I've got a pair of replacement gas struts for the boot (trunk) to save having to prop it open with a stick - however, removal of the originals is driving me to drink. I know once I get something under that clip, it should pop off - but it seems there is not enough room to prise it off. Either I need smaller hands, or a smaller or weirdly long screwdriver with an odd bend at the end.

As it doesn't really matter if the original strut is damaged, is the clip easy enough to break if I get some pliers in there, or do I need to take the fuel tank out ? The one on the right looks even worse to get to

Perhaps I should stick with the stick ?

 

Had exactly the same problem with mine ....
Eventually discovered that the clips actually slid back; I suspect that different manufacturers use different methods.
The project was still difficult and frustrating ....not at all as simple as described ...:-(

 

My knuckles are still bleeding and knees are sore from doing this... here's my experience:

I had someone hold the trunk lid as it's incredibly heavy, and I didn't trust having it popped up with a stick (safety first). Then I popped the trunk strut cover on the trunk lid - right side. Since the strut was shot, it easily compressed. Then I turned it 180 degrees, and carefully pried the cover on the chassis side, and it popped off. It was necessary for me to turn it 180 degrees as I had limited tools (long flat screw driver and that's about it), and the only way to pry the cap open was to have it in a specific orientation which necessitated the assembly to be turned in that direction.

Installation was straight forward.

Left side was a different story. I am not sure how to remove it as the fuel filler neck is on the way. As luck would have it, the left side on mine was in great shape, and replacing the right side is all it took to keep the trunk open.