Hi All, I have some questions about a oil leak.
First, I would like to give you some history about my car....
It's a 1998 2.5L limited edition outback wagon with 127,000 miles. I've owned it for 4 years and it had 58,000 miles on it when I purchased it from the orginal owner. I have had no problems with this car and I do keep up on all the maintenance. It's my only vehicle and I love it. In addition, it's paid for and I would like to keep it running for at least another 100,000 miles! I lived in rural Iowa for the past 4 years and I always took my car to a local, reputable import mechanic. FYI - they are "Bob's Automotive" in Fairfiled Iowa and they ALWAYS did right by me. Recently, I moved to the northern suburbs of Chicago (from rural Iowa) and here's when the "MAJOR" issues were brought to my attention.
I took my car to a "well-known" Chicagoland Subaru dealer to get my 120,000 mile service (I was 7,000 late due to traffic )))). After sinking about $900 into a routine service (not including timing belt) I was told I needed $2,600 (not including tax) worth of additional work. This included:
1) Front break pads and rotors
2) Rear break pads and rotors
3) R/S front inner C/V boot kit W grease/clamp kit
4) Valve cover gaskets
5) Valve cover grommets
6) Inner valve cover grommets
7) Oil separator plate
The dealer said that I had major oil leaks that needed to be fixed ASAP. However, I have never had a problem with low oil or seen any sign of oil on the ground...etc.
So, a friend I worked with recommened I take my car to her local Firestone mechanic (FYI - this guy has over 30 years of experience and used to own his own Subaru). The Firestone mechanic said I did not need rear break pads or rotors. In-fact, he said I had at least 30,000 - 40,000 more miles on them. In addition, he said that I did have some very minor oil sepage, but it was minimal (maybe a teaspoon every 3,000 miles). Moreover, he said oil leaks were not unusual, given the age and miles on the car. Bottom line - he said don't worry about the leaks and keep up on my 3,000 mile oil changes. He told me to check my oil every other gas change (and showed me how to do it correctly) and keep my eye open for any oil on the ground and/or the oil warning light on my dash. He said that cars with minor oil leaks can keep going for years with no problems. He also replaced my entire axle (I told him my goal was to keep this car going for another 100,000 miles) because some corrosion had started. The bottom line is that Firestone charged me about $600 (including tax) for the front break job and the new axle. They told me to keep up on services, trie rotations...etc, get my rear breaks looked at around 15000-160,000 miles, and to keep in mind I had a minor oil leak and warning signs would appear if it ever became a major problem.
At this point, I am confused. The Firestone guy saved me over $2000 and my car is purring like a kitten (however it always has). Howver, I called the dealer (I did not tell him Firestone had looked at it) and asked him what would happen if I didn't fix the leaks. The dealer said I have to fix the leaks or my car engine will get ruined and/or catch fire! Who do I trust, what do I do? I don't have the kind of money to fix these oil leaks, BUT do I really need to fix them? I really do want to keep my car on the road for another 100,000 miles BUT I don't think I should fix every single little thing, especially if it runs well. For example, my heated passanger seat died at about 100,000 miles and I didn't fix it because I don't need too! Please advise!!! What would you do? I just wants some honest advice from mechanically mined Subaru owners.
Thanks very much.
