Subaru Repair: 97 subaru outbackoil and transmission leaks, head gasket repair, head gasket problems

Question
Dealer says oil pump needs to resealed, cam shaft gaskets need to be replaced to stop oil leak, separator plate needs to be replaced.  The oil pump would cost $570, the gaskets $440 and the separator plate $880.  Are these prices reasonable?  The car has only 66,500 miles.  Is  thecarworth repairing at  these prices

Answer
Hey Jim,

Yes, it my opinion it is worth fixing.  But not the way the dealer is proposing.  The first generation 2.5l found in your Outback is prone for internal head gasket leaks.  At our shop the head gasket repair starts out at about $1800.00 and includes the cam seals , oil pump reseal and replacing the separator plate with the updated separator plate and bolts.  We usually end up suggesting the waterpump and timing belt as well and the typical repair ranges from $2000.000 to $2300.00  If you add up the sum of all of the repairs the Dealer has suggested it is $1890.00.  You are getting no value for your money repairing it this way.  What we see time and time again at our shop is the situation where the dealer or another repair shop has not advised the customer very well and 6 months to a year later the car ends up overheating with failed head gaskets after the oil leaks were fixed.  Putting the total cost over $4000.00 when it could have all been done complete in one stop for around $2000.00 and you could be driving the car trouble free for at least the next 5 years or so barring anything unforeseen.  If you do a google search for head gasket problems you will see that this is a common problem and the Dealer is very aware of the issue. This is why I don't recommend people take there car to the Dealer service department for repairs, as the value you will receive for the same money spent will be far greater at a good Independent Subaru repair shop. If you go to Our Website @ http://allwheeldriveauto.com/ you will find an article about head gasket issues under the Subaru repair tab.  You can read up on the subject and see what some owners across the country have had to say as well.

I hope that helps.

Justin
All Wheel Drive Auto