Subaru Repair: 98 Outback seal problems, Subaru expert, Seattle Subaru Expert

Question
I am considering buying a 1998 Outback. The owner of the car has told me that the front seal on the engine needs replaced and that the estimate his mechanic gave was about $1400.  He claims this is not a head gasket problem but that they will replace both the front seal and the main seal.  How necessary is replacing both seals if only the front is leaking?  Is it worth the extra money just to have it all done at once and how long is it safe to drive this way without risking harm to the rest of the engine?  The car otherwise seems to be in great shape with only 100,000 miles and this is the original owner.  They are asking $4000 for it?  Is this a fair price for something that could potentially cost another $1400?

Answer
Katie,

You are looking for trouble.  Take the car to a Subaru Expert for a pre purchase inspection. $1400.00 for a front seal is real high.  Head gaskets are closer to $1600.00 and most shops would put the front seal in at the same time for $8.00 or so in parts cost.

Never buy a car that the owner has told you what it needs without having an inspection done first, if it needs something it should be fixed first and the cost passed along in the sales price or the fact that it needs work reflected in the sales price.  But dont just take the owners word for it.

Justin

www.allwheeldriveauto.com