My son has a 98 Subaru Legacy Outback with less than 100k miles and a blown head gasket. The body and interior are in good shape, KBB value is under two grand and the shop estimates $2,700 to repair. We don't have the time or space to part it out ourselves and the junk yards seem to just give scrap metal value. What would you guys do with it?

Is it a project car, or would selling it require replacing it with something else? Seems to me if it is a daily driver, your decision is $2700 for another well-used car, or $2700 for a used Subaru that may or may not be worth less, but that you have some history with.

I agree with MouthBQ98 - if you like the car, and don't think this is the start of endless repairs, then you weigh the repair cost vs cost of a new car.

The only thing I would add is to get multiple estimates for the repair - at least 2, if not 3. Find a Subaru specialist and get them to quote, if you can't drive it and don't want to tow it around you can at least share what the other shop said and ask how much their head gasket repair service is. If they know the car well they may do it cheaper, and estimates can vary a lot shop to shop.

It's possible to find a decent used car for around $3K if you shop obsessively and get a bit of luck.

Where are you located?

Plenty of garage wrenchers here in Houston who could do it for less than half that.

It is his daily driver but about to graduate and (hopefully) get a real job and better car. Car is currently in Tyler, and the estimate breaks down something like $700 for machining, $500 in parts, $1,500 in labor. Thanks for the input - I'm going to call around and see if I can find someone who specializes in Subaru but most likely we are going to scrap it and move on. After some internet searching it turns out these engines are pretty notorious for blown head gaskets.

Section327Ag said:

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It is his daily driver but about to graduate and (hopefully) get a real job and better car. Car is currently in Tyler, and the estimate breaks down something like $700 for machining, $500 in parts, $1,500 in labor. Thanks for the input - I'm going to call around and see if I can find someone who specializes in Subaru but most likely we are going to scrap it and move on. After some internet searching it turns out these engines are pretty notorious for blown head gaskets.

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You might try posting in Lonestar Subarus for a shop recommendation if you really want to keep the car. Worst-case you might be able to sell it as a roller and get more than scrap value. YMMV.

How badly blown, and are you sure the head is warped? If you are scrapping it anyway, try a liquid remedy first. Guys on this board will likely balk, but I've had good luck with Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Repair (Bar's Leaks makes several products so get this one specifically). I did it at the express advice of a trusted mechanic here in Houston and it's still holding after 18+ months.

But it all depends on the severity of the problem. Mine was relatively minor - shuddering and gray smoke at startup. If you've got coolant in the oil or vice versa then you'll have to treat those issues as well.

Spend a weekend bonding with your son and replace it together. Some of the best memories I have with my Dad are working on something together in the garage.

I think this video might be for your car, but I'm not sure:

It's only hard until you do it, then it's easy.

Holy cow. You have to take everything else but the engine out to get to it.

If you aren't going to DIY it, I would ditch the car and just get what you can for it. You're going to have other problems from here on out.

KY AG said:

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Spend a weekend bonding with your son and replace it together. Some of the best memories I have with my Dad are working on something together in the garage.

I think this video might be for your car, but I'm not sure:

It's only hard until you do it, then it's easy.

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That guys is THE MAN when it comes to Subi repair videos

Before spending that much to repair that engine I'd throw a WRX engine in it.

There are a couple in Houston.

https://houston.craigslist.org/ptd/6164659569.html

Hell you could do the LS1 equivalent and toss in a STi engine for a few Gs more.

https://lakecharles.craigslist.org/ptd/6177862258.html