...and it seems to be in really nice shape. Base model, 63,000 miles ,very little rust on the under carriage. Everything seems good EXCEPT it makes an odd tinny, squealing noise when I push in the clutch pedal an inch, or so. I'm thinking clutch release bearing. Right, or wrong?
Yep, I'd guess throwout bearing.
DeadSkunk wrote: ...and it seems to be in really nice shape. Base model, 63,000 miles ,very little rust on the under carriage. Everything seems good EXCEPT it makes an odd tinny, squealing noise when I push in the clutch pedal an inch, or so. I'm thinking clutch release bearing. Right, or wrong?
Yeah, just replace the throwout bearing. While you're at it, do a cluch and an LS1 swap since you're in there.
In reply to DrBoost:
Magazine worthy. 
Don't assume it's the throwout bearing. Sometimes they just need a dab of grease between the slave cylinder pin and the pivot arm.
Woody wrote: Don't assume it's the throwout bearing. Sometimes they just need a dab of grease between the slave cylinder pin and the pivot arm.
That one usually goes away when you touch the clutch pedal. 
This sounds like the exact opposite.
In reply to DrBoost: I was right with you right up to "and".
In reply to peter:
Yep. It's silent with it running in neutral, but makes the noise with light pressure on the pedal, or all the way to the floor.
If the seller knows little about cars this will be a significant negotiating point. I mean," it must take all day to pull the transmission at a dealership, and at $129 per hour this job will cost a small fortune. Will you take $XXXX ?"
Maintenance history? Check plug wires, hoses. Last time the fluids were changed like the trans and diff? Mileage that low I would be worried about if the car had been sitting a lot
In reply to Jaynen:
It's supposedly a summer car only. Not unusual in Michigan. I'd certainly ask about the fluids and timing belt. I suspect the timing belt/water pump hasn't been done. That would also be a negotiating point. If the owner has done everything and has the bills to prove, great. It looks really well cared for, with minimal wear on the interior. The only concern I have is the throw out bearing. It shouldn't be bad at 63K. My current Miata has the original bearing and has twice that mileage.
DeadSkunk wrote: In reply to DrBoost: I was right with you right up to "and".
Yeah, I tend to take things a step or two too far. Feel free to ignore me, my wife does.
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