Also, they said my PCV Valve looked rusted and needed replacement - $188. What do you think of this? Was this likely necessary? Thanks.

 

I think $295 is too much for a serpentine belt replacement but others may not agree. The belt cost is around $50 to $75 and it takes just a few minutes to replace for an experienced technician.

External rust does not affect the operation of a PCV but they should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If yours has not been replaced then it is overdue.

A PCV costa around $30 to purchase so knowing this you can determine whether you are happy to pay $188 to have it supplied and installed.

Seagrass

 

It’s a $40 belt and takes 15-30 minutes.

They likely didn’t change your belt idler & tensions pulley’s which should be near end of life at that mileage. $40 for both pulleys. So your going to have to take the belt off again to change them. The dealership not mentioning this is terrible.

here’s a link to the parts if you have the 2.5 engine.

https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/diy-gen-5-2-5-serpentine-idler-and-tensioner-bearing-pulley-replacement.545465/?post_id=6264606#post-6264606

 

Change the pcv valve yourself and the hose. The hose is old and will be rock hard and not reusable. $40-50 total for both.

Don’t over tighten the pcv valve. 18 ft lbs torque.

search here and youtube for parts and diy. 15min job.

 

I suppose that price is possible, after tax, if the labor rate is somewhere over $200 and the minimal charge is for 1 hour.

 

I actually timed myself when I changed my belt and it took 11 minutes which included changing the tensioner and pulley.

 

Hello,
Every time I need to do something on the car, i first check the procedure online, videos etc...
If it's doable then I DIY for part cost and a cup of coffee.

Here is the PCV video.
This guy channel is great.

 

Just paid $295 for drive belt replacement @ 115,000 miles on 2016 Outback 2.5. Yes, it was at the stealership, but is this a ridiculous price even at a dealership?...

Neither your "Account details" nor your "Signature" indicate where you live.

I can only see this if you're in a very expensive urban area, otherwise ~$300 definitely sounds excessive...even including a "free" inspection.

And almost $200 for a simple PCV valve - which should include doing the hose, as mentioned above; again, excessive, unless labor in your area is ~$225/hr with a 1hr. minimum.


+1 to MrSubaru videos, @Bots