Shocking Subaru Repair Estimate
A Subaru car owner received a repair estimate of 8.5 thousand dollars for an alleged serious oil leak. The dealer included a $5,307 camshaft seal replacement in the service package. The customer stated that she would no longer deal with Subaru and is returning to Toyota.
Problems with Dealerships
Dealerships sometimes face criticism, and often it is related to questionable sales tactics. However, sometimes the reputation suffers due to non-transparent service practices. This case demonstrates precisely such a situation, creating a negative image for one of Subaru’s service departments.
What was supposed to be a normal car ownership experience turned into disappointment for the driver. She now claims that she is done with Subaru and is considering returning to Toyota.
Unexpected Service Costs
The owner posted on Reddit, seeking advice. Buying the Forester was exciting for her, but after an oil change, her heart raced for other reasons. The dealer informed her that her 2016 SUV required service work totaling $8,459. While older cars often need serious maintenance, the specific costs make this story notable.
The dealer quoted $909 for the 120,000-mile service, $1,521 for the left oil control valve with engine harness, and $5,307 for the camshaft seal replacement. While it is possible that the car indeed needs these jobs, the customer decided to get a second opinion from an independent mechanic.
Situation Improvement and Worsening
The mechanic did what most good workshops do: he invited her to the shop and showed her everything necessary. The suspension turned out to be clean. He noted that there is no leak, but there is a small amount of oily residue that can be ignored until a leak appears or oil needs to be topped up. The owner added that the floor in her garage remains clean.
Her car experience is mostly related to Toyota and Honda. She noted that the largest repair bill she had ever received 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 of the nuances is that the real problem may lie not with the car, but with the dealership system itself. Many service departments belong to large groups that work with multiple brands, sometimes even within the same city.
If this is the case, switching from Subaru to Toyota may not protect against inflated prices or questionable service practices. In other words, the emblem on the grille may change, but the people who make up the bills might remain the same. Thus, a negative experience might be related not only to the manufacturer or model, but also to 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 when receiving significant repair estimates. Independent mechanics can offer an alternative perspective on the situation, helping to avoid unnecessary expenses. Furthermore, it is worth considering that dealerships can provide services of varying quality, regardless of the car brand. Therefore, choosing a reliable service remains key to satisfaction with vehicle ownership.