Maintenance Budget

[ricards]

I need some advice, here. I have an '02 outback with 115,000 miles. I bought the car used at 65k. Since I've owned it, I've had to replace the clutch (compliments of the dealer from whom I bought it), the master cylinder (on me), the left CV boot, the A/C compressor, and now I just discovered that I have the dreaded head gasket failure. The car will be paid off in a couple of months, and I need to budget for ongoing maintenance, as I cannot afford another car. I will have a shop replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioners, and head gaskets. Are there any other issues that I might have to deal with in the near future that are common with these cars, or have I pretty much experienced the full litany of problems? Thanks.

[porcupine73]

Hi ricards. The most common failures on that era are as you already mentioned front right inner cv (due to exhaust heat) and external hg peeping leak. Since you are in need of a timing belt, water pump, etc. they can just pull the engine and do the head gaskets and then do the timing belt and such with the engine out. The HG"s can be replaced without pulling the engine but a shop will almost certainly pull the engine.

I haven't heard of many other problems on '02 outbacks. The a/c compressor I haven't heard a lot of trouble with but they can go bad I suppose. Master cylinder, some had an issue in cold weather with not working so well.

Actually you might want to get the soob looked at at a Subaru dealer to see if you can get any coverage under the extended HG warranty if the conditioner was installed. Yes you are a bit over 100,000 miles but sometimes they will cover it anyway.

[ricards]

Thanks, Porcupine. That stuff the dealer sells - is that "conditioner" or stop leak? Thanks for the advise. I will call the dealer and see if there is any hope for a warrantee repair.

[porcupine73]

it is a stopleak. It is holts radweld from the u.k.


Be nice but firm at the dealer. Some dealers won't be willing to try to get it covered under warranty. If you can then get in touch with the regional rep they might be able to help you out.

It's best to be like 'I like Subaru's and hope to buy another in the future but I have some concerns about my current unit' rather than 'this is the worst product I ever bought and would never buy one again - will you cover my hg's under warranty? )

[ricards]

Good advise, Porcupine. Actually, my intention was to send a friendly email to Subaru of America, explaining the situation, and letting them know that their cooperation would go a long ways in restoring my faith in Subies, so I can recommend the car to others (which I actually have).