My 1998 Subaru needs head gasket repair, to the tune of about $2,000 at the dealer. It has 107K miles and is otherwise doing great. Any opinions about whether it’s worth it to keep sinking money into it? Also, anybody know someone in L.A. who would do this work well but rlatively cheaply? Thanks!!
Dealers are usually, but not always, more expensive than independent repair shops.
You may be able to find a mechanic who will do the job for less.
I caution you, however, to stick with a mechanic who has Subaru experience. You might get a lowball price from someone who’s never done this before, but you could end up worse than you are now.
Subarus are a little different, and if you’re going to start taking the engine apart, you want someone who knows what he or she is doing.
Whether or not it’s worth spending the money depends on the rest of the car, and its maintenance history, which we have no way of knowing.
You ask about “sinking money into it.”
Let me ask this; “If you take your 1998 Subaru and $2,000 cash to any new or used car dealership in the LA area, what fantastic car can you drive home that’s better than your 1998 Subaru with only 107K miles?”
Please let us know what you trade it for, and how much more than $2,000 you spend.
Is this head gasket problem a simple weepage problem rather than a blown head gasket one?
If so, you might consider having someone retorque the head bolts and this may stop any weepage problem. You may not even need to replace the head gaskets and yes I know, the dealer did not say anything about retorquing the bolts. Few seem to know this can be done, dealer or independent.
Thank you for this information. Of course, you’re right, the dealer made no mention of either weepage vs. blown or retorquing of bolts. I went to them because they kindly agreed not to charge me for the diagnosis but I never anticipated I’d be happy with their estimate for the repairs! When I seek a second opinion, I’ll mention what you’ve said. However, I’m not interested in nickel-and-diming myself on experimental, prophylactic, or temporary repairs. Is what you’re describing more of a stopgap before the gaskets really go?
I have a 97 and I am in the same boat… although mine is supposedly blown. All I know is that it is overheating and there is exhaust gas in the cooling system. I was quoted $7000 for a new engine and installation. Should I be looking into head gasket repair? I have almost 190K miles on mine, and it does need work, but I love it and I can’t afford to spend more than about $3000. Any ideas on less expensive fixes?
Hi, thanks for your advice about making sure I find a mechanic who regularly performs this service on this car. I met a mobile mechanic (i.e., no brick-and-mortar shop, no staff) who claims to be a Subaru specialist. Should I trust him?? It’s a conundrum: I’d really like to keep this car but I don’t want to be a sucker. I opted to drop some cash on it a few years ago to fix leaking front and rear seals so I wouldn’t be leaving such a huge, dirty carbon footprint, but of course regular maintenance, like brakes and a clutch, soon followed. Which means absolutely necessary costs mount in any event. Would you keep it?
No point in putting a new engine in a car that old. But you should be able to have the existing engine repaired for $3000, I would think. Use the “Mechanics Files” below to find an independent Subaru specialist in your area, one who’s done (successful) Subaru engine rebuilds and can give you references from satisfied customers whose engines haven’t blown up 6 months later.
Kristen, I feel like you should be able to find another 1997 wagon for $7K – of course, you’d have to be sure its head gaskets weren’t about to blow! If you’re in the L.A. area I’ll be glad to write back if/when I determine my own solution. Best of luck!
The problem with a mobile mechanic like this is whether he will be there to warrant any mistake that gets made during the repairs. I am far more comfortable with a professionally equipped shop that won’t disappear overnight.
I would not spend $2,000 to repair a '98 Subaru with 107K. Best you junk or sell this car and move on. Use the 2K toward a used Toyota or Honda or Ford.
I would not.
No, it’s really not a stopgap measure at all assuming this head gasket problem is nothing more serious than an oil coolant leakage problem.
I’ve done more head gaskets than I can possibly ever remember and Subaru is by far the biggest provider of those jobs. With every one I’ve performed I’ve always operated the engine for a while to warm it up. Once cooled off, I go back and retorque the head bolts.
Up to this point I’ve never had one single comeback, which is mechanicspeak for a screwup.
It is stated even by Subaru that head bolts are not and should not be retorqued. I disagree with that premise 100% and even Fel-Pro (one of the worlds largest gasket and head bolt manufacturer) even states the head bolts should be retorqued.
This is not a major job at all and could save you close to 2 grand.
Matter of fact, back in the 80s Subaru had a spell where head gaskets were leaking oil based on their recommendation to NOT retorque head bolts. After the problems developed then Subaru stepped in and said to retorque the bolts.
Thank you for writing again, ok4450. I’ll mention what you’ve said to the other mechanic I’m getting an estimate from. Not the mobile guy, a fellow with a shop nearby. Even if this mechanic determines the gaskets need replacing, I do expect he can improve on the cost.