Subaru Owner Receives $8,500 Repair Estimate for Nonexistent Issues, Says Mechanic | Carscoops
A routine oil change resulted in a hefty repair estimate, but a second opinion indicated only minor sludge seepage and no substantial leak.
A Subaru owner was given an $8,500 estimate for what was claimed to be a significant oil leak. The dealership included a $5,307 cam carrier reseal in the proposed repairs. The customer expressed her frustration, stating that she is done with Subaru and will return to Toyota.
Dealerships sometimes face criticism, often due to questionable sales tactics, but sometimes it stems from dubious service practices. This appears to be an instance of the latter, casting a negative light on a particular Subaru service department.
What should have been a simple ownership experience left one driver feeling disheartened. She now claims her time with Subaru is finished, looking once more to Toyota.
Unexpected Costs in the Service Bay
The owner shared her experience on Reddit in search of advice. She described her excitement about purchasing a Forester, but after an oil change, she found her stress levels rising for all the wrong reasons when the dealer informed her that her 2016 SUV required $8,459 worth of service. While it's common for used cars to need significant maintenance over time, the specifics of these charges are alarming.
The dealership estimated $909 for a 120,000-mile service, quoted $1,521 for a left oil control valve with engine harness, and then added a considerable $5,307 for a cam carrier seal replacement. While it’s possible that the car genuinely needs all these repairs, the customer opted to get a second opinion from an independent mechanic for safety.
Improvement and Deterioration
That mechanic took the time to show her what was necessary, as most reputable shops do. He revealed that the undercarriage was clean. “He said I don’t have a leak, just a small amount of oily sludge seeping out. He advised to wait until I see a leak or need to start adding oil. I should mention my side of the garage floor is pristine,” she noted.
Her experience with vehicles predominantly involves Toyotas and Hondas. Reflecting on that, she mentioned, “My highest repair bill so far is $1,100.” Her shock is perfectly valid, along with her later comment: “I’m returning to Toyota. The Corolla was the best car I've ever had.”
Caution for Buyers
One warning regarding her plan is that the underlying issue may not be the vehicle itself but rather the dealership's practices. Many service departments belong to large groups that manage multiple brands, sometimes even in the same city.
If that’s the case, shifting from Subaru to Toyota may not protect her from inflated estimates or questionable service techniques. In other words, while the brand may change, the individuals handling the invoices might remain the same. Therefore, it’s not solely the automaker or model that can taint an ownership journey, but also the selection of a service center.
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Subaru Owner Receives $8,500 Repair Estimate for Nonexistent Issues, Says Mechanic | Carscoops
A regular oil change resulted in a significant repair estimate, but seeking a second opinion showed only slight sludge seepage and no actual leak.