Bad news for the 92

3.3H6 · #1 02-23-2011, 01:33 PM

I got a call today from subaru, the engine spun a crankshaft bearing, all in replacing the motor with another one (with 130k miles on it already) is over $2000, new radiator is $200, and brakes are $400 (one of the front calipers was stuck). all in all, that's most of my money, and I can't afford to fix it. I've asked the service guys to talk to sales for a possible trade in or buy it out right, but I'm not hoping for anything. I'm probably going to open the car up for sale here first before posting it on craigslist.

This sucks

Cam · #2 02-23-2011, 01:56 PM

Swap the engine yourself, I swear it's cake. You will need to buy a hoist, and thats about it. 2 grand is a joke.

Why do you need a new radiator? The bearing would contaminate the oil, but that should be all.

3.3H6 · #3 02-23-2011, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam

Swap the engine yourself, I swear it's cake. You will need to buy a hoist, and thats about it. 2 grand is a joke.

Why do you need a new radiator? The bearing would contaminate the oil, but that should be all.

the radiator is trashed, it has a 5 inch crack on the top.

I have access to a hoist, the problem is time, I'm a full time student, and I can't keep wasting time on this pile of crap.

Sean486 · #4 02-23-2011, 02:12 PM

You haven't had that very long have you? Other than the engine issues, what kind of condition is it in?

3.3H6 · #5 02-23-2011, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean486

You haven't had that very long have you? Other than the engine issues, what kind of condition is it in?

I've owned it since November.

Otherwise it's all solid. The rear struts need replacing, but there is no rust, no major body damage, one or two small dings, and it could use new paint at some point, but it's not critical.

The interior is all there, new wrx radio, I have a few parts for the interior, such as a replacement trunk/gas tank release levers (trunk release snapped off). No rips in the leather, the driver's seat is worn, but the rear seats are basically perfect, no wear at all. The tires are brand new.

Wikedjuggalo · #6 02-23-2011, 02:24 PM

I believe you could do all of it for less then half of what they quoted you. Brakes costing 400? I don't even think my drilled and slotted rotors and pads cost that much (could be wrong). Radiator can be had for 131 on ebay.

icingdeath88 · #7 02-23-2011, 02:34 PM

Yea it honestly wouldn't cost half that to do it yourself. This car is relatively easy to do an engine swap. The brakes and radiator are also really DIY friendly, and the parts are quite cheap.

Cam · #8 02-23-2011, 02:41 PM

You say time is an issue, but I honestly believe that it would take twice as long to sell your car, find a suitable daily driver, and so on. Then you have to pay for licensing, deal with swapping insurance, blah blah blah.

Really, I know it is discouraging to have engine problems. A dealership will rape your wallet, as will most automotive shops. Your $2000 quote is quite ridiculous.

Too bad you don't live closer, I would help you out just to keep an SVX on the road.

NikFu S. · #9 02-23-2011, 02:41 PM

I think if they intend to just drop in a used motor without even resealing it they are screwing you over.
It might be worth your time locating a reputable shop willing to do that and replace the bearing.
Dropping an old engine in will definitely be cheaper, but you'd just be back in the same boat you were a couple months ago.

If it were me in your position (I sort of was in a similar situation) and if I had the means I would get a hoist and a few friends buy and swap the engine yourself, then hang on to the old one and use it as a learning tool, attempt to repair it.
It's a lot of work and it may take a long time, but provided you don't drop the engine you'll save quite a few bones.

Cam · #10 02-23-2011, 02:43 PM

Replacing the bearing would cost much more than resealing a new engine. You would have to check oil clearances, possibly machine the crank, buy an entire set of bearings...

I respectfully feel that is the wrong direction.

NikFu S. · #11 02-23-2011, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam

new engine

There's your problem. (doesn't exist)

3.3H6 · #12 02-23-2011, 02:49 PM

Look people,

I just can't deal with fixing it on my own, I have the tools and hoist, but I don't have the will to fix it. I'm doing everything I can just to keep my grades from slipping, and getting my degree is more important than fixing an unusual relic. If the dealer won't give me a deal on it for trade in or buy out, I'm selling it for what I can get and moving on to a simpler and cheaper car to maintain, maybe a civic..

3.3H6 · #13 02-23-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cam

You say time is an issue, but I honestly believe that it would take twice as long to sell your car, find a suitable daily driver, and so on. Then you have to pay for licensing, deal with swapping insurance, blah blah blah.

Really, I know it is discouraging to have engine problems. A dealership will rape your wallet, as will most automotive shops. Your $2000 quote is quite ridiculous.

Too bad you don't live closer, I would help you out just to keep an SVX on the road.

I can just post the ad and forget about it until some enthusiast nut job comes knocking for it. Fixing it would take too much time away from my classes, and in my position, a californian kid in NY, going to the only school that had everything he wanted in terms of programs, and staking everything on this decision, I can't waste time or tons of money (which I don't have) on fixing this car.

IF anyone want's to buy it, make an offer.

Wikedjuggalo · #14 02-23-2011, 02:58 PM

Civics are always the answer. FYI any car will have issues at some point. If you get in to a newer car you will probably have payments and have to keep higher insurance right? how much is that gonna cost a month vs. fixing it?

3.3H6 · #15 02-23-2011, 03:01 PM

When I buy my next car, I'm doing what i did with the SVX, pay it all up front and be done with it. I paid 2 grand for it, then paid the dmv fees and got insurance the same week, and that was it. I don't dick around with payment plans. I don't even have a credit card, just a debit. No payment plans, no interest fees, nothing.