QuestionHi,
Hoping to get some feedback.
A month ago I had issues with the temperature doohicker sticking which caused a cracked headgasket. (which kind of peeved me off because I called about the temperature gauge going to hot and was told the gauge was probably sticking but because when the heat kicked on and temp went to normal it could wait for a week until they could fit me in. So I drove the car around like that for a week)
So...I bring the car in, and ended up having a cracked headgasket repair done and also had the timing belt replaced and oil changed. Got the car back (it has 140K Miles) and it was vibrating horribly at the idle, but fine accelerating and driving. Called the shop immediately on a Friday night and they said they would see me in the next weeks. So, I brought car in and now they are telling me that I need a new engine. It is burning oil, as it was low on oil and there is no oil pressure in the engine.
Now I have been complaining since 20K miles with the dealership about the oil consumption on this car. They ran all kinds of tests over the years insisting there is no leakage/drop in pressure - but I've been dumping oil in the car since the get go (about a quart every 400-500 miles), and have been told this is "normal". I've always disagreed, but just have always drove around with quarts of oil in my car to add at gas fill ups for the last 6 years.
Now they are saying that I need a new engine and the cost is 2,000-3,000. I just paid 1,700 for the headgasket repair. I think they are trying to rip me off. I have no problem with paying for maintenance on the car - but to pay for the headgasket and then 3 weeks later pay for a new engine? Something doesn't add up.
I've never had any problems with the car until 4 weeks ago!
Help??? Not sure what to do at this point. This is the only subaru dealership in the area - my other option would be Firestone, or trying to find an independent mechanic. Does this sound fishy to you??
AnswerHello,
I am truly sorry your having the experience that you are both with your Subaru and the repair process.I cant really comment on what has transpired with the repairs you have had done or whether or not you are being treated fairly.Auto repair is not an exact science and those of us in the industry that care about long term relationships with our customers will always do the best job we can for you.Sometimes when a car is repaired you can unlock new problems.For example if the vehicle has had an oil consumption problem for a while repairing blown or worn head gaskets can create more cylinder pressure especially if the heads had to be machined.Doing this repair on a vehicle with worn piston rings,worn valve guides or seals can create a larger oil consumption problem as the newly increased cylinder pressure can put more stress or pressure on potentially weak engine components causing new or intensifying existing issues.The flip side of this is if a shop, no matter how big or small suggests a new engine is needed when the diagnoses at that time is blown headgaskets, that shop could possibly completely ruin there reputation if another shop did headgaskets to the vehicle after you elected to have a second opinion and the car was fixed without the need of an engine.You would think shop A. was dishonest and shop B. was great.If up until recently the shop you take your vehicle to has been fair to you and you had been happy with there work in the past maybe there is a solution to be had by explaining your concerns with the service manager or owner.If you are uncomfortable letting them work on your car anymore that is a different issue.Im not sure if any of this helps but i hope that this situation does improve for you
