Subaru Customer’s Dissatisfaction with Inflated Repair Costs
A Subaru car owner received a repair estimate of $8.5 thousand for an alleged serious oil leak. The dealer included a replacement of the cam carrier seal costing $5,307 in the service package. The customer stated that she will no longer deal with Subaru and is returning to Toyota.
Doubtful Service Practices at Car Dealerships
Car dealerships sometimes face criticism, and often this is related to questionable sales tactics. However, sometimes the reputation suffers due to inappropriate service maintenance. This case demonstrates an unattractive picture for one Subaru service department.
What was supposed to be a simple car ownership experience turned into disappointment for the driver. She now claims that she is done with Subaru and is considering Toyota again.
Shocking Cost at the Service Department
The owner posted on Reddit, seeking advice. Buying the Forester was an excitement for her, but after an oil change, her heartbeat accelerated for completely different reasons. The dealer reported that her 2016 SUV required service work amounting to $8,459. While older cars often need serious maintenance, the specific costs make this story notable.
Estimate Details and Search for an Alternative
The dealer requested $909 for the 120,000-mile service. They estimated the replacement of the left oil valve with the engine harness at $1,521, and then added $5,307 for the replacement of the cam carrier seal. Although it is possible that the car really needs these works, the customer decided to turn to an independent mechanic for a second opinion.
The Actual Condition of the Car and Mechanic’s Recommendations
The mechanic did what most good workshops do: he took her to the shop and showed her everything she needed to see. The suspension was clean. He said there was no leak, but there was a small amount of oily residue seeping through. He recommended ignoring it until a leak appears or until oil needs to be topped up. She added that the floor in her garage is absolutely clean.
Her experience with cars is mainly related to Toyota and Honda. She noted that her largest repair bill until now was $1,100. Her shock is understandable, as is the comment she added later: “I’m going back to Toyota. The Corolla was the best car.”
Warning for Buyers
One caveat to her plan is that the real problem might not lie with the car itself, but with the dealership system. Many service departments are part of large groups that work with multiple brands, sometimes even within the same city.
If this is the case, then switching from Subaru to Toyota might not protect her from inflated estimates or questionable service practices. In other words, the emblem on the grille may change, but the people writing the bills might remain the same. Thus, not only the manufacturer or model can spoil the ownership experience, but also the choice of service center.
Forester Oil Leak $8,459.62!!
byu/Zealousideal_Pear112 inSubaruForester
This case highlights the importance of getting a second opinion on repairs, especially when it comes to significant amounts. Independent mechanics can often offer a more objective assessment, helping to avoid unnecessary expenses. Furthermore, this driver’s experience reminds us that trust in a brand can be undermined not only through product quality but also through the actions of service representatives. It is always worth researching reviews about service centers, regardless of the car brand you own.