Subaru WRX 03 - Headgasket Repair / Refurbished Engine

[Tony0606]

Hi All,

I am new to the forum and was hoping for some advise on my Subaru WRX which needs a headgasket repair. On the motorway the other day it would appear that the radiator sprung a leak and as such the engine has overheated and damaged one of the headgaskets. I am told by the garage I was towed to that to repair the radiator and the headgasket (for which they will need to do both as they are unable to identify which one is the issue) will cost me just shy of £2k. I am advised that a refurbished engine will be cheaper due to the labour involved but I am awaiting a quote. My feeling is that the car is worth more than the probable repair bill so I should move forward with the refurbished engine. I would appreciate any thoughts on whether what the garage is telling me sounds reasonable and if you are in agreement with my thoughts of getting a refurbished engine. Apologies if this subject has been raised elsewhere and I have missed it and many thanks in advance.

T

[Vixpy1]

If the garage can't tell if the headgasket or the radiator is the problem , get a new garage.

[rb5er]

On non turbo legacy (easier to work on due to no turbo) I had head gaskets changed along with a new clutch and a few other bits for just over £850.

Go to a better garage.

[Tony0606]

Hi Vixpy1,

Thanks for the reply. Just to clarify when I said they can't tell which one I was referring to the two headgaskets. The radiator needs repair and one of the headgaskets but they cannot tell which headgasket so they would need to repair both.

Thanks,
T

[Tony0606]

Hi rb5er,

Thanks for the reply. It's just a bog standard wrx not an sti. Thanks for the info I shall make sure I shop around

Thanks
T

[Vixpy1]

Where is the car presently? (area wise, don't need to name the garage) It needs to go to a Subaru specialist really

[Tony0606]

Hi Vixpy1,

It's currently in Basingstoke

Thanks
T

[Vixpy1]

I would suggest you Let Stew at TFS take a look at it..

http://www.tfsracing.co.uk/Contact_us.html

[paulmoonraker]

Vixpy1 said:

I would suggest you Let Stew at TFS take a look at it..

http://www.tfsracing.co.uk/Contact_us.html

Do this.

[Tony0606]

Thanks for the advice both.

I guess my only problem will be getting it from one to the other

Thanks
T

[My Evil Twin]

TFS may have a trailer...
or a friendly tow shop... its only about 15miles so, in the big scheme of things.. paying 2k for a headgasket n rad... could be worth it

[paulmoonraker]

It's still not a cheap job because the engine needs to come out.

[Vixpy1]

TFS do have a trailer, headgaskets are like Paul said not a cheap job but at least it will be done properly, we see so many cars that have been bodged by normal garages