Lifespan of a GT hydraulic clutch? (repost)

[TrojanGT]

(sorry - I think I posted in the wrong category, and need HELP!!!)How long do you all expect a GT's hydraulic clutch to last under "normal wear?" Anyone else experiencing prematurely deceased clutches?We just took our 03 Vibe GT in for dealer (what we hope is warranty) repair for what can best be described as a "slipping clutch" by our regular Toyota-based mechanic. I could let the clutch all the way out in first, and juuussstt inch out into traffic. It was like driving an automatic. The misery continued through all six gears. The trans guy at the dealership says something about the disk in the hydraulic clutch being worn down. Even he indicated it seemed kind of early...We have about 32K miles on this basically year-old car. (BTW, we're longtime stick drivers, and as parents don't tend to drive like maniacs... usually) The dealership AND the Pontiac "help" line are both telling us that it is likely "normal" wear for a hydraulic clutch to croak inside the warranty period! They're taking the car apart now (had it since Wednesday), and of course don't have any Vibe transmission parts, so the best we can hope for is to get it back maybe Monday. And we're having to pay for a rental if this isn't under warranty, on top of the initial $700 they're quoting to tear the car down. And without parts available anywhere (for them or our regular mechanic), I feel like we're over a barrel. Sorry, frustrated here! Help![Tried searching the forum for similar conversations - apologies if this is a duplication.]

[vibe_driver]

32k on your clutch. Seems kinda low to me. Most clutches should last about 50k to 80 k on the normal driving. I have had clutches last me over 80k... But then again it is on how you drive. If you are a heavy and fast shifter it will go out sooner. FYI dont down shift brakes are cheaper.......