Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/6/2009

Question
 i am planning to buy a 2001 eclipse gt stick i took the car for a test run and when i got back there was a strong burning smell  and also smoke   from d back side of the engine when i asked the dealer he told me that i didn't shit properly and i burned out the clutch is that possible and yea then is it a big issue  and should i go with the car??

Answer
Its possible to damage the clutch by "riding" the clutch pedal so,i would say you may have stressed the friction plate and possibly overheated it but i cannot say as i do not know how you drove the car and if you are familiar with stick shift.The other question should you buy this car is up to you.If you are used to automatic transmissions then its best to learn a stick before buying this car as it is expensive to replace the clutch and this is a high performance vehicle which needs a experienced tech and the parts are not cheap.