Volkswagen Golf 2006 Problems

A compact SUV will probably be better for her but I'd put the Mazda CX-5 - which gets The Tick - well ahead of the Qashqai.

We also heard from Rick Pringle of J. Pringle Automotive in Melbourne who also told us that it is a problem with the valve body, which needs to be replaced. It is common on all Aisin Warner six- speed transmissions, he says, and it can be fixed without removing the transmission from the car.

It's most likely a problem with the shift solenoid and the dealer is right in saying the only way to find whether it is electrical of mechanical is to pull it down, but it seems an extreme step to replace the whole transmission. I would take it to an independent VW specialist mechanic and get another opinion.

Yours is a hard case because the car is out of warranty, you've used a non-factory mechanic, and fitted secondhand parts. All of that stacks up against your claim for compensation, although I can understand your frustration.

Before replacing the transmission I would have returned to the dealer armed with the information from your mechanic and asked them to check it themselves to confirm that the auto is shot as you have been told. It does seem to be too soon for auto trans troubles to set in. If the dealer confirmed that the auto does need replacing you would have some ammunition to approach VW with, but without that you don't have much of a claim. I am also guessing that the car has done 120,000 km or so, which would reduce any claim you might make further. I would doubt that you would get far with VW on this.

Take it to an auto transmission specialist for an opinion and quote to rebuild it. You really shouldn’t have any trouble with a rebuilt gearbox if an experienced auto trans mechanic has done it.