Clutch Replacement On Mr2 Turbo

[melmoy]

I have over 135K miles on my 1991 MR2 Turbo. At my 120K maintenance my dealer warned that I would need the clutch replaced in 8K. So far, I haven't had a failure nor any definite signs of the clutch malfunctioning. My paranoia makes me wonder whether any momentary shudder might be a sign of the clutch going.

My questions are these. What is the experience others have had with clutch wear on an MR2? Does it go out slowly so that I have sufficient warning to seek service? Or is it a sudden failure? At what approximate mileage does clutch replacement occur under normal driving? And when replaced, what has been the cost? My dealer projected $895. Yet I several clutch replacement ads in the local paper for $125-$150. Is this the typical dealer servicing premium costs or is a clutch replacement on an MR2 that much more difficult? And why would a clutch job on a turbo cost more than on a normally aspirated car? Are these folks just tacking on a cost just because they can get away with it?

Mel Moy

moy@cox.net