annielumc

Thank you all. I took it to an independent shop that I trust and they said not to spend the money on the oil leaks, they are miminal. they did the knock sensor and axle for $500. They said we should really consider replacing the exhaust system, which is a $1500 job. Seems like I can't get away from spending $2000 on this car! I chose not to do anything about the exhaust system yet. They said it has been patched and that there is a leak around one of the brackets. Advice would be appreciated.

Subaru dealership in Newton, NJ

Thanks again all! She does check the oil regularly, so we're good with that. The independent shop gave much more reasonable prices and will evaluate what needs to be done right away. I'm getting it away from the dealership this evening......after $100 for them to change the oil and do the evaluation........after I told them we pulled the code for the knock sensor already. ARGH!! Hey, at least I'm not giving them any more $$ than that. Have a sparkling day!

Thanks for the advice. I mentioned the head gasket concern to the dealer and they told me that because this car has a dual overhead can engine, it shouldn't be a concern? They said that issue is in the 2001 to 2008/9 years?

We have only had the car for a year and a half and the timing belt had been done along with a slew of other things. I have to pull out the Carfax report they gave us. I have a call in to a trustworthy independent shop to price out the list. I hate to dump a ton of money into it but we can't afford anything much newer and we really like this little car.

This is the local Subaru dealer. :/

It has about 120,000 miles on it

Help! Just took my 1998 Forester in for knock sensor replacement and was told the following should be done: knock sensor-$370 valve cover gaskets- $470 crank seals-$755 timing belt while they're in there because they have to remove it anyway -$100 just for belt no additional labor left front axle cover torn and grease is "going everywhere" - $393 So, my question is do I dole out $2000 + on this car? My daughter goes to school in Syracuse - 3.5 hour drive and the plan was for her to take it to campus in the fall. I'm freaking out! Thank you!

The check engine light came on and the code came up as the knock sensor. We will make an appointment to get it replaced, but is it ok to drive for a week or two? This would include a 3 hour mostly highway trip. Thanks in advance!!!