[McTaff]

Just for scares: I did mine at around 130,000km. It was carrying on for the last 25,000km until it died, though.

Subaru themselves did mine (as stated in another thread) and it was around the $2k mark but this is at least six years ago. Subaru can tell you who was the original guys authorised to rebuilt the trannies; you freight yours down and they send you up an exchange one from Melbourne.

Most transmission places would be happy to have a bash at it, but to be honest I'd look at getting a good transmission specialist to really do it, not just "any auto place". There would be a mark-up on the price to get the good guys to do it but unless you really aren't thinking long term I'd be hesitant to spend any less.

If you are interested, I have a spare auto box up there in Sydney which hasn't seen the light of day in a couple of years. When I got it I was assured it was in working order however I am dubious and think it'd at the very least need a strip/service, and probably it'd need a bit of work as the oil levels haven't been checked inside and may have some scale buildup. If you want to buy it let me know. I'd be happy to let it go to you for the right price. (The original plan was to have it rebuilt with a shift kit and some heavier duty bits and packed into storage. Never got around to it, though.)

As for the 'filter' it is an inline oil filter and you are probably well advised to to a few things at the same time (i.e. install an oil cooler if you can, put a kit through the oil pump and replace the filter itself).