I have a 1998 Subaru Forester with 96k miles. My car started to overheat while climbing a steep pass in Washington State. I dropped it off at a mechanic in Leavenworth, WA. He told me the head gasket is blown. He suggested I needed new gaskets, bolts, oirl filter, timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, wires, and coolants. Total cost is $2700. This is almost the value of the car. Am I being taken? I googled the issue - gasket seems pricey - but $2700 seems beyond what I read it would cost - then again, the timing belt does need to be replaced. I have no idea about the other things. I am just trying to get a grip on whether I am paying a fair amount or should take it some place else for a second opinion. The car broke down far from home in a small town. Thank you in advance for any insight. If that's how much it costs, and the price is ball park for the work, then I think the ill feeling will go away a little. If I don't need those things, it would be nice to cut the cost down to $1500 or so.
RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 1998 Subaru Forester. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
