Clutch and gearbox

[kjc2050]

First, welcome to the forum. You'll find a lot of help and great advice here.

I can't comment on your stiff clutch (other than to say that mine - '00 S - isn't stiff at all), but can definitely comment that the gearbox being stiff and notchy until the engine and transmission are warmed up is not at all unusual. Additionally, and maybe this is just my experience, I think you'll find that as you become more accustomed to the car, this perception or stiffness and notchiness will diminish a bit.