I start the car, a loud metallic rattle issues from underneath the car, roughly along the level of behind the front wheels.

Push in the clutch, it goes away and stays away until the next time the car is started.

I don't beat on the car and it has never been to the track. (and never will be.) 34k and change miles on the car and it shifts normally.

I'm thinking that my throwout bearing is going.

1) Any ideas as to source? (Am I wrong?)

2) If it is the throwout bearing, that's not covered by warranty is it?

 

Could be the bearing. Your still covered on warranty. Clutch wear is not covered, if I recall correctly, but I think that only covers the clutch face. Kind of like brake pads. The brakes are covered on warranty, except the pads.

 

Get it looked at before you hit 36k, if it's the bearing it should be covered

 

Could be the tranny as well. You're close on warranty, so I would have it checked out.

 

Mine took a dive @ 3000mi on my '07 GT/CS.

 

It'll cost you about 500 to get fixed once your warranty is out, do it now.