Is it worth repairing?

[UnicycleGran]

Hi,

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer this. My 88 Subaru DL lost pressure and wouldn't restart the other night. The mechanic said he thinks I need a new starter and that 90% of the time when a car does what mine did it's a gear in the distributer. He said the total repair would be around 600.00.

 

This car's shocks are fairly shot (I bump around but don't mind), it has some rust and nearly 198.000 miles on it. The mechanic said maybe I want to junk it and then added that they would be willing to be it off of me, do some basic repairs and turn it over.

 

SO I am wondering, is it worth it to just go ahead and fix it? My investment in a "new" car is usually around or under the 600 dollar range. I think buying a 600 dollar Saturn or something would not have the value of this car but I am not all that knowledgeable on this and could use some feedback.

 

Keep the car running and avoid searching for another car as well as paying registration and plate fees or start searching?

 

Thanks for your thoughts,

UnicycleGranny

[idosubaru]

your best bet is almost certainly to repair it.

 

first - the symptoms and his diagnosis don't line up. you need a proper diagnosis - it is unlikely his first two guesses are correct - starter and distributor sound doubtful to me.

 

if you can give us some information we can help you...or help him if he's not that well versed in subarus.

 

like - right now, what does it do if you turn the key?

what do you mean by "loss of pressure" when it died on you?

 

"loss of pressure" - does not at all indicate the first step would be to assume the starter is bad.

 

$600 is an INSANELY high estimate, short of major engine work which you are unlikely to need, that's way too high.

 

properly repaired you can easily get a lot more miles out of this thing. ebay timing belt kits for the engine are only like $60 or $80 for all new belt, tensioners, and pulley. if the timing belt broke, get one of those kits and it's good for another 60,000 miles (more or less). replace any leaking cam/crank seals while the belt is off - they're only a couple dollars per seal and easily accessible once the belt is off.

 

i wouldn't be surprised if your timing belt broke and the pulleys need replaced, most 80's subarus are running around with the original 25 year old pulleys devoid of grease. for $60 off ebay you can't beat that.

 

mechanic should charge about $200-$250 or so to install those parts.

[Deener]

+1 to Grossgary's advice. Get yourself a proper diagnosis before making a decision. The problem description just doesn't line up with the quoted diagnosis at this point and the possibility remains that it still could be really minor. Post back your symptoms as best as you can describe them and you should have an accurate diagnoisis shortly thereafter.