Need help - Clutch Blown on DB9 after 8k

Jjaden

Sooo my GF's Aston Martin has a blown clutch, after only 8000km. We took it into the dealership and they said they would have to remove the tranny to check if there was a faulty clutch or just normal wear and tear.

A week goes by and they call back today saying it was normal use, and that we're on the hook for the full cost.

Now our local mechanic called B.S., he said the tread on the rear tires proves the car has been babied, and that there is nothing normal about an Aston blowing a clutch at such low mileage, and that it must be a faulty clutch.

My reply to the dealership involved stating that she has previously owned a 2008 DB9, and traded the car in a 28,000km with no clutch issues, this car has had 1 driver, mostly highway, my gf also has a 2009 911 Turbo with 60km that hasn't needed a new clutch.

So to me there is nothing 'normal' about a clutch for this car blowing at 8000km, i've asked for pictures to be e-mailed to me, as well as a letter stating they won't cover the repair, and their claim that this clutch was blown under normal useage.

Any other suggestions? What can I do to hold the dealership accountable? She has also purchased a 2010 Range Rover from them, and is a repeat customer, I'm shocked she is being treated this way when they have so much potential business to lose...

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toxik

So your gf has a 911 Turbo, a Range Rover, and a DB9 and replacing a clutch is such a big deal? How much is an aston clutch, like $20,000?

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Jjaden

Yes she does, that doesn't mean she likes getting raped on faulty parts.

It's the fast that the clutch is 15-20k and something that she babies so she shouldn't be responsible to replace it when it was obviously not her neglect that caused the failure...

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11Thumper

How does she like to get raped? I'm only kidding!!!

My ex was quite wealthy and bought high-end cars. Well, not DB9 high-end but a brand new Lexus SC430 just for those 'summer days' as an example.

She had a couple issues with cars and we always found that the high-end dealerships treated you completely different. She went through a set of brake pads on the Lexus in 10k miles (don't ask) and they were replaced for free, just because she's a good customer. She ran over something and it ruined the wheel & tire. They gave her a new wheel (free) with the purchase of a new tire at a good price.

I'm surprised your lady is having this issue.

Jjaden

Wow, we've had a completely opposite experience. It's quite surprising since there are only 2 official Aston Dealerships in Canada so you would think they would want her to be a return customer....

Maybe since there are only 2 they figure she has no other options so they can treat her as they please...

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11Thumper

Yeah, it's very surprising. I can see a Honda dealer getting tired of Civic fanboys blowing their motors with NOS and claiming a factory defect. However, a DB9 coming in with a clutch issue? Are you sure that your lady hasn't been racing on the side for $?

Pharmacist

And he only has a $40000 Datsun.

What do you mean? Is that mileage or price? You said the clutch blew after 8000 km. Did she buy the car new? Or was it used and she just added the 8000 km to the car? And please don't tell me a clutch is $15000. Even for an aston.

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Jjaden

She bought it new, the 8000km is the mileage, all put on by her, and she drives very responsibly.

I will find out the price but with labour etc.. I think they said it's 12-16,000 for a new clutch.

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Pharmacist

Does she ride the clutch when driving or slip it excessively when shifting? How about the adjustment of the clutch. It should be adjusted such that there is about 3-4 cm of free play from the pedal before it begins to disengage the clutch. If it wasn't adjusted properly from the factory it is possible that the clutch wasn't completely engaged when the pedal is all the way up. This will lead to slippage and burning of the clutch material. DId she ever notice clutch slippage or the smell of burning material?

How on earth can a clutch cost 12-16k? That's more than the cost of a twin turbo kit and a set of coilovers for the z. Even with labor costs, there's no way a clutch will cost that much. Maybe it's gold plated or lined with precious gems or something

Well, if all else fails, you can tell her to trade in that p.o.s. aston for a 2012 nissan 370z. 44000 km on my car, including a ton of spirited drives and over a dozen track days, and the clutch is still as good as new

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Jjaden

I've never noticed her riding the clutch at all when I'm with her. This is her second Aston DB9 and her third Supercar and she's never had any clutch issues so I would guess she's pretty solid at driving standard.

One day the car was fine, the next all we could smell was clutch and the shifts where slipping and it was blown. It was very strange...

Sorry about the price, I spoke with the dealership since, and they estimate it between 8-9000$

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Jeffblue

So your girlfriend has a DB9 and a 911 turbo? count your blessings and fix the clutch

that sucks... How much is a new clutch on that car. i can't imagine it being more than 1k...

kenchan

wrong forum maybe?

Jjaden

I am not on any Aston Forums and figured maybe you guys would have enough experience fighting crappy dealers on similar issues to give me some pointers....

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kenchan

i meant in the other vehicles forum...