Fix or sell my 2011 Forester?

Asked by Guru9TQN39 Mar 25, 2021 at 01:19 PM about the 2011 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2011 Forester has almost 100,000 miles, new
tires, was regularly serviced, and has a few dings
and dents. I just paid $3500 to get it serviced at the
dealership (which has a great rep) where they
replaced the front axle, the steering rack, a wiper,
and two bulbs — and did diagnostics on leaks
(coolant is leaking into oil). They are now quoting
$2700 to replace the radiator, hoses, gauge, and a
couple flanges.

I had set a mental limit of $5k and this exceeds it.  
Sell?

3 Answers

Apparently money is not an issue with you. You have spent more than the car is worth. Pay attention to the head gasket issue. The things you mentioned will not address the coolant in oil problem.

930

A rack is almost NEVER required for these middle-aged Subies...although axles are common. Regardless, the $3.5k is SEVERAL fold over real cost! As TD mentioned, let's hope the $2,7k additional includes replacing both HGs as well the radiator! The radiators are fairly robust unless superheated from blown HGs that crack the plastic body. You REALLY need to find a less expensive wrench!

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