Fix or sell my 2011 Forester?

Asked by Guru9TQN39 Mar 25, 2021 at 01:19 PM about the 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2011 Forester has almost 100,000 miles, new
tires, was regularly serviced, and has a few dings
and dents. I just paid $3500 to get it serviced at the
dealership (which has a great rep) where they
replaced the front axle, the steering rack, a wiper,
and two bulbs — and did diagnostics on leaks
(coolant is leaking into oil). They are now quoting
$2700 to replace the radiator, hoses, gauge, and a
couple flanges.

I had set a mental limit of $5k and this exceeds it.  
Sell?

3 Answers

Apparently money is not an issue with you. You have spent more than the car is worth. Pay attention to the head gasket issue. The things you mentioned will not address the coolant in oil problem.

910

A rack is almost NEVER required for these middle-aged Subies...although axles are common. Regardless, the $3.5k is SEVERAL fold over real cost! As TD mentioned, let's hope the $2,7k additional includes replacing both HGs as well the radiator! The radiators are fairly robust unless superheated from blown HGs that crack the plastic body. You REALLY need to find a less expensive wrench!

Your Answer:

Forester

Looking for a Used Forester in your area?

CarGurus has 1,310 nationwide Forester listings starting at $3,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,400
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,780
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
44 Great Deals out of 1,118 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota RAV4
140 Great Deals out of 2,980 listings starting at $4,999
Used Honda CR-V
185 Great Deals out of 4,925 listings starting at $440
Used Toyota 4Runner
21 Great Deals out of 542 listings starting at $8,960
Used Subaru Impreza
36 Great Deals out of 635 listings starting at $3,999
Used Toyota Highlander
41 Great Deals out of 815 listings starting at $3,877
Used Toyota Tacoma
41 Great Deals out of 764 listings starting at $9,975
Used Subaru Legacy
17 Great Deals out of 208 listings starting at $3,200
Used Nissan Rogue
124 Great Deals out of 4,946 listings starting at $190
Used Toyota Camry
50 Great Deals out of 1,122 listings starting at $2,500
Used Honda Pilot
33 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.