ajmaudio

I thought that $500 for Valve covers and an oil cooler leak was still a little steep. Just picked the car up, I think I'll shop around a little more for those two items. How difficult is replacing the valve cover gaskets myself? I haven't really done much more than change the oil on this car.

Update: I took the original estimate into another shop, they also thought the prices quoted were ridiculous. The tech told me not to worry too much about the HG leak. He said it looked more like residue rather than an actual leak, and suggested (as most of you on this forum have) that I not worry too much about getting it fixed right away and to monitor fluid levels. I was quoted (from the new shop) $500 with tax to replace the valve cover gaskets and the oil cooler leak.

Is a terrible idea to take this car 1500 miles round trip in two weeks?

The car seems to consume oil at a normal rate. I had the oil changed when I bought it, and the dipstick was at the halfway mark about 3000 miles later. No brake pedal pulsing when slowing down or steering wheel shake.

I have a 2003 Forester 2.5 XS that I bought seven months ago with 129,385 miles on it for $8681 after taxes (current mileage is 136,422). I had the the timing belts and a rear wheel bearing replaced a few months ago, since then the car has been running great. Took it on 1500 mile road trip without issue. Last week I had a full inspection done in preparation for another big road trip. I thought the worst case scenario would be maybe new brake pads........unfortunately this is what the mechanics told me along the repair quotes: 1. Headgasket leaking oil to the outside - ($3200-$3300) 2. Sterring gear leaking power steering fluid - ($825) 3. Spark plug holes are full of oil from the valve cover gaskets - wires are oily ($505) 4. Oil leaks at oil cooler adapter to block ($200) 5. Brakes have 40% left, warped rotors ($320 each axle) So....should I sell it, and if so what would be a fair price? Would it be cheaper/make sense to have a new engine put in and then do steering and brakes? Again, at this point the car runs and drives totally fine. I know that whatever I do I'll end up losing money, just trying to figure out how to minimize the expense. Thanks