I am looking at purchasing a used Mini. Depending on what one I go with, it may have between 50 and 70 k on it.

At the time of the test drive is their anything I should look/listen for that would signal to me that the clutch will need replacement soon. I havent driven a manual in about 20 years, so I am not in tune as to what would indicate a wearing clutch.

I would hate to buy one and then need a clutch in a month.


Thanks in advance.

 

1. If you feel any vibration in the clutch pedal it may be an indication that the throw-out bearing is worn...

2. If the clutch is slipping any, this is a sure indication... I recently had a clutch replaced as it began slipping... When driving in 2nd or 3rd gear at 2500rpm and the nail the gas, I could feel it slipping as the rpm's rose...

 

park it with the front bumper against a tree. Put in in 6th gear and let out the clutch while giving it some gas. The engine should stall and die. If the engine keeps running and you smell a nasty stink - the clutch is shot.

Ask to take it out for a test drive alone lol

 

Is this really a good way to test....or are you looking to see me in jail?

 

Can also be done, by:

Find a road or parking lot without traffic. Going along in 2nd or 3rd gear, you want your tach to read slightly higher then you would normally drive (2500 or so). the Idea is to try and hold the engine at this RPM with your accelerator pedal. and then ease on the brake with firm pressure. Does the speedo and tach split? if they aren't travelling together and the speedo bleeds off then you have a slipping clutch.

 

While I doubt the current owner would appreciate you doing this, it is a valid test.

 

Not sure that was clear, but you are applying brake pedal while still holding the accelerator pedal at 2500 rpm.

 

Can you elaborate on "speedo bleeds off". I want to make sure I am following you completely. Wouldnt the speed drop due to me applying the brake?

 

Ok with a working clutch the Speedo and the tach move together always. so if one raises the other raises too, no lag. In an automatic the Tach raises first and the speedo raises after to match.

In my test, the engine will try to maintain a set RPM ( your right foot needs to keep the engine at this RPM). And then your loading up the transmission with the brakes. Your speedo is measuring the speed of the transmission, and that tach measures the speed of the engine. This test does not involve the clutch pedal.

If you are able to add a load to the transmission with the brakes, and the speedo lowers, and the tach either doesn't lower or it raises. You have a slipping clutch. IF you have a good clutch you will either stall the engine. or you will over power the brakes. Either way if the clutch is good both your tach and speedo should move equally in the same direction.

Hope that helps

 

That does help. Thanks for the tip!

 

It is probably in your best intrest to get the vehicle of your liking inspected by a qualified mechanic prior to purchase. Just my $.02

 

You might also ask the seller if he recently had the clutch replaced with the service records to show you, it's a start. If he hasn't, then ask for a price reduction or if you find the clutch is going out.

 

Try to climb a steep hill. If the revs go up, but the speed stays the same or decreases, the clutch is slipping. I think this is a better way that being on the flat and applying the brakes to provide a load to work against. Climbing a hill is a much more natural way of doing the test and consistent with everyday driving (living in Kansas notwithstanding!).

 

Instead of a tree, one can also use the parking brake to do this. I have in the past.

OP if the clutch is acting flaky or seems to be on its last legs, reduce the asking price about $3,000-3,500. depending on the market, that's what a whole new setup will cost at the dealer, including a new dual-mass flywheel. However, if there's a good independent shop around, I'd go there and price out a Clutchmasters setup--more durable, and more dependable. If U go to a dealer, it will cost more, but they will tack on a 2 year/unl mileage warranty on the work. good luck.

 

lol.. true. the mini is fwd. trees are for the rwd.

 

Parking brake is definitely a better idea than a tree haha