98 Legacy Longevity Question

[nk1positive]

Hey everyone! new to the forum here... I was just wondering people's opinion on my situation. So I've got a 98 Legacy L sedan (BD?) with 196k miles on it. I took it into the shop today because I have had some recent axle clicking sounds, and it turns out I have two broken CV joints and a broken tranny mount...total cost of repairs ~$954. I didn't go through with it yet because I've been debating whether or not to just find something newer.. if I could get two more years out of this legacy (~42k miles total) that would be perfect; I just don't know if it will last that long. The only other maintenance issue I've had was to replace the knock sensor about 5 months ago. Other than that, everything has ran pretty smoothly. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Sorry about the long post and if I posted in the wrong forum :-(

- Nk1

[98outbackpdx]

i have 242k miles on my 98 Outback with the bigger motor and automatic. it has only left me stranded 1 time and it was because the the alternator and the battery was bad. i would get the motor checked out and have the shop check out the transmission and differentials to see if they are still good. the dealer that i go to get everything done at now says that i will easily go 300k miles on the car and they keep trying to buy it from me. if it has been maintained and continues to be maintained and you try to fix things before they fail you could probably go to 300k miles as well. if it is in good shape i would go ahead and fix it.

[kimokalihi]

Man do shops get you on repair costs. A grand to replace two axles and a mount? I'd have done it for you for $350 including parts.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Man do shops get you on repair costs. A grand to replace two axles and a mount? I'd have done it for you for $350 including parts.

No crap, you got screwed. The shop I had do my axles did it for 350 for both, and a transmission mount is a very easy job in a shop.

You should look at the estimate/receipt and see where they charged you because that seems iffy.

[98legwag]

WTF?! I had a timing service done and they fixed a leaking cv joint for $1200.

[TGX4776]

I got my axle replaced for $100 (parts and labor).

[nk1positive]

I havent done anything yet. I had a free 25 pt inspection at pep boys so I took it there the other day and they said it was my power steering and they wanted me to schedule a power steering service.. So then I brought it to midas and they checked it out for free and told me it was the mount and the axle and it would cost $954 (w labor alone being about $400). I think I'm gonna take it to a subaru dealership tomorrow or Tuesday.. I just have to figure something out by July because starting then i'm gonna be driving 72 miles a day 6 days a wk...

[TGX4776]

where are you located?

[nk1positive]

FL fort lauderdale area..

[TGX4776]

ahh thats too bad. too far for my mechanic

[prodriver1]

I got over 350k on my old 97 outback, then I sold it to grayguy after I blew 2nd gear on the trans, apparently its still going after he fixed and sold it. this was years ago so its gota be close to half a mill by now. never give up on a subaru unless its rusted to the ground.

[Dead91silvia]

Good God! Thats stupid expensive! Just as a ball park for parts and labor my shop would be about $500ish...

As for mileage, I have 240K on my BD, the motor has 270K. I'll keep repairing it till gets totaled....

[nk1positive]

Thanks everyone! I'll take it to the dealer on tues and see what they have to say price-wise..

[Wiscon_Mark]

Dealership probably won't be great. Look for a decent import specialist shop. You're in a decent sized city, so there has to be some good ones.

Better yet, logon to Nasioc and look in your regional forums for some feedback on shops & dealers.

[Regardie]

Rebuilt front axles are about $70 a piece at Constant Velocity of Ochala, a transmission mount can't be that much. Find a local shop that you can trust and have them install the parts you provide. Ask around to your friends and neighbors for recommendations.

-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities

[anothernord]

Transmission mounts can be got for next to free, although you might as well get a Group N mount if you have a 5MT.

Axles aren't all that difficult to replace if you have the tools and space.

[ShadowGT]

I have a 98 GT and I have 166K miles. Car stranded me once and I was able to fix it on the road.

+1 for replacing your own axles and trans mount. It's not hard.