Hello everyone,
I'm asking this question for my sister, she owns a 2008 Subaru impreza 2.5L with 154000 miles. The car has been giving her problems, a year ago the coolant hose started leaking that lead to engine overheating. She took it to a mechanic who temporarily repaired the leak. A week ago the engine light turned on and a mechanic fixed an escape leak. Now a mechanic friend of hers is saying that the car can last for at least 5 years more if he repairs it (bellow is an image of what these "repairs" are). My question is is it worth it to fix this car?
Subarus of that vintage are very prone to head gasket problems and you can bet that having overheated that engine the gaskets are going to blow sooner rather than later. You can add a few more thousand dollars to expected repairs. Not worth it.
I would not think about putting more money into that vehicle. The mechanic that worked on that Subaru doesn't even know what he's doing.
I would sell that car.
How much has already been spent on repairs?
I'm not sure how much she has spent but she had to add a lot of coolant and have the car towed (several times) when the hose leak appeared. She spent like 2000 replacing something I don't remember, spent 600 replacing this piece that caused the scape leak, and btw the AC doesn't work.
If that guy warranties his work (free repairs if sth gets wrong) as he states it, maybe. Can you get a decent car for the money that has been thrown in repairs in your area?
I bought an 02 Forester in 2015 with about 155k on it(now 206k, first car, since I moved from a big city) Knew nothing about cars and paid too much for it. I've learned a lot from Scotty and researching about Subarus. I've added some major repairs to avoid car paymnts and so far, it's still running. But yes, they tend to have head gasket problems and other leaks based on my research. I now need major suspension work (no surprise due to mileage) but it's in the thousands. It'll be more pain for your sister by putting more and more $$ into.
If this were a Honda or Toyota I’d say do the timing belt and water pump for sure, because the car is expected to last longer, and it is basic maintenance item for engines with timing belts.
if it wasn’t for the head gasket issue I’d say do it fue the Subaru too. I don’t know what years the head gaskets were issues. I recommend researching the years that head gaskets were big issues. If it is within the time span of issues, probably best to drive it until the wheels fall off (or try to sell it.) if it’s not in the time down, maybe take the chance at on fixing it.
BTW, the part cost for the timing belt and water pump kit seems to be 2-3x more than what you could get the parts for online. See if you could negotiate down.
Labor is usually a little more expensive on a Subaru because of the engine layout.
To the forum: I’d like to hear from actual mechanics or folks that know, how because it seems the quote is double dipping by charging more for the coolant flush, when most of the water comes out during the water pump disassembly. Is this the right or wrong way to charge?
Find out what she spent 2000 on, if shes already had head gaskets done I would say yes, it needs it. If the belt breaks it will fry the motor. Already overdue. If she hasn’t had head gaskets done, sell it and get something else.
Sell it, now.
