill, put the car in the next gear than seems correct, then floor the loud pedal while listening out for the revs.

Nobby wrote: Mon Jun 01, 2026 1:45 am Find a hill. Any hill, put the car in the next gear than seems correct, then floor the loud pedal while listening out for the revs.

If he's got the same 1.2 petrol engine as us, the loud pedal doesn't do a lot

Sorry to say, but the clutch probably wont be covered under a warranty as its wear and tear, not mechanical failure.

Taipan wrote: Mon Jun 01, 2026 1:16 pm Sorry to say, but the clutch probably wont be covered under a warranty as its wear and tear, not mechanical failure.

If you report it within 14 days (iirc) you can reasonably argue that the vehicle was sold with the problem. I had this many years ago and the garage replaced the clutch foc as you have to give them a chance to repair before you can demand a refund.

Our clutch on a Freelander went 4 times in a year.
Garage always refused to help

Eventually took them to small claims court.
We got all 4 repair bills refunded. About £2,000

His driving instructor's car is probably a newer model. I'd find another of the same age as yours and see how they compare. Failing that, I'd find a garage, describe the symptoms and ask them to make a call. Unless the clutch is faulty in some way, I doubt if you'll get much joy out of the pedal position being different to expected.

Is that a cable or hydraulic clutch? If cable, it might just need adjusted. If it’s been like that since you bought it, I’d take it back and ask them to sort it. If they’re selling cars as a “business”, the car has to be fit for purpose, and for a reasonable time. It doesn’t need an extended warranty for this to apply. If a private sale, caveat emptor.

As said, the clutch plate is a consumable part, but that doesn’t mean “already consumed at the time of purchase”. Same with brake pads.

I'll sort it out for £500 plus expenses.

Wossname wrote: Mon Jun 01, 2026 3:57 pm Is that a cable or hydraulic clutch? If cable, it might just need adjusted. If it’s been like that since you bought it, I’d take it back and ask them to sort it. If they’re selling cars as a “business”, the car has to be fit for purpose, and for a reasonable time. It doesn’t need an extended warranty for this to apply. If a private sale, caveat emptor.

As said, the clutch plate is a consumable part, but that doesn’t mean “already consumed at the time of purchase”. Same with brake pads.

It's hydraulic.

Good points, thank you.

I've suggested he test it on a hill and we'll see where we are.

You're worrying about nothing

Le_Fromage_Grande wrote: Mon Jun 01, 2026 9:25 pm You're worrying about nothing

And I don't worry about nothin', no, because worrying's a waste of my time.