We have a 1996 Legacy L wagon with about 150,000 miles. Generally, it's been a great car. We've generally been very good about basic maintenance -for example, regular oil changes at around 3,500 miles, and it runs (or, I should say, ran) very well. Over the years we've had to replace things here and there, as you'd expect - for example, alternator in 2004. Over the past couple of years, though, more things have needed replacement - for example, cam seals and various belts in June 2009, the radiator in March 2010, steering boot in September 2010, tires in November 2010, battery in August 2011, an axle in August 2011, a throttle switch in September 2011, and the starter in October 2011. We weren't happy that things seemed to be going wrong so often, but we kept telling ourselves each time that maybe this would be the last thing, and none of them individually were killers financially. Plus, it was our only car. Now, though, it needs a new water pump, which my mechanic (I can't do it myself) thinks will be around a $700 job. We've gone ahead and bought another car, but we're trying to decide if we should repair the Legacy and keep it around as a semi-retired second car for use in a couple of years by my kids (now age 15 and 17). On one hand, if the car has life left in it, it would be perfect for them for short hauls to school, etc. and we wouldn't be able to get a replacement for $700 if we found ourselves needing a second car. On the other hand, we have no way of knowing if something else will just go wrong if we repair the water pump. My mechanic thinks we should not do the repair and instead just donate it or sell it for scrap or parts. Part of his rationale is that in his experience 150,000 miles is all you can reasonably expect from a Subaru. What do you think we should do? Thanks for any advice you can provide.
