Subaru Forester blown head gasket

I doubt that would replace the entire engine. Get a detailed quote so you know what you are getting. If the block is damaged you will need a new engine, not just head gaskets. Head gaskets should not be 5 grand but I suspect this is dealer prices.

Heads could be warped so that total could climb. If you really love the car, the car is in great mechanical and cosmetic condition and have the cash I would get it fixed and drive it until the wheels fall off. Otherwise get ride of it.

My 2002 Forester...... said the engine was cracked 100,000 miles ago. Its 285,000 now. Love this car. You may curse the engine, perhaps I don’t understand, but my engine did nothing but purr while cracked, and use oil sporadically. Fixing the back wheel bearings was the biggest problem, as the place could not remove that pin! I didn’t want it cut off, but no choice. The first assembly failed. The second assembly just seized up on the highway and the mechanic said it is nothing but melted metal. He however, uses a machinist to get the assembly in, whereas the other station obviously didn’t really know how to or want to fix such an old car. I wish I had gone to a dozen places until I found someone like this guy. The now I am facing this engine block issue. Because the car is heating up l lot. The gauge does not reflect that, but the heat and smell have steadily been getting worse over the last year and now it is too much. I think I have to let it go. I am sad.