We have a 2009 SEAT Altea Freetrack with 49k miles and FSH. The FSH is not from the main dealer as that is 35 miles away, so it's done at a trusted independent.

The car has had a number of the typical modern VAG faults, but during the last month the haldex 4wd controller has failed. These cost approx £750 plus vat for the replacement part. That's a big bill for a recent car and Internet searches indicate these controllers are failing regularly on other VAG cars.

SEAT customer care said they are unlikely to help as the car has not been serviced at a main dealer and haldex won't sell me the part direct at a more sensible price. Have you any advice? My main concern is buying another and it giving up after 3 years.