lsabol

I took my 07 Impreza TS (155,000 miles) for an oil change at my local Subaru dealer today and was told that my front axle boot has split. The service guy said this is not an emergency but did encourage me to replace it, and to use genuine Subaru parts, which he estimates the cost at $420. Questions: do I need to have this work done at all? Should I use Subaru parts. Any info appreciated. Thanks! Laurie Sabol Ayer MA

the rest of the car is virtually rust-free. Here's a photo of the hood.

22G is the color that's on the plate under the hood.

Thanks so much for the great responses about my headlight problem! Due to rusting, my 04 Impreza TS needs a new hood. If I buy a hood from a body shop and have them paint it, how close will it be to the current color (22G), which has faded over the years? Thanks for any info you can provide. Laurie Sabol Ayer MA

I've had an 04 Impreza TS since 2007. During that time I've replaced both passenger and driver's side headlights at least 5 times each. In my almost 40 years of driving I've never had to replace a headlight. Are Subarus excessively delicate this way? What am I doing wrong? Recommendations on longer-lasting headlight bulbs would be much appreciated. Thanks! Laurie Sabol Ayer MA