I bought a 55 plate Skoda Octavia in March 2009, 52,000 miles, with a three-month warranty. On 12th September 2009 the hydraulic pipe between the clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder failed. As I was on holiday in the South of France, this was inconvenient. The car was eventually repatriated to the UK because the French could not fix it in time for my return. My local Skoda garage found that not only had the pipe failed but also the master cylinder, slave cylinder and clutch plates needed replacing. Total bill over £1,000. I have spoken to over 40 mechanics and dealers locally and they all say that a small problem (the burst pipe) should not have caused so much other damage. The pipe was 'obviously faulty' as it should have lasted for the life of the car. I have contacted Skoda and they have offered £29 'in full and final settlement'. As I had the car less than six months and had only driven 3,000 miles, I consider that I have been the victim of a manufacturing fault that was beyond my control. My Skoda garage will not let me have the car back until I pay the £1,000+, and I am having to pay £26 per day to get to work. Can you help, please?