Hi,im looking to get me a good used cheap Mini and today went to check a privately owned 02 SC with 123,xxx miles in it.2 owner car,current owner been a mid 20`s well mannered lady having owned it for about 4-5yrs.Car is all stock,factory paint and 17in wheels on it.Owner states she have never changed the clutch and doesnt know if previous owner ever did.Not much maintenance records on the car except for oil changes on some other unrelated issues but that were fixed by local mini dealership $$$.
Im a 48 yr old guy who has driven and owned many cars in tha past.Issue here is that i found the clutch pedal effort to be on the stiff/hard side.Gears dont crunch,it engages at moderate height and clutch doesn't seems to be slipping.But still find clutch pedal effort above average based on my different other car experiences.
I did a search here and found an 07 thread thats deals on this matter but nothing is conclusive.So 5 yrs after would like to know if this is considered normal on early or all minis or is it definately a sign of needing a new clutch or is it just me getting older and soft?...lol
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.......Al

 

I have a 02 S too, and the clutch is definitely harder than some of the other cars I've driven... and i guess it's normal. My 02 has 130k and is on original clutch too. Hope it helps!

 

It's you, getting older and soft.

 

Found it harder than most, but it has grown on me. Good left leg work out regimen.

 

And it is likely a cat with 132,000+ miles is on a second or 3rd clutch...likly an aftermarket....those tend to be a bit firmer too.

 

And that too!!!...as i mentioned above..lol..Having sorted the hard pedal mystery really helps on making a decision on the 02 i jusy saw.But there are another issue i would like to know more about so check my new thread right after this.
Thanks much to everyone......,..Albert