I need to have the head gasket replaced in my 2009 Subaru Outback.

This topic as been addressed ad nauseum here over the years. But briefly: wrenches experienced with this job can knock out both head gaskets, install new t-belt and idler and tensioner on the way out, in 8 hours. Most will charge you 10 hours, as they have to drive the heads to an outside machine shop to test for cracks and flatness (do NOT ignore this sublet!). Parts are a couple hundred bucks, $150 sublet. Decent, fair prices are $1.4-1.7k. Ignore the water pump and t-stat, as they're always ok. Be sure to get the head gasket 'Kit" that includes new head bolts as well the t-belt etc. Do NOT use a mechanic who's never done this before, as it'll take him/her a full two days and they may screw up torquing the new HGs. If the dealer will do it under $2k inc outside machine shop and all new parts that's not the end of the world, as dealer parts cost more.

Subaru guru, Do you know if a suburu mechanic in the Boston are who can replace timing belt and possibly head gasket at a reasonable cost? I have a 2009 outback with 102k. I was told by a local Subaru dealer a couple of years ago that the head gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. An I dependent mechanic said that It was seeping and that I should just keep an eye on it.

Sure. I've often sent my clients to Alewife Auto, 33 Mystic Ave, Medford for this job. Figure about $1800 all in, inc full sublet to machine shop for heads check and prep, as well t-belt, pullies, coolant, etc. Leaking coolant from #4 cyl corner (driver's rear), or oil from the passenger side? If the former you may have to bite the bullet, as there's no way to mitigate the leak. If simply dripping oil onto the hot exhaust on the pass side (right head) you can abate it somewhat by using 10w40 (or even 20w50 in summer) oil instead of the silly 0w20 Subie has to use in North America (only!).