Admittedly, I don't know much about cars. I drive a manual 2003 Civic
LX, about 33,000 miles. I have gotten the oil changed regularly, but I
have failed to do some of the other required maintainence because of a
lack of money.

Lately, I notice that I don't have as much power when accelerating. My
tachometer climbs more than it usually does, though I still can keep it
under 4000, generally. I notice that even though I'm careful not to
slip the clutch much, I get a louder engine noise than usual when
accelerating.

To put it in my very imprisice language, the car behaves almost as if I
am driving with my foot a couple of inches on the clutch. It's as if
not all the power is being transmitted.

Does that make sense, and is there someone with a suggestion? Thanks
for any info you may provide!