bad clutch or just air?

[benny_prophane@yahoo.com]

Hi, i'm interested in buying a 1990 Protege (stick) for $350, but there's a problem when putting in gear. I have to push the clutch peddle all the way to the floor, and even then it's sometimes hard to shift, but if i pump the peddle is seems alittle easier. The guy selling it said he thinks there's air in the system, and that he did something to the brakes and afte that, the clutch became as it is now. I dont know him, but I have no reason reason to think he's not telling the truth. The peddle doesnt seem too lose, or too tight (for sure doesnt seem to have a lot of "spring" to it). I dont have much experience with this type of thing, but it does seem that it could be a cylinder problem. I think I read somewhere, if i watch the fork (or something) move while pushing in the clutch, then the problem is most likely is not an air/cylinder problem, or ?? like that. (but i now cant find that webpage anywhere).
Does anyone have any input on what the problem most likely could be? or what the easiest way to guess?

the engine seems strong at 130,000 miles, so if it's not the clutch problem, I'd probably buy the car.

thanks for any input.