I've been getting a kind of honking sound when I change down gears (usually from 3rd to 2nd). My local garage says it sounds like a dual mass flywheel problem, which costs over £1,000 to replace.

I drive a 2006 Mondeo Estate with 110,000 miles on the clock and don't really want to spend that kind of money. If I just carry on and just put up with the (as yet) occasional 'honking' sound, is it likely to do more damage to the car?

Is there a chance it won't get any worse and I can continue for another year or so until I can afford to replace the car?