Clutch question (PPI says "clutch release high and stiff // replace clutch")
 

Hi there!

I'm looking at a 2001 Boxster with 75k miles.

The owner has a PPI report from another interested buyer that obviously didn't buy the car.

The primary issue identified by the PPI is the clutch.

The report says:
Observation: Clutch releases high and stiff
Recommendation: Replace clutch

When I drove it, it seemed ok to me, although I did manage to stall it once when taking off in first. As did the owner when he drove it with me in the passenger seat. Not sure if that would be resulted to the clutch condition.

My question for the smart folks on this forum: Any thoughts on whether this means that the clutch is essentially done and needs to be replaced? If there's still life left on the clutch, that would be great. If it needs to be replaced right away, that's fine too -- I just need to adjust my offer accordingly.

The only other thing I can think to do is to call the dealer that did the PPI (it's a local Porsche dealer with a decent, but not stellar, reputation) and ask them for some more context on that line item.

There were two other "red" items on the PPI.

1. "Both window regulators noisy // replace them."

The noise (which I didn't notice when I test drove it) doesn't bother me. But does this indicate that they're going to fail?

2. "Refit front bumper"

Didn't' notice anything here either. Anyone know what this item means?

Thanks all!

Charley

Re the clutch it's a piece of string question and much depends on how you drive the car and in what traffic conditions.

I bought my 2.5 on 76k miles with a "high and stiff" clutch which was deemed to be on its last legs by a specialist inspection.

I managed to nurse it to 117k miles before it needed changing - and it was actually the release arm bending from the added weight that eventually did it in - the clutch itself still wasn't slipping.

I rev match literally all my downshifts and don't tend to drive much in stop start traffic, which helps a lot. Nothing burns a clutch out like someone trying to drive fast but not rev matching their downshifts.

Anyway, I would budget for a clutch if the car is otherwise good and just drive it until it fails and learn to rev match if you haven't already - mainly because it's fun! If the clutch goes, no problem, you've budgeted for it. If it lasts a while, bonus!

I agree with this statement.

As for the "refit Bumper", I work at a body shop. What this probably means is that there are uneven gaps around the front bumper. Look to see where the bumper meets the fender on either side. Could be more gap on one side compared to the other. Just look for flush fitment all around from fender to hood to fender