Help me save money!

I have a leaky radiator. Planning on replacing it. Checked it this afternoon after work. Just on a whim, I checked the coolant in the overflow tank, which was cold to the touch, while the coolant in the radiator was boiling off, emitting visible steam. After using the search button, I've learned that it, plus the odd knocking sounds I have could be any combination of things in the front of the motor. Now, I consider myself mechanically inclined, but I have neither the time nor the desire to dismantle the car in my driveway with basic hand tools and a crappy Chilton's manual.

So, just for kicks, I called the Subie dealer in Bellingham. For water pump, oil pump, tensioner, and timing belt, they want $1300 parts and labor. I, obviously, would like to pay less then that, and further am not necessarily comfortable with a dealership that asks if my SVX has two or four doors, is a stick or a manual, and does in fact possess six cylinders.

Any recommendations for cheaper/better service in the Whatcom/Skagit area?

[SVXer95]

I don't know a place in the area, but I recommend you definitely look for another one. I spent less than $700 on the same exact thing at a Subie dealership.

[manofmayo]

Calling Ensteele!

[ensteele]

Here I am to save the day!

I have had excellent service at Skagit Ford Subaru in Burlington at I-5 Auto World. They have one guy who really knows SVXes. He did a great job and did it right. He was having some problems doing the job and called and told me what was happening and told me he could do it, but needed another hour of work to do it right. I said go for it. It had never been done right before (alignment). The charge was very reasonable and I felt like he knew what was going on. I asked about some other repairs and he told me how much they would be, and it was very reasonable. I would check with them. If you need any more info, let me know and I can get you the number if you need it. Hope you get better results there. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.

PS They have a follow up call and card. They really want to know if you are satisfied or not.

[JENKIN]

I sent my daughters 92 to Skagit Ford/Subie on Earles advice, and they were everything that Earl said that they were, but the amount that you stated as a quote is pretty much what I paid for the parts/service that you named. (is that a long, run on sentance or what?)

[SVXObsessed]

Hey Earl, I was wondering if you could give me the name of the guy (if you can remember) that knows SVXes that works in burlington. I'm looking to replace crank seal, timing belt, water pump. Thanks!

[ensteele]

If you get it into Skagit, they will automatically get the good guy on it. He know his way around SVXes. Let me know how it comes out.