Ive moved this post from the interiors forum as it doesnt appear to be generating any replies.
OK, this is part rant, part request for opinions.
I got back off holiday a week ago after 10 days in Sardinia. My MKII Clio 172 Sport had been sat in Airparks secure long stay carpark in Luton for 10 days. After I had got the key from the main desk I went to the car, put the luggage in the boot and climbed into the drivers seat.
Much to my dissmay the rubber trim on the right hand side of the wheel looked like it had burst. The rubber was all ripped and sort of peeling off the wheel.
Now I think that this was caused by the sun, baking down on the car while I was away as I have heard there was a mini heat wave. Bear in mind that the car had sat stationary in a carpark, locked.
I booked the car in at Renault (it needed its 48k service anyway) and they are claiming it isnt a warranty issue as it hasnt broken due to a manufacturing defect. I argued if this was the case why had the otherside not split? Customer services said that they would recommend putting a sun shade in the windscreen if the car was going to be sat in the sun for a long time. Well then why did I buy a car with a heat reflective windscreen!
Anyway, to cut a long story slightly shorter, theyve charged me over £600 for a new wheel (no, they didnt think to make the rubber bit on its own).
Im still arguing with customer services because I dont think I should pay for it and wanted some feedback from other Clio owners.
Am I being unreasonable?