10,000 miles ago (at my 60,000 mile service) my Honda dealer noticed a "small leak" from my clutch master cylinder and suggested it be replaced in the "near future" for approximately $285.00, including tax. Now at 70,000 miles, I have yet to replace the cylinder.

At this point though, my clutch does seem to feel a little stiffer than it did in the past, causing me to think that it is really now time to replace the cylinder. That said, I also plan on selling the car in October. (I really don't want to, but I now need a 4-seater and a 4WD.)

Any thoughts on what will happen if I don't replace the cylinder soon? I obviously don't want to spend $285.00 when I'm going to trade the car in so soon, but I'm also afraid that bigger dangers may result from not replacing it. Inoperable clutch pedal? Ruined clutch?

Note: if I look at the cylinder where it protrudes through the firewall into the cabin, it does not really seem abnormally leaky, perhaps only a little. I don't know if it's leaking from the other end, etc.

Any advice would be really appreciated...