# 1997 Subaru Outback: Repair or Scrap

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-subaru-outback-repair-or-scrap/19817>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [September 21, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-subaru-outback-repair-or-scrap/19817 "2008-09-21T01:02:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gearmasher222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/838e76/32.png) [@gearmasher222](https://community.cartalk.com/u/gearmasher222)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-subaru-outback-repair-or-scrap/19817/1 "2008-09-21T01:02:07Z")

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My 1997 Subaru Outback Wagon has about 172k miles on it and now I am told that either the head gasket or head needs repairing. I have been quoted between 2500-3500 dollars for the repair. Is it worth it or do I try to find a reliable less used car for twice that? Will my car hold up to return my investment?  
  
 FYI - just graduated from grad school, unemployed (for the moment)…

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**Author:** ![Cougar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/cougar/32/21348_2.png) [@Cougar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Cougar)\
**Post date:** [September 21, 2008, 3:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-subaru-outback-repair-or-scrap/19817/2 "2008-09-21T03:05:51Z")

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If you want to keep the car, the body is in excellent shape, and other things are fine on it you may want to consider getting a rebuilt engine instead repairing yours. With a rebuilt engine you will have a warranty. Check out CCR Engines. The labor cost will add a little more to the bill and it would be wise to replace the radiator also if you did that but you will have a trouble free engine and a 3 year warranty to go with it.

[http://www.ccrengines.com/](http://www.ccrengines.com/)