toyota corolla gearbox issues

[srsg38]

Hi,
I bought a toyota corolla 8 months back from a toyata dealer with 1 year warranty. It is 1.6 liter petrol 2002 model hatchback.
Few days back I had a breakdown and RAC suggested it was a gearbox issue. While driving I can hear friction noises.
toyota garage are saying they need to open the gearbox to identify the problem and that would cost 1000 GBP. if the problem is covered under the standard warranty then they will pay for that otherwise I will have to pay for that.

The car has done 55000 miles and has been regularly serviced at Toyota garage.

Can you help me as what problems can there be and if there are any issues which they will not cover under warranty.

Also are they right in asking me to pay to diagnose the problem? can the issues be just wear and tear of gearbox, is it normal for the gearbox to go after 55K miles.

[r.s.logan]

Hi,
I bought a toyota corolla 8 months back from a toyata dealer with 1 year warranty. It is 1.6 liter petrol 2002 model hatchback.
Few days back I had a breakdown and RAC suggested it was a gearbox issue. While driving I can hear friction noises.
toyota garage are saying they need to open the gearbox to identify the problem and that would cost 1000 GBP. if the problem is covered under the standard warranty then they will pay for that otherwise I will have to pay for that.

The car has done 55000 miles and has been regularly serviced at Toyota garage.

Can you help me as what problems can there be and if there are any issues which they will not cover under warranty.

Also are they right in asking me to pay to diagnose the problem? can the issues be just wear and tear of gearbox, is it normal for the gearbox to go after 55K miles.

As you have only had the car for 8 months , you dont know how the previous owner(s) used the g/box.As the car is 5 years old and has done 55,000 mls there must be some wear on g/ box but not to the extent that it requires overhauling.If they strip it down and say it is wear and tear ,they have got you over a barrel and will probably reject warranty claim.As the car has been serviced by Toyota , ask them to make a contribution to repair if warranty rejected. It could be something like bearings gone in box which should not fail at that mileage.Hope this helps.