2008 Subaru Legacy repair
Asked by emeralddotty Jun 29, 2016 at 09:24 AM about the 2008 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT AWD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I have a 2008 Subaru which always had regular repairs and maintenance. It has 110,000 miles. I brought it to a an independent mechanic and was just given an estimate for $4,000. Included was valve gasket, front axles, headlights polished, back brakes, battery, 4 tires, air filters, water pump, timing belt, tune up, fluids flushed and replaced and 110,000 mileage work. This was a shock and left me with a lot of questions. Should I just get some of the work done now and some later, should I think about getting a new car, is this a too much to put into a car not worth that much more than the estimate. Any advice would be helpful
7 Answers
I'd get a second opinion and do the water pump, timing belt and tires. Water pump and timing belt will be most critical to engine health.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 7 years ago
Bob is COMPLETELY in error here! Subie water pumps and t- belts are golden, often lasting 12-15 years. The more important issue is whether your HGs are bleeding enough to either be dripping coolant and/or oil sufficiently to be an overwhelming nuisance. So do get a careful second opinion. Use 10w oil and an oil leak sealer to perhaps abate the valve cover minor leak (they're always minor). Of course replace the axles ($200 ea total) and rear brakes ($300 inc rotors), air filter ($20) and battery ($100). Ignore COMPLETELY the t-belt and water pump unless you're replacing the HGs...otherwise you may do it twice! So you'll be spending under $1k here. Budget $400 for rear exhaust later, as well $300 for front brakes, $600 for tires, and eventually $1.3-7 for HGs (inc t-belt). But right now that $1k should do it.
@TheSubaruGuruBoston. While I would agree that you know more about Subarus than I ever will I would disagree that I am "COMPLETELY" in error. As you know the timing belt service interval is 105,000 on this vehicle the odometer now shows in excess of 110,000 miles. It is time to replace the timing belt. The original poster made no mention of head gasket seeping issues after taking it to a mechanic to see what it needed. I can only assume that the mechanic is experienced in Subaru repair. If it were mine I would also replace the water pump while it is in the shop as I am perfectly aware that overheating a Subaru is not a good thing. Sure the timing belt may last another 5 years, but it could break tomorrow. I think it is good advice to follow manufactures maint. schedules pretty closely.
TheSubaruGuruBoston answered 7 years ago
Hi Bob. Sorry to to be so severe in my correction. But since this chariot will need HGs eventually, wherein the t-belt will automatically be replaced...AND they don't break until well after a decade and certainly 150k+, it's imprudent to waste the money. Further, the water pumps ARE golden...although checking the tensioner for wetness (it's hydraulic) and the pulleys for slop is recommended. In all my years I've only seen ONE 11 year old belt that was stress-cracking and should be replaced soon. I have NEVER seen overheating caused by a bad or worn WP...or bad OE t-stat for that matter. These are NOT like VWs, Hondas or Toyotas that eat water pumps for lunch....
Gotcha, I appreciate the response.
emeralddotty answered 7 years ago
Went for 2nd opinion. Got all necessary work done, belts, brakes water pump, brakes, axles and tires. $2400. Thanks for all your advice
