Second hand purchase concerns - clutch

[angelabangela]

Hi all

First off, I am completely clueless when it comes to cars and am looking for some help please!
I am looking at buying a 2008 Multispace. I have test driven and done some background checks of the service history on a few vehicles I have found for sale 2nd hand online in my area (johannesburg, SA). In South Africa there isn't much demand for these types of vehicles, so they are pretty scarce (I have also been looking at passenger panel vans like the Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo). I think I have found a goodie but am concerned with the clutch. The milage is 103 000km and has had a recent service and roadworthy, everything seems to be in good working order but the clutch is quite difficult to maneuver. Basically my question is, is this typical of the make and model as I have heard a Citroen clutch can be a bit sticky or does it seem (from the little info I have provided :lol: ) like the clutch may need to be replaced or adjusted? I guess I could take it to a mechanic to be checked out but I wanted to know if this is something to expect of the brand/model? I have driven Toyota's, Alfa's & VW's before and enjoy a smooth clutch transition (which I assume everyone does?!). I have looked through previous threads but haven't managed to find a one that tackles this question directly, any help/advice would be greatly appreciated!

[knobblywobbly]

Yes, the Berlingo clutch is heavy and requires quite a lot of force to depress the lever. I had a new clutch fitted but it made little difference - it's just something you have to put up with.

[ron]

This must apply to the earlier cable clutches as my hydraulic clutch is still light after 5 years.

[knobblywobbly]

This must apply to the earlier cable clutches as my hydraulic clutch is still light after 5 years.

Yes, mine is a cable clutch.

[landcrab]

me too ive got a 04 and the clutch is heavy.although there is no problem with slipping or the pedal height. in the past ive read on this site that a new clutch cable can help.i brought one of ebay which ended up being the wrong type so never bothered after that.

[knobblywobbly]

I had a new cable fitted when they fitted my new clutch. It was almost £100 and didn't make much difference.

[angelabangela]

Thanks for the responses, I assume it is something I will have to just get used to if I really want a Multispace.

[Northman]

I am a little surprised. I have had two Berlingo Multispaces (2002 & 2007), and the clutches were fine in both of them. I've also driven a couple of others (one as a hire car, one just one a brief test drive) - and again, the clutches were fine.

What I find interesting about this thread is that recently I test drove a few second hand Subaru Foresters. The clutches were fine on some, but couple of them had very, very stiff clutches. I was told that this was a sign of a clutch that would soon need replacing.

[brodfather11]

my clutch is fine (1996 model) both before and after changing the cable after it got snagged on a rough track. I did lubricate the botton of the shaft that runs through the bell housing on the g/box.

:thumbsup:

[ron]

my clutch is fine (1996 model) both before and after changing the cable after it got snagged on a rough track. I did lubricate the botton of the shaft that runs through the bell housing on the g/box.

:thumbsup:

Most people wouldn't think of that,but in my working days it was a cure for many models.I had sometimes to drill a hole at the bottom pivot to oil that.