Nissan X-Trail Arctix expedition sports adventure, 2008 173bhp 33,000 miles, 7 months out of warranty.

Clutch burned out, big ends gone, new engine required, cost over £10,000. Nissan don't want to know have said it is normal wear and tear. The car tows a caravan twice a year for approx 300 mile round trip, all other driving is normal commuting.

I am at a loss to understand why if the big ends are gone, do I need a new engine? I am not technically minded but why the clutch would go and then the big ends, as I am sure one problem cannot cause the other. The car is maintained to a very high standard, serviced yearly at Nissan dealership. There was plenty oil in engine, the technician confirmed this.

So far have been unable to get past Nissan customer care contact centre where a girl called Laura has confirmed that it is normal wear and tear and as such Nissan will not be making any contribution to the cost of repair. It's a £20,000 car that is now lying in a garage worth nothing.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.