Cable171

I've got a 53 plate vRS hatch just coming up to 93k (got it with 8k on it). When pulling away from a stand gently, using low revs, or sometimes even accelerating gently, I've been hearing a noise a bit like pinking, for perhaps 8 or 9 months. Use a bit more throttle and it goes away. No other acceleration issues (!). But yesterday I think the (original) clutch came to the end of it's natural life - suddenly lots of judder moving off in first, and in reverse feels like the whole car is about to rattle to pieces (and I'm sure I smelled burning...). Spoke to a local independent who explained that the clutch includes a dual-mass flywheel (and that the replacement would be an eye-watering £564 all in). I must be old because I'm sure I can remember clutch changes being less than £100 way back! I'm now wondering whether the "pinking" has actually been noise from the flywheel (or, rather, the weights etc.) deteriorating. But until the thing is replaced I won't know for sure. Anyway, this might be something you could consider.