2008 Subaru Outback
A friend has offered to give me his 2008 Outback, in
perfect condition if I can have the engine replaced.
He said his son “blew it up.” “Timing belt broke.”
80K Miles. Is the car worth a repair or replacement?
I would probably fix it. The engine may or may not be a total loss, probably not.
Rebuilding the motor with full head work will approach the cost of chasing a used, dry (new head gaskets) one. Either is a good call IF you have access to a machine shop known for addressing used head testing and geometry. Note that the odds ARE that at least one valve is bent, so don't just pay for a "quick" head gasket resealing to only find out you've no compression at a cylinder! 2006-2009 era OBs eat lots of what I call "popcorn": the $200 stuff that pops up often, like wheel bearings, swaybar end links and bushings, halfshafts (axles), and the infamous leaky rear Y-pipe exhaust to the rusted-in-place twin mufflers (that's about $400-700 depending upon corrosion level at the flanges). While you're at it drain and refill the ATF (3.75 qts) and upgrade to iridium plugs, and absolutely avoid 0w20 oil and use 10w40 dino. Use H-rated tires for best handling, and keep at 35F/32R psi, and you'll have a blast.
The car is in Wheeling, WV, where can I get a motor and at what cost? Thanks!!
I need help finding a motor for this!! Help please!!
Call your local wrench and ask him/her to scan the salvage networks for a motor. The LKQ yards may be a good start. Ultimately you don't want to ship too far, and it'd be nice to get one with dry heads.
