My 81 year old father-in-law has a 2013 Forester with 108k miles with diagnosed HG issues from both a dealer and independent mechanic that is not necessarily a "Subaru specialist".

The dealer quote "about $4k" for new head gaskets and I'm assuming that includes new timing belt, etc. maintenance/service as well.

I'm on the east coast and looking from a distance for a Subaru shop near Brighton CO that he can go to with confidence of not being taken advantage of.

Looking for recommendations.

Edited June 12, 20232 yr by Suzam

'13 Forester is a chain motor. They are pretty labor intensive and the dealer quote isn't really that bad. You might find a shop that can add more value by replacing more parts but those early FB's are notorious for burning oil..... If you came to my shop I would recommend a new short block in addition to the head gaskets and that's about $4k plus an $1800 short block. In addition I would recommend replacing the radiator and hoses as well due to age (10+ year old plastic). That would bring the price to the neighborhood of ~$6300 to $6500.....

The cheapest car is almost always the one you already have and with average new car price coming in around $48k.... I would find a good independent shop willing to do a new OEM Subaru short block, new cooling system, along with all the gaskets and seals and fluids, etc. Expect it to be $6-7k and be the last major work he needs to do for the life of the car. 

GD

Nothing but good things:

https://www.superrupair.com/

http://www.strictlyautomotivedenver.com/

I use to work with Rick and Emily at CCREngines.com  Shawn worked there as well for a time.

CCREngines has changed hands.  The new Owners seem good as well.

11 hours ago, Suzam said:

My 81 year old father-in-law has a 2013 Forester with 108k miles with diagnosed HG issues from both a dealer and independent mechanic that is not necessarily a "Subaru specialist".

The dealer quote "about $4k" for new head gaskets and I'm assuming that includes new timing belt, etc. maintenance/service as well.

I'm on the east coast and looking from a distance for a Subaru shop near Brighton CO that he can go to with confidence of not being taken advantage of.

Looking for recommendations.

Lots of great shops in CO, as the previous reply indicates. Both those guys that replied to you 100% know what they're talking about. You just received top notch advice.  Good luck!