2003 Camry with STIFF clutch pedal

[driveemup]

I've test driven a used 2003 (155K) I'm considering purchasing. But the clutch is so stiff, especially compared to my 93 Accord.
Ideas on what makes a new clutch, pressure plate a throw out bearing so hard to engage?
I'll have quads like Arnold if I buy this car!
Thanks

[JohnGD]

There was an old thread about the hydraulics. Clutch master or slave kind of a problem.

[Asteroid]

It might have some sort of heavy duty clutch installed. But the stock clutch is reasonably weighty.

[BlackG5]

mine has always been stiff, even now with 165k! If you don't ride the clutch all the time it'll be stiff

[AlmightyCamry777]

Either the hydraulic clutch needs rebuilding, the pressure plate springs are worn or broken, or, like the other people said, maybe somebody just put in a really heavy duty plate and its supposed to be like that

[tekdemon]

I'm always a bit wary about higher mileage manuals since you really don't know whether the clutch is really in great condition and just how it's supposed to be or if you're going to have to sink money into it to fix it. Especially when the car isn't super valuable it can eat up a pretty good chunk of the price.
Maybe talk to the seller about it and ask for a discount or something just in case something's up. The Camry's valuable enough that it'd still be worth it but sometimes I see older Corollas that need clutchwork where the work would be half the cost of the car lol.

[Asteroid]

That used to worry me, but having driven a manual camry for nearly three years now I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll be quite happy if I never drive an auto ever again. If buying an old manual car you just have to accept that the clutch could go at any moment, replacing it isn't that expensive anyway.