The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hi there,

I'm relatively new to this forum, and that's because I've recently acquired an '05 Impreza RS as my car. Spent a while researching the model and other cars I could've gotten with the budget I had and decided to go for it, saw a few over a couple weeks and picked the one to my liking with an RAC inspection done. The guy that owned it before's been faithfully servicing it at Subi for the last 6 years he's had it, so that helped in the decision process.

Anyway, fast forward a few months and up comes my first service, bought the car with relatively worn brakes, knew that and had them replaced. But the mech decided to kindly let me know that there's a leaking head gasket and LH cam seal is leaking. He noted that it wasn't too much of a problem at this stage, it was just dripping really slightly and I have been inspecting oil levels regularly and no noticeable drop has happened in the 4 months I've had the car. Gave me a rough estimate on how much it was to fix it, should it get worse and it was in the range of $3.5k.

No dramas now so I'm in no hurry, but I'm the type that plans in advance, and in the following few years, just what are the best options? And while I'm here, if I may ask, what are good mechanics around Perth for Subi's?

Cheers,
oceancool92

I think you need to talk to Paul (RSR 555 )
Three and a half is abit rough I think

$3500 for a head gasket?

If I could quote like that, I'd be happy with 1 job per week.

I tell my friends to get a quote and I'll do it for half, pity you're not in Brisbane.

Thanks Andy

Hi and Welcome oceancool92. I'd be a bit skeptical about the head gasket How did he come to this conclusion? Also, how many kms has the Impreza travelled? I'd like to take a look at it for you. I have a workshop in Kelmscott and only there 4 out of every 8 weeks.

Cheers,
Paul

oceancool92 I would ring this guy and tell him another mechanic has said that the glow plugs and injector pump need changing as well. Then see if you get an honest answer from him, which should include the fact that petrol engines don't have glow plugs or injector pumps. (both components are found on diesel engines)

Wait for Paul to come back and get a fair and honest opinion based on facts not on what new television a mechanic wants you to pay for.

$3500 should get you a very good reconditioned engine not a head gasket and a rubber o-ring.

Just out of curiosity who is this guy and where is his shop so the WA members know to steer clear of him

TOONGA

Oh, and don't think Paul charges so much that he can afford to only work four weeks, take four off etc, he gets a four week working holiday every other four weeks

steptoe wrote:Oh, and don't think Paul charges so much that he can afford to only work four weeks, take four off etc, he gets a four week working holiday every other four weeks

ROTFLMFAO... you should see what I charge Atwood Oceanics

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

Toonga, it's the Subaru mechs down at Melville, so I was expecting as such.
I haven't had any time to look around for a reliable mechanic around my area as I'm still at uni at the moment, and things are picking up right now until exams and none of my friends own a Subaru and have parents taking care of servicing for them.

RSR, I have no problems in popping by Kelmscott for you to have a look (my family drives around there every now and then to check out koi at the Fish and Lily farm on weekends. So if you could let me know if you're around during the July period, we'll be sweet. The car's done over 140 000 ks, a bit more than usual but the previous owner had to drive from Coogee to Osborne Park for work.

I appreciate the input and will most likely steer clear of them next time.

Can't really say what will be happening in the July period but I'm home in 3 weeks and you are welcome to drop over anytime and I can have a quick glance (no charge) over your Impreza and see what is going on.

Cheers,
Paul

Yeah watch out for paul - his professionalism I've heard of will give other mechanics a bad name!

Cheers

Bennie

Generally the best way to tell if a head gasket is gone in a later model Subi is if it gets hot once you hit freeway speeds or thrash it a bit as the motor pressurises, they are usually ok around town and unlike most cars there is usually no oil in the water or vice versa.

Hey Paul,

Is it possible for a weekend drop by? If you're here for 4 weeks from 3 weeks from now, depending on my exam timetables I may be able to make a weekday if that's the case.

Could I contact you when you are in town?

Cheers,
Justin

Hey Justin, yep, I'll be home for 4 weeks in 3 weeks time. I can look at your Impreza on the weekend but we can sort that out (PM'd you my details) I promise I wont use the Tom (d_gen) testing method

Hey Paul,

Replied pm, will be in touch.

As for reaching freeway speeds, engine temp doesn't seem to overheat on the freeway, so I'll take that as a good sign? :P
As for the other method of testing...

haha.. no probs Justin

As long as the car temp gauge isn't in the red during normal driving, I think you'll be fine until I get home but keep a good eye on it.

Hey Paul,

The temp gauge doesn't even shift a bit from where it normally is when I hit the freeway. Anyway, still waiting on dates to sort out, will let you know asap.

Cheers,
Justin

I had a look at a EJ25 SOHC the other day with similar report from a Brisbane Subaru dealer.
They want $4900 to do both head gaskets.

The RH has a WEEP, they say both are LEAKING.