HELPDESK: MICHAEL McALEERanswers all your motoring queries
From Martin S: My 2005 VW Caravelle (70,000km) has just had its flywheel (and clutch kit) replaced. I have never had this problem in 40 years of motoring, often in vehicles a lot older than this, with higher mileage. My garage tells me this is a new phenomenon with “modern” cars. Is this an example of planned obsolescence? Are manufacturers cutting corn-ers? Do your readers have a similar experience?
It’s unlikely to be part of some planned obsolescence as that would damage the brand’s reputation – not something a brand like VW would risk for the sake of making a few euro on fitting a new flywheel.
There could be many reasons for the failure but the claim that failing flywheels and clutches are “a new phenomenon with modern cars” is an incredibly sweeping statement. It’s not as if, prior to this era of “modern” motoring, cars never broke down and parts lasted a lifetime.
According to a spokeswoman for Volkswagen: “We would not expect this to happen in a 2005 Caravelle. It is unfortunate that this has happened outside the manufacturer’s warranty, however, there are so many parts and components in our vehicles that sometimes we do happen upon unusual technical issues. This is definitely not due to the manufacturer cutting corners.”
While I don’t think you can simply blame it on the fact that cars are more complex, we have made some preliminary enquiries and there are no indications that flywheels are a problem for Caravelles. However, if others have suffered similar faults, please feel free to e-mail us.
From Michael D: My wife bought a new Opel Astra 1.4-litre on July 1st, 2008. The car has always had a judder during take-off/declutching in first gear and it’s very pronounced when trying to reverse up an incline; excessive revving of the engine is required. Last month the car had its first service (12,000km) and she was informed the judder is a “known problem” on the 1.4 Astra and there is no solution. Is this true, and what action do you recommend we take?
According to an Opel spokeswoman, the firm recognises the problem and is working to rectify it. Normally they could add a lead/oil mix to alleviate the problem, but this is no longer allowed under EU law.
The firm is working towards a solution and is eager to point out that it only affects a limited number of Astras from a particular build lot.
From TA: I can’t seem to sell my car privately and the trade-in valuation is a disgrace. The price, new, has fallen by nearly €10,000, so my 2007 is worth nearly the same as a new one. The dealer says there is nothing he can do – new car prices sets trade-in values. I feel hard done by. I’m considering selling at auction. Any advice?
The first thing to say is, unfortunately, the price it’s “worth” is determined by the market. I don’t think you will get a much better price through an auction.
This is usually a last resort for private buyers as the competition for sale is largely made up of models from the trade. The exception is when the car has specialist appeal. Prices then may well exceed what’s offered by a dealer.
Dealers often use auctions to convert used car stock to cash quickly. You are competing with them and they can often take a hit in order to improve cashflow – they have deeper pockets.
Selling at a car auction is straightforward. The auctioneer will advise you on when the car will go into the sale. A successful sale means you get a cheque for the car, minus the auction commission and entry price.
You will obviously be setting a reserve, but if you set it too high you may not sell and face another loss in the entry fee, of between €50 and €100.
Auctions are really for those wishing to convert a car into cash quickly, prepared to take a hit on the price. You’re unlikely to get the money you seem to expect. If you can’t get the price through a private sale, you’re unlikely to get it at auction.