frank319

Hi, did you ever figure out what the vibration problem was & get it fixed? My 2002 outback is doing it now. shake is on driver's side with acceration especially uphill. I did both front axels last year. Any other ideas?

Oh it has 190k now. In April, I was on a long trip, had this mechanic check it, said it was good, it overheated big time, had to leave it in VT for repair and go back to get it 3 weeks later. Got both heads, gasket, water pump, timing belt, radiator, some other little stuff.

Thanks all. I bought the car in 2008 w/ 60k mi. Guy had all the maint receipts, believe he bought in VA. Nothing on the carfax. Mechanic says last year when he replace the Y pipe I guess he got the federal one but said it wouldn't fit till he figured out it was CA emissions and got the right part. This time he just got the CA part. Last years part # 44139AE12A, this time it was 44???AB??A I don't remember but the receipt says 313101. First part was 890.42, this part 784.90. both parts 2 hrs. each labor. Something seems fishy to me. Josh, I sent you the VIN via your website link. Thanks!

Hi, I had catalytic converter parts replaced on 2002 outback. Mechanic says my car is configured for CA emissions. I bought the car from an individual in VA and I live in MD. Can I find out from the VIN if this is true? He says there are more (4) converter parts than regular emissions, 2 at the front of the "Y" pipe (each end replaced last year) and 2 between that & resonator just replaced now. $1000+ each time. I can't find any info about these front ones replaced last year or any solid info about how much the parts & labor should cost. They said 2 hrs. I'm very upset. This guy I trusted for years but apparently didn't take good care of it, this past spring told me I was good to go for long trip but the heads blew up, $4000 to repair in VT and 3 different mechanics told me it was a mess under there, other issues & services not done properly, another $1000. I found new mechanic. With converter codes this time but he recommended I take it back to the other guy in case converter was under warranty. I didn't know about the CA emissions or that he hadn't really replaced the normal converter last year. Thank you so much for your help! With $6000 in it this year, it has to last me a couple more years!