Did the same in our old Ford C-Max when I was a pretty inexperienced caravanner.Dual Mass Flywheel, there was a bit that held the plates apart, it was that piece that gave up, so every gear change the plates would rub making a noise like a chair leg on a wood floor.
Many years back, so much so I cant remember, Jaguar X Type sport premium collection, 6 speed diesel, apparently the worst for towing!
Px it, salesman didn't test drive it, thankfully.
Soon traded it in for a Saab 9-5 aero estate (big mistake) and then a Nissan X-Trail which was the best car we ever had