For the better part of a year, I'm hearing a squeal when I first move forward in first gear. It only happens when the car (2003 hatchback with 145,000 mi) has been sitting over night or longer. Can't tell if it's a clutch sound or from a belt. Once I've driven it for a few minutes (5 or so), it doesn't happen again as I travel along, until it sits again for a while. Any thoughts? George

 

Brakes.

hard to say. Record the sound?

when does it happen EXACTLY

 

I have the same issue. It usually happens in colder weather and it squeaks when I'm engaging first gear. I still have the original clutch at 176K miles so I suspect it's in the throwout bearing/guide tube area. It's been making this noise occasionally, not all the time, for about two years now so I'm going to let it keep making noise and I think the eventual clutch replacement will cure it.
It's not a brake squeal as it is brought on by engaging the clutch. After the car is warmed up, the noise no longer occurs.

 

Good to hear I'm not the only one. I too think it's the clutch and my symptoms are just like yours. Will track it as you are. Thx.

 

Both replies are helpful. Must not be the brakes, rather clutch. Thx.

 

From the initial description, it is almost certainly the clutch release bearing.
Mine's been making that noise for the last eight years!

 

Thanks. I'm in good company!

 

Good; I'll shoot for eight years now, six to go!