# Should I Sell It or Repair It?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-sell-it-or-repair-it/59521>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** outback, subaru, repair\
**Created:** [January 4, 2011, 6:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-sell-it-or-repair-it/59521 "2011-01-04T18:27:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![pmb7272](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@pmb7272](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pmb7272)\
**Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 6:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-sell-it-or-repair-it/59521/1 "2011-01-04T18:27:21Z")

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I have a 1999 Subaru Outback Limited with approximately 125,000 miles on it. Recently, it overheated while on a trip. It has been diagnosed with blown head gaskets. The mechanic tells me the clutch also needs replacing. I have been quoted $2,500 to repair. Should I get it fixed?

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**Author:** ![Goldwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@Goldwing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Goldwing)\
**Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 6:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-sell-it-or-repair-it/59521/2 "2011-01-04T18:45:06Z")

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How much to fix the head gaskets? Shop around. I’d fix the head gasket problem.

Any symptom of needing a new clutch? I might skip this until you get a slipping clutch.

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**Author:** ![pmb7272](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@pmb7272](https://community.cartalk.com/u/pmb7272)\
**Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 7:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-sell-it-or-repair-it/59521/3 "2011-01-04T19:02:29Z")

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So you do believe this car is worth repairing then?

$1,600 for the head gaskets and other related items. FYI, I had gotten quotes from other mechanics of at least $1,200 and at least $1,300. When they say at least, that always means more.

The mechanic claims that the clutch is shot, based on visual inspection. He claims it will cost more, if I bring it back later on. Since he will already have the engine pulled to do the head gaskets. He’s quoting $600 to do the clutch now and $1,000 later on.

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**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\
**Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 9:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/should-i-sell-it-or-repair-it/59521/4 "2011-01-04T21:24:06Z")

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Selling it will not yield much.

I would move on personally but do not know your financials and how much have to spend on the next car. If you can only afford a replacement under $6000 I would be inclined to repair.
