SuBaRuBlues - retrospective, re. any brand of older car
September 15, 2013 at 10:04pm
Today's cars last much longer than they used to, but - sure - there can be serious issues buying a high mileage vehicle.
Takeaway-1: Blue Book price does not reflect inherent defects.
Every Subaru built in a particular set of years was due for head gasket failure after 100,000 miles or so. Used car buyers rarely anticipated the problem - and the replacement cost was not factored into the sale. The actual cost, after repairs, could easily be 150% of the selling price.
Takeaway-2: Change engine oil seals before they leak.
A year or so after the head gaskets were replaced, my Subaru got "totaled" because of a sudden, massive oil leak (not even preceded by a tell-tale drip). The oil seals should have been replaced along with the head gaskets. If you need head gasket work on a high-mileage car, make sure the mechanic recommends also replacing the seals - otherwise consider replacing mechanics!
Likewise, if the car is over 100K, have those seals replaced with the next timing belt change, along with the belt tensioners. And when the clutch or auto-transmission gets removed for service, that is an appropriate time to change the rear-main seal.
No comments:
Post a Comment