the other day while driving my car when I went to downshift it did not want to go into 2nd gear so i when to third without much trouble. later while driving I stopped and could not get car into gear. I cut the car off and put into gear and started car and was able to change gears without the clutch.

the clutch has 188k miles on it, does not slip but shows wear

can switch gears with engine off

clutch pedal feels like you are pushing against a wall when it gets close to the floor

when not driven in a few days the pedal has felt soft, but after driving it feels like it has the pressure built back up.

replaced the slave cylinder with no luck. could it be clutch master cylinder or just the clutch. I'd hate to take it to a shop if I can repair it myself. If it is the clutch I will probably take to a shop. I have been quoted $475.00

the car is 94 civic ex, 4dr, 5 speed, 1.3 vtec

Well I doubt the master is to blame. You aren't loosing fluid in the resevoir are you? If you are then check the various connections of line to the slave unit. Otherwise, rest is internal and could be related to even the throwout bearing and pressure plate.

Not losing any fluid.

No fluid loss rules out the slave and master. I would suspect that clutch or even the pressure plate are worn. The throwout bearing pushes against what I call the fingers of the pressure plate to dissengage the clutch and they can be worn. Actually the installation of a clutch is not that difficult with two people. If you need more let me know. I have done my share.