Ok this is my first Stick vehicle and I'm just wondering how will I know when my clutch is shot? Also what parts would I need to get it in tip top shape again when the time does come for a new clutch?

 

The most common symptoms would be noise or difficulty shifting. A badly worn clutch will slip and you notice this by the engine revs not matching what you are feeling in acceleration. A broken clutch will vibrate.

For most though the throwout bearing will fail before the clutch and while the transmission is dropped for a new throwout bearing, you also swap out the clutch for a fresh part.

 

I've owned at least 7 vehicles with manual transmissions that each have had over 120,000 miles put on them (tops was 175,000), and I never had a clutch fail in any of them.
I had parts on either side of the clutch fail, but never a clutch.

I see you live in a flat part of NY, but the "acid test" would be if you were at the foot of a hill to climb and you can't make it to the top because your engine is spinning but your wheels are not AND you smell smoke, your clutch is probably toast.
Wise-ass answer, I know.
If your clutch fails, you'll know it.

 

Whiskey_golf is right on the money with his comment. My throwout bearing went completely out last Friday. They replaced it along with new clutch. It will cost you a bunch.

 

Out of curiosity, what did it end up costing you? I was under the impression that clutch changes on these were pretty straightforward.