Soft Clutch

[northernlad]

I looked around a while and can't find anything relating to my "problem".
I have been trying to sell my 2001 GL (67,000 miles) with no luck. On a whim I went to a local dealer (not VW) to see if they would by it outright. After driving it, the appraiser or whoever he was, said he wouldn't buy it at any price because the clutch was "loose". It is soft on the way down and does not engage until about 2/3 to the top.
I bought the car 3 years ago, have put 30,000 miles on it and the clutch has always been the way it is now. No slipping, no smells, no difficulty engaging or shifting.
I have not driven many other VW's and I am wondering how the clutch should feel and if this sounds like a problem at all?

[baddassbug]

my 98 2.0 pedel had to be almost 2/3 up to engage. i had 130,000 on it when i got rid of it for my new car, only got rid of it cuase of my new job. had it for 5 years was always like that, did the clutch in it at 125000 but it was good i did cause the one way bearing was almost gone it would make some noises when stressed such as starting out up hill etc. but clutch itself was fine and i did more than a few burnouts in it, i would just try a diff dealer. or better yet list it in the classifieds and get a diff one

[LadybugEwa]

I let my bf drive my bug a couple of days ago, and he actually remarked on this feel of the clutch. Not in a bad way though. Just that it's different from his truck. I'm on the first one (knock on wood) with 182,000km.

[warren]

doesn't sound like a problem to me...clutch engagement on mine is similar...and has been since day one.

take it to someone who knows vws, and ask them.

i wouldn't worry about what that other dealer's 'appraiser' told you...you're driving a vw, not a big block pro street camaro or a dump truck...of course the clutch will be lighter.

oh, and i'd keep after selling your bug yourself...a dealer may make the car go away quicker, but you'll probably see a heckuva lot less money that way.

good luck!

warren

[northernlad]

Thanks for all the input.
This is what I expected.
I plan to sell it myself, however, despite my low asking price I have only gotten a half dozen inquiries in almost 3 months.