ThosL

Thanks for the advice; many people get discouraged by dire diagnostics from repair shops, that it will cost so much it is not worth fixing, etc.. I was offered $300 the other day by a guy who stopped by with his hispanic mechanic. Junkyards are offering $100 for metal value generally.

How do others figure what to list their cars at on Craigslist or other online site? My 99 Outback with the blown head gaskets probably is not worth that much though most of the vehicle is sound even with 300K miles on it. I figure a mechanic spending 12 or so hours on it with the new head gaskets and a few other used parts could have a $2K vehicle or so. How do people here price problem vehicles?

Thanks for the observations on this; good mechanics can spot these things like others can't unless they know what to look for. With my third owner car (I think), I'm pretty sure maintenance was done on schedule. First owner was a university teacher, second one a hospital worker/family man.

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/23/subaru-surges-jeep-stumbles-in-annual-auto-report.html

I was wondering if there is any way to know what has been done based on "detective" work with no old invoices? You buy a car with two prior owners and the last one kept none of the prior owner's paperwork. He had the vehicle for 30K miles and did not apparently do any major work.

That's a far-fetched load of fear-mongering. "The perfect is the enemy of the good". Why not recommend periodically checking to make sure all 4 tires of the same type and manufacture are within 1/4" of one another? All those ideal recommendations are for wealthy people who can afford perfection. I can't, and unless you are going to pay me to get everything perfect, you are wasting my time.

I went to another place that had Kumho tires @$191 including everything for two. No Walmarts around here that do tires. And only Town Fair does free front end alignments, other places are at $80 or so for either front or four wheel. So even if you can get tires installed @ $120-140 for two including everything, you still have alignment putting it over $200.

I asked about the best tire options on a 4 wheel drive Subaru and was checking to see how others have made out with the major suppliers, Goodyear, Town Fair, Mavis, Walmart, Sears as well as online order companies like Tire Rack. I checked with Town Fare and they offered free front wheel alignment if I bought two tires, 205 70 R15, $220 for everything including balancing the other two tires. They have 50K life, with 30 free satisfaction and 90 road hazard replacement, etc..

I would ask around at the local auto parts places, not sure what you have there; Napa, Auto Zone, Advance, as well as area junk yards. They know who is busy, good, as well as those who are expensive or shoddy. Also no harm in getting written estimates as well as specifics on how thorough they will be with the job.

Lucas Transmission restore product is highly regarded as is Sea Foam and Restore for the oil. Generally I try to follow the principle that if it is not broken don't fix it.

I had one of the Subarus, I forget which years with the four wheel drive option build into two wheel drive vehicles; also a low and high gear lever. I prefer manual to automatic.

OK, so I will keep it in there in the interim, a rear differential fix is expensive.

The engine on the 97 Outback is running cool, what an improvement over the last one.

Since Town Fair was closed today, though yesterday estimated it at roughly $100 per tire out the door, front end alignment free, that may be the best bet as I may need only two tires. Tire tread is 5/32, 5/32, 8/32 and 11/32. Four different tires. I need at least a front end alignment. I went to Good Year today and they wanted a lot more and no real discount on alignment. If I buy online tires I still have to worry about the other things.

Does having the fuse in the fwd slot help with mismatched tires while an owner is working on remedying the situation? Thanks!

Wires are a common cause of a crappy idle, etc.. Under $40 or so, even OEM.

I bought this Subaru yesterday for $950; a 97 Legacy wagon, "limited" I think. The guy who bought it from a local professional a couple years ago did not do much to it mechanically. Nearly 210K miles; runs great; all systems look solid. Tires are mismatched, which are an immediate concern, I'm looking at economical options. Tire rack has various models for around $200 a set, then I have to worry about mounting and balancing, etc.. Some body rust, not that bad. Leather seats are a plus. I ran a bottle of Sea Foam through the gas tank, Restore can into the oil. Lucas Transmission oil for some stiffness in the shifting. Any recommendations?

Do you have a link to the best thermostat for the 2.5?

But the 2.5 engine--big problem right?

I would think that various extraordinary measures could be taken to decrease the stress on the running engine; synthetic engine oils, synthetic antifreezes with exceptional properties. Babying the car, not running it at high speeds, etc..

http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/cto/5481844016.html This one a decent shot at $1200?

What's the percentage chance of failure? 100% 50% 35%? Is there a way to know if it has already been done?

I've been looking at used Subarus, most of the older 90s models have the 2.5 engines. Is there any way to minimize the risk of the head gaskets going bad on these? Lower speeds, never over 65, no towing, no lugging up too steep inclines, ideal fluids in radiator, oil, etc.?

Every business needs to make a reasonable amount of money. I have worked many jobs, tree work and landscaping, I'm selling collectibles on ebay as more of a hobby business now, I pride myself as being the ethical honest alternative to some others. I can't recall making over $50 an hour at much of anything. There must be many mechanics that are looking for more work and don't always need to make $100 an hour or nearly that. And mechanics could always have customers sign waivers if they want to absolve themselves of unforeseen problems within reasonable limits. There has to be a middle ground between do it yourselfers and high wage mechanics especially if it is an easy job.

Water pump on my 99 with an ej22 was $400; they said the timing belt looked OK with little wear so did not replace that, though they are about $50. Car has gone about 175K miles without it being changed.