I have driven manual transmission cars exclusively for over 13 years and have been driving in total for over 23 years. I am not new to the game.

I have owned my 2008 EOS for all of 33 months and have put about 39,000 miles on it during that time (a fair mix of interstate and town driving). I do not ride my clutch, nor do I stall my car out because I cannot operate the clutch correctly (it has been years since I have had this happen).

Yet, suddenly, I have a slipping issue (as in literally overnight). The dealership has indicated that they believe it is not a warranty issue (even though they have not taken out the transmission to inspect the clutch), but feel that it is likely due to user "abuse" and "normal" wear and tear.

Really? I drive the car almost exclusively, with the sole exception of my wife, who has driven only manual transmissions for over 18 years. Her vehicle (also a manual transmission) is just over 6 years old and the clutch is fine. So which one of us is abusing the clutch?

And is it "normal" for a clutch to go out after 33 months and 39,000 miles? If so, why did I pay over $35,000 for this vehicle if its clutch truly is that lousy?

I have been all but told that I need to prove I did not "abuse" the clutch for warranty to cover it. Just how does one "prove" this?

Also, I did a little research and found that "VOLKSWAGEN HAS HAD A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THE CLUTCH SINCE NOVEMBER 2007". The problem was a defective fly wheel that caused premature wear.

I plan on seeing what the dealership has to say about this tomorrow when they actually take the car apart to inspect the clutch system, and try to tell me it is my fault.

I have bought 3 VWs from this dealership in the last 5 years and have spent a total of more than $90,000. This will be the LAST VW I purchase, ever.