Well if the shop is certain that it's the clutch then they should offer some sort of guarantee that their diagnosis is correct. If they are a certified mechanic and have worked on cars for any lenth of time I would feel comfortable with their diagnosis. It really isnt hard to diagnose a worn out clutch. So if all the signs are there, its a no brainer. If you dont trust their diagnosis take it to another shop.

Just because some people may have had problems with their transmission, doesnt mean that you automatically have the same problem.

How many miles are on the car now? Did you buy from a dealer?

 

What would a clutch and a grinding 5th gear have to do with anything? A worn clutch would cause higher rpms and it would slip when you try to put power to the flywheel. There shouldnt be any sort of grinding from a bad clutch.

 

I merged both threads for you Elizabeth. Sounds like bad syncros or clutch is gone. Let us know whether you keep the car or return it and if you do what you got. Good luck. Glad the dealer took initiative to have the problem taken care of

 

If the clutch is worn it wont have the same clamping power. I have had worn clutches do that. Then again when I replace my clutchs I put a new syncro's in too.

 

I saw her new post at 8:00 replied, then saw two pages suddenly.


Now that Ive read all the replies, my questions I posted above are moot.
I agree with what you said.

 

If I ask about taking it back with the clutch replaced, I'd have to ask for them to guarantee it for at least a short time, that this was the problem, idk might be too much to ask since they are already helping me on it more than needed.

 

Do you think if they fixed it and it didn't grind anymore it might be worth the risk?

 

Oh, I was unclear, the entire car has been repainted. The bumper that doesn't look good just looks like it might have been scratched from rubbing against something, no dents, its the rear bumper. There isn't anything listed as accidents but I know sometimes they aren't reported either.

 

Yes ask! I dont think that is out of line to expect. It might be a short period, but it will give you the chance to really drive the car and confirm that it's been fixed.

You may think that they are helping you more than needed, but it sounds like they are trying to keep a customer happy by doing the right thing.

Here in Wa. legally once you sign the paperwork you own the vehicle, there is no buyer remorse period, but ive never had a problem with the dealership guaranteeing the vehicle free from unforseen defect for the first 30 days even when it's sold "as is no warantee".

 

I strongly suggest you get something from them after you fix it giving you at least a month to return the car if anything. If it is your synchros, it will happen again a while after you install clutch. IDK y, but I did the same thing, replaced clutch and tranny fluid and i thought it was fine since there was no issues after installation. One day, it was cold out, i let car run for 30sec before I drove and boom-happened again (like 2-3 weeks later). So be careful man, make sure you get yourself covered for at least a month.

 

My opinion? No. This car sounds like a problem. Lots of them out there for sale, my advice is to return this one and find one that's issue-free.

 

It is a very common problem at your stated mileage. Your Syncros are worn, it was a bad design and many transmissions were replaced under warranty if they had less than 60,000 miles. The new style Syncro has a double tapered cone, much better than the original. I would suggest you do a rebuild.

 

I ended up returning. I asked if they would warranty the work for a short time. The dealer said that they were already selling the car to me cheap so couldn't offer to pay for the work, and would make more money if I returned it anyways. It was up for sale for $2k more and some people were coming to look at it today. I will keep looking for a car and maybe find something less expensive, like a 350Z or sedan. I loved the car but it sounds like as it was it wasn't worth it for me to take care of.

 

I think you made a wise choice.

 

yes i would return it too