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1994 Subaru Legacy

Question: Water pump and beyond

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Morter, Truckee, CA, December 05, 2009, 18:00
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I just bought a 94 legacy wagon with 86k miles for a snow car, and the water pump went out on my first trip up to the mountains. The mechanic suggests that I replace the timing belt (even though it was already done about 25k ago) and to replace The cam seals, tensioner belt, thermostat, and another seal "since they're already in there". I see the logig behind maximizing the labor, but am wndering if all these other repairs are overkill... Or if they are really a good idea while they are ripping my car apart to replace the water pump.. Any thoughts?

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  • Answer #1

    mahindra December 05, 2009, 18:15
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     Journeyman

    What was done 25K ago? Do you have an accounting of what was done. The suggestion of the mechanic is correct unless you know what was done 25K ago. Your subaru is almost 16 years old. It is better to be safe than sorry. Especially when we are talking about a subaru. I would say this Technician is right on.

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    Morter, December 06, 2009, 07:26
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    Just the timing belt was done at 60k... And I do have full records on the car. Can't believe that they didn't do the water pump as well. But since the cost of parts for a timing belt is do minimal, the might as well replace it while they're in there anyway, right? And they gave me an estimate of $1000 to do everything (seals, t-belt, pump, tensioner belt, thermostat) or $650 to just do just the water pump / timing belt. Does this sound reasonable? Thanks so much for your feedback!

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    mahindra, December 06, 2009, 15:20
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    Is this the dealer or an independant repair shop? I think that is on the high side. Get some more estimates. That is to high. I just checked repairpal estimate and it was about $700 for both water pump & belt

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    Morter, December 06, 2009, 15:33
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    ok... so if just the Water pump and timing belt is $700, it seems that $300 isn't astronomical for the rest of the proposed work. Or is it?? It is an independent shop that seems to have a pretty good rep, and has been around for many years. I'll try to get other quotes, but unfortunately I'm stranded in Tahoe, and need to get back on the road no later than tomorrow night... so i don't have much time to get it all figured out. Thanks again for your input!

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