Unfortunately, I don't think you have a case. Most cars (out of the factory) are not designed to go through sand. It does not matter if you have AWD. Your weak link was your tires. You need something with a large footprint. The sand will just work around your wheels and you will sink into it. That is why you need the wider and taller tires. The large width and diameter will give you a larger footprint to avoid sinking. The large diameter not only will increase your ground clearance but aid in increasing your rotational inertia which helps slow down your wheels and actually lets the tire maintain good traction. You probably burned your clutch trying to crawl slowly out of the hole you dug yourself into. The actual damage to your clutch was a result of you getting stuck and trying to get out. If the flywheel is toast it is probably warped from the heat. The clutch is probably not worn out but glazed over and might of deposited some onto the pressure plate and/or flywheel.

I would just replace the items instead of making a ruckus. The dealers may flag you and when it comes time for a real warranty claim they may not honor you. Good luck and I am sure that there a lot of local people here willing to help you out.

 

did it look like this?

 

Quite similar actualy, but the sand was not so deep, and I was only about 30 feet into where I later found out the road ended. Could someone please suggest an aftermarket clutch/ flywheel that I should get.

 

I have a stock clutch w/ about 9K miles on it if you want it. The clutch plate has tons of life on it . Just let me know and make me an offer. 230-1138

Larry AKA SCCA WRX 151

 

but I gave it to another needy soul. That's right, gave it.

San

 

If I had to do it all over again I'd go with an Exedy organic clutch. Try and cut your stock flywheel. You should be out <$500 for parts and shipping...
__________________
Best Car Insurance | Auto Protection Today | FREE Trade-In Quote

 

I agree with Richard, the Exedy clutches are nice, ... and yeah, you should be able to resurface your stock flywheel. If not, I'm sure someone has a stocker they'd give ya.

 

oh, .... just so you don't feel like you're the only one getting stuck in the sand here, .... I got stuck on Kaena Point at about midnight!!! I went up there PLENTY of times during the day, ... but I got some wild hair up my *** (I was really just going to bake cookies) and went up there to "look at the stars".
yeah, it was fun.