Our Elantra 2002 (127,000 miles, original clutch) sometimes does not want to go up hills, even modest ones. Once, while turning onto a steep hill, the car slowed down until it came to a stop, the engine died, and would not start again. After a while, it did, and drew up the hill fine.
On the other hand, sometimes it climbs steep hills without problem.
There is no sound, no juddering, and no smell when these symptoms happen.
Yesterday the car started revving high on a small hill, and would not increase speed above about 20 miles per hour.
I took it to the local garage, whose clutch test made the problem worse immediately afterwards.
This morning the car drew fine again.
Do these symptoms indicate that the clutch needs to be replaced?
How much should we expect to pay?
And did the mechanic's test worsen the symptoms because he did something wrong, or was it just the final straw? Opinions, please!