We bought a new Audi A3 in October 07. Shortly afterwards, I was transferred by my company to Canada, but we kept the A3 and use it on holidays in England.

Consequently, the car has done only 8,500 (mostly motorway) miles. Last week the car wouldn't go into gear and was recovered by the breakdown firm. A worn out clutch plate was diagnosed by the local Audi dealership.

The car is just out of the three-year warranty. Audi claim it’s a wear and tear issue and want £900 to repair it. My wife and I are the only drivers; we know that we don't drive with our foot on the clutch. We've never had a problem like this with any car we've ever owned (all high mileage at the end).

Audi dealership and Audi UK refuses to budge or offer any goodwill towards the repair (despite a full Audi service history). The other relevant fact, is that the car was involved in a motorway accident in April 08 (repaired by the local Audi dealership). A spinning wheel from another car hit our A3 (front and underneath). Could this be connected? I can't believe it’s purely wear and tear.

I'd be very grateful for your advice on how to proceed.