OT: 97 v6 passat clutch issue, double checking mechanics advice Options

[lotus_65]

My 16 year old son bought a '97 passat vr6 wagon w85k for a nice price, so he knew there may be issues. I wasn't invited to the purchase party and his mom didn't have it checked out before buying...

ANYWAY,

The clutch stopped working on him and I looked at the pedal assy. I found the clutch pedal has a square welded boss that holds a cable I am assuming is the actuator. The boss was broken (looks like it was cobbed by the PO, it was scratched and mis-shapened and there was evidence of sloppy work there) so I calmed him down and felt like there may be more to do, but the car is back on the road with a new pedal.

We took it to a shop in the area and left it to him and his Mom to figure out.
They want about $200 with diagnostics, a new pedal and labor. That price includes the all-mysterious "clutch flush".

Is it a hydraulic clutch in this car?

Also, because it was his Mom, they're trying to sell them a thousand dollar brake job... I drove the car and it may need pads, but that's it.

I'm smelling the "dumb women special" because of that.

Anyone help out today?

Thanks
paul