2002 WRX wagon, stock, 29000 miles.

I haven't had any of the clutch shudder problems others describe. But ever since I got the car, I've had problems with the clutch overheating very, very easily. Basically if I ever take more than about a half second to let the clutch out, I smell burning ... something, probably tranny oil.

I drive like my grandmother: I use this car to commute, I rarely go faster than 75, and I've only really opened it up maybe four times.

But I can't, for example, parallel park on a steep hill. EVER. Because I'd have to work the clutch to do it and pretty quickly I can smell that feared burning odor. (not enough power in 1st to creep uphill, have to ride the clutch or the engine dies.). Same problem if I try to pull out of a parallel parking job on a hill, or if I get stopped at a red light on a steep hill.

It's also happened in two of the four times I've really opened it up. When I'm revving over about 3000 at a stop, I have maybe a quarter second to get the clutch out (at best), or I smell smoke.

I've been driving manual transmissions every day for fourteen years; I learned to drive on a 5spd Saab 900 turbo, and I've driven about eight other manuals. I've *never* had problems like this before. I smelled the clutch overheating ONCE in my Saab ... back when I was an idiot 17 year old kid, trying to see if I could start from zero in fourth gear. My subaru does it regularly, in first gear. I have to be really careful with the clutch.

Is this a common issue with imprezas, or is there something wrong with my car?

I generally knew clutch problems were common, so I figured as long as I was under warrantee I wouldn't worry until it broke. But, when I came to read the threads here today everyone complained about shudder, not overheating. So I'm wondering if mine is "special".

Thanks
Ev

P.S. I'm glad I ignored that free SCCA membership. I think if I took this car to the track, it would set the clutch on fire in the first five minutes.