Cost of clutch replacement

[Cockney Guy]

I have a Escort 1.4 CL and the clutch has been getting a bit near to needing replacement for quite some time. Can anyone suggest the estimated cost of replacing the clutch and any preferred replacement centres, or would I be better off using a local small garage? The clutch was a bit worn when I bought the car but I'm very light on clutches and have kept it going but it did'nt like my trip to central London in heavey traffic yesterday.
Cheers for any advice

[bigboots]

Hi about �70 for the ckutch kit
about 3.5 hours labour @ �50 per hour
gearbox oil 3 litres @�8 per litre
all plus the dreaded vat
worth shopping about for some where that will do it for a set price (not charged by the hour) or some where that has a cheaper labour rate non franchise garages are doing labour at � 35 an hour or less (northeast)
or a cash job they might forget the vat
london may be more expencive

[Cockney Guy]

Many thanks BB for your very helpful and detailed advice. I'm keeping off the clutch as much as possible at the moment so it should be okay for a short time, at least I'm now aware of what the cost is likely to be. Would you beleive it, I'm in London (more expensive) LOL

My MOT is due at the end of next month and I'm hoping the clutch doesn't come into it or I'll have to get it replaced before then.
Thanks again for all your help
Regards CG

[Brooksy]

The clutch will not affect the MoT outcome unless it made the car undriveable to do the brake tests. I`ve used Mr Clutch in the past & found them reasonably priced compared to main dealerships.

[Cockney Guy]

Thank you for your reply. I will put Mr Cutch on my list. Thats reassuring coz I seem to assume the larger groups to be more expensive but, as you imply, not really the case.

The clutch is good enough for most journeys but just didn't like my trip to central London on Sunday as the traffic was really heavy and slow. As for the MOT, I think it will be good enough for that then as the clutch is not slipping, just a bit high and beginning to smell in traffic.

Thanks to you both for very helpful answers
Cheers C G