Car Clutch query - AIBU to get second opinion?

[Barny343]

Just had my car Mot'd, noticed in the last 2 months or so difficulty/stiffness when going into 1st, 2nd or reverse. Also in the last few months it would get jammed in gear at slow speed ie car parks or traffic, it would either get jammed in 1st, 2nd or reverse or would be very hard to put into gear.

Non mechanic but knowledgable of cars friend says sounds like the slave or master cylinder, I even called the dealer and on the phone they said sounds like slave or master cylinder.

Garage doing my MOT had a look and said for the trouble of changing the master/slave you may as well change clutch. I called up today for a quote for the clutch - its around £1100.00.

Im not too sure what to do - is putting the car with main dealer or a center like "Mr Clutch" for a second opinion a good idea?

Or just go ahead and get the clutch done - if anyone knows about cars - does it sound like it needs a whole new clutch?

I'm only doubtful due the main dealer recommended changing the cylinders and also the clutch isnt (as of yet) showing any other major symptoms like slipping.

If relevant the car has got around 55000 miles on it.

I did this. My very reliable garage said it was better to get both done.

@helpfulperson Hi, to clarify did you get the clutch done do you mean?

I believe, but am very happy to be told I'm wrong, that when you replace the clutch (and perhaps the other faulty bits you mention) you need to remove the car engine and/or some other major gubbins. This is why it's generally an expensive job. My mum's car recently had clutch problems and it cost c£700 to get the clutch replaced.

This was done by a garage we've gone to for years which is very well regarded for giving a fair price. Also, we are in a 'cheaper' area of the country and I appreciate in other areas the price might be higher, or even lower.

I suspect the recommendation you got was because whilst they are fixing the other bits, they will have easy access to the clutch and it will be a cheap and easy swap for a new one. If you left the clutch and it went later, you'd be looking at the same amount again to get that fixed. So, it's up to you whether you gamble on your clutch being OK in the future. Hope that makes sense!

@ForPearlViper yes Im thinking thats probably the case!
its frustrating as ive not had the car that long and it was quite pricey, but i suppose thats the trouble with cars! :)

I feel your pain. I've had a bit of year of it too with vehicles. I think that's why the car posts catch my eye at the moment.

Sorry, I've been on holiday. Yes I got the clutch done as well. Exactly as forpearlviper says it was because they already had the engine in bits and the clutch was showing signs of wear.

Any car of any age with any miles can have things go wrong. Parts break and have a knock on effect on other parts. It really is the trouble with cars!