I'd like to find out from you all what you consider a reasonable cost-of-ownership on you Subaru. Specifically, not counting normal maintenance like oil, filters, tires, gas, etc. - but more on what you consider reasonable expense target of non-routine, unexpected repairs each year after the warranty runs out. Are you above or below expectations on the cost of repairs?

 

On my 96 Outback with 122K, I've had to replace tires and brakes of course as well at the battery, oil seals, t-belt, waterpump & thermostat(preventative). I also had to replace a few sensors and currently I'm having issues with the EGR system. With the additional fear of head gasket failure, I trying to decide whether it might be a good time to start shopping for a new vehicle.

 

Just curious.

 

Paul

I have an 82 Hatch that I have had since........1982!

 

It has had a clutch, front CV's, water pump, alternator and a fuel pump in 21 years!!!!!!!!

 

Still runs great. I calculated my cost of ownership at $375 per YEAR!!!!!!!!!! (not per month)

 

This would include purchase price:brow:

 

That's why I got a Forester. (one water pump bypass hose $11)

 

Glenn,

82 Hatch, transforming....:temper:

01 Forester, jealous.........:madder:

Not counting the T-belt/H2O pump/front seals we did at purchase (bought at 100,000 miles and we didn't know if previously done - SOA had no records).

 

One front wheel bearing, $249.00 = $124.50/annum.

Originally posted by mtsmiths

Not counting the T-belt/H2O pump/front seals we did at purchase

 

How much was the TB, WP, and seal service??

I have had no unexpected expenses on my 98 OBW, though I did replace the timing belt myself for about 50 bucks. However, I fully expect to have to replace head gaskets within a year or two, based on what I've read on this board.

 

My wife bought an 86 hatchback as her first car in high school. Being young and inexperienced with cars, she didn't take good care of it. My wife: "The oil light only comes on around corners." Once we married, I took over the maintenance, which consisted of oil changes and a front brake pad replacement. Despite the neglected maintenance, the little lawnmower (as we called it because it sounded like one, and was about as mechanically complicated as one) still runs. We sold it for $800 bucks, and it was recently spotted roaming the wet streets of Eugene, OR.

 

Yearly maintenance on both Subarus is/was very little, just as expected.

 

Peace,

Here's what was done. T-belt, pump and seals, transmission serevice, install cruise control (part of the debrightonization), all fluids, filters, etc. The total bill was just over a grand. I'm guessing that the engine work was about $520.00. They also did a complete pre-purchase inspection (even tho' we had already bought it in Spokane) so, it could have been a bit less.

 

Hey, it's been over two years.