Subaru Blown head gasket was just the beginning Acton Massachusetts
I want to be clear I am not blaming the dealership I went to about this problem. This is an issue with Subaru as a whole. I bought my 1997 Subaru Legacy used with 108,000 miles for $3800 ( approx. blue book value at the time). Am I crazy for buying a used vehicle? Yes. However, I was 19 at the time and I could not afford my Rolls Royce.
It all started with the timing belt (approx. $500) of which I've had to replace twice now. Then it was the head gasket at $2400. Followed by shocks and struts at $1200. The shocks and struts may be normal maintenence but not on top of everything else. Then a wheel bearing went at $400. I suspected my 0-2 sensor was going and brought it in to be looked at. It could not even be checked because they had to run the engine to do so. They could not run the engine until I spent $700 on a cadillydic converter connector and filler neck to the gas tank. (Not to mention the whole converter is bad, but I don't have the money to replace it.) Then the sensor cost me $40. Also, I replaced the ignition switch at $30. Now, I've also had to out two batteries in it in the three years I've had it, but that's not Subaru's problem.
At $3800 to buy the car, and $5770 worth of repairs, not to mention the gas mileage is far less than impressive, I've spent $9570 on an 11 year old car. I'm a poor college student and don't make enough money to save and get out from under it. But believe me, I tell people to avoid Subarus like the plague and I willl NEVER buy another one.
Amber
Haverhill, Massachusetts
U.S.A.