sljudson

I recently took my 2005 Impreza 2.5L, SOHC (I think) into dealer for a couple of recall repairs. I left there with an estimate about $2000 for repairs needed. Bought it new off the lot in July 2005. Been a homemaker since, so mileage is less than 80k. I knew it was using oil up somehow but never saw leaks on driveway, etc. Was told both heads leaking majorly. I asked where all the oil was going and learned about a protective plastic "tray" on underside of car. It has a dense foam piece laying inside it which I was informed is FULL of oil. Not a happy camper....now reading through these posts it seems to be a common 2.5L issue. Estimate also includes replacing both front cv boots. She asked if I'd noticed a burning rubber smell (the boots). I had noticed a smell. I thought it was hot oil. Attributed it to the oil I was losing somewhere. Now, the original reason I landed here: about 3 yrs ago, yes, 3 yrs.....we drove through a huge Christmas light display in Branson, MO. I'm talking about an hour long drive at a snails pace in a long line of cars. Mine never overheated or showed any other symptoms of being unhappy with the drive, but a couple of days later the CEL showed solid and cruise control light blinking. Cruise control inoperative. Autozone read the codes. There were a couple of them, both indicating the O2 sensor. I have yet to replace it being a widowed single mom. I've got some more ideas after perusing the forums. PCV valve, speed sensor...and the little secret that CC is disabled when CEL is on:) Anyway, just wanted to add my 2005 to the list of head gasket issues. I tried accessing the list link also. It says it's locked. Thanks for all the time and effort to keep people informed. This is a great forum! Sherri KCMO