Deadeye

This is an update to my post below...Mechanic has told me that my problem is a failed rod bearing. He won't know how much damage was caused until he opens it up the rest of the way. The engine still turns but won't start. His position is that many phase I's had problems with rod bearings. Is this true? He won't even sell 96-99 Subaru's because of it. He also said that although Subaru won't admit to a flaw, any new phase I bought from them does not have the problem. He also sez, put an $1800 used motor in it and unload it rather than $3400 for a new one. He sez it doesn't make sense to put that much MORE money into a 99 Outback. Apparently it'd still be a bomb. To me, $3400 is a lot less than $14000 for another car. Comments? Thanks

Mechanic has told me that my problem is a failed rod bearing. He won't know how much damage was caused until he opens it up the rest of the way. The engine still turns but won't start.

I have a 99 Outback. 2.5. 85,000 miles. Bought it back in August. It developed a trans leak and an oil leak. I took it to a private Soobie service center that I had dealt with regularly many years ago. While working on my leaks he warned me that these motors are prone to problems. (I don’t recall the details and I am not the least bit knowledgeable about motors) Anyway, he replaces timing belt, timing belt tensioner, water pump, and in hopes of heading off the future motor problems, a new oil pump. $1000. That was two weeks ago. Last Wednesday the vehicle left my Wife sit with a dead motor. Today (2/2) the same mechanic is looking at it to determine whether his repairs were flawed or whether this is the most amazing coincidence ever. So the question… Were there problems with these motors? How can I tell if this guy is on the up-and-up? Can someone give me some idea how I might proceed if indeed the motor is shot? Anybody want to be my lawyer? He’s already ballpark quoted $1800 for a used motor, $3400 for a new one. He said that the best way out of my predicament, assuming the motor is shot, is to put the used one in and then trade the vehicle in at a dealership. To his credit, he did say to not trade thru him because he couldn’t give me much on a trade. My biggest problem is I still owe $6000 on the darn thing. Thanks

Hello, I have a 99 Outback with a busted drivers-side driving light. These are the lights in the bumper. Subaru wants $115 for a replacement. I don't want to spend that much and I've heard that I can replace both lights with alternatives for less. This is not a trick ride, just my wife's grocery-runner. Can someone recommend a replacement that's not too wierd? Or some other option? And... are they difficult to replace? Thanks in advance! Deadeye