chadmwalker

Oops. I had looked at a 2000 model on KBB. 1999 is $7,825 Sale /$6,450 Trade. Anyone interested in making me an offer send to chadmwalker@hotmail.com. More info about the car: Color = Hunter Green. Has a few bumps and bruises, but nothing major on the exterior. CD/Cassette, power windows, power locks, grey fabric interior, new Michelin XW4 tires, ABS, serviced at regular service intervals. Recent brake work to front and rear brakes. Just had major service interval about 3-5 K miles ago. -Chad

My Outback is an automatic. Larry, I sent you an email. I'm not sure how to determine the value of a vehicle that needs this significant repair. KBB shows private party value of this car (in good condition) at $8,810, trade-in at $6,770.00. Any ideas? Any thoughts on if it's worth even talking to the dealer that recently serviced it? Thanks for the response, -Chad

I have a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback wagon that I purchased new, and have driven for 190,000 miles. I have serviced this vehicle religiously, just put brand new Michelin tires on it, and have fairly new brakes (f&r). Within the last couple of months, I noticed the temp to be erratic, up and down. Usually turning on the heater would bring down the temp, but I had not researched the issue until now. Last week, the temp went up, and wouldn't come back down, as I searched for a safe place to pull of the freeway, it stopped running. I had it towed to the dealer, and they tell me that I need a new Head Gasket, and based on how it sounds when running, will need a new Short Block. (~$4,500.00). I'm wondering a few things: Is it worth putting a remanufactured short block and HG in this car with this high number of miles? Is there a place to purchase these parts somewhere other than the dealer? Since I recently had it serviced (30K interval), and had mentioned the overheating problem to the dealer doing the service, would I have any recourse with them for not finding/addressing the issue? Would I be better-off selling for parts/donating to charity? I do not have the skills to fix this myself, and need to make a decision this week, as I need to either fix or forget so I can get a vehicle under my butt again. Another option may be a used engine from a salvage yard, but I'm worried about other problems that may exist with them (given the number of HG failures found on this site). I'm really looking for some good advice, to help me make a sound decision. Thank you!! -Chad