head gasket on 2008 Subaru Forester

Asked by MimMim1015 Nov 18, 2019 at 05:31 PM about the 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The head gaskets have apparently been leaking oil on my 2008 Subaru
Forester with 171,000 miles on it.  The mechanic where I take my car told me
last year "they are just little leaks and nothing can be done".  Today I was told
the amount of oil leaking from the head gaskets has increased and they need
to be replaced.  Since they have to take the engine out in order to do the work,
I was told it would be best to replace the timing belt at the same time.  The
timing belt was replaced at 105,000 miles.  The estimate for the work, head
gaskets and timing belt is $2600.  Is that a fair price?  

2 Answers

F_O_R answered 4 years ago

The price is reasonable but you can shop around. However, if the oil level is not dropping much I would live with the leak. The timing belt is not due yet so I would wait on that too but go ahead and replace it should you do the head gaskets. The only additional cost should be the belt which is less than $100 so read your quote to make sure they don't add additional labor for the belt change. Keep an eye on the coolant level and the oil!

Mark helpful
510

szmike123 answered 4 years ago

I have 2005 Subaru Forester .Earlier model Subarus are known for head gasket leaks. I replaced both head gaskets about 4 Years ago when was about 80 k km .Yes I replaced timing belt as well. If I remember correctly ,all parts cost me about $600.00 .NO.. You don't have to take engine out of the vehicle to do the job . It's not too much room ,but could be done. It's site on the internet how to do,step by step by professional mechanic.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • head gasket on 2008 Subaru Forester 2 Answers

    The head gaskets have apparently been leaking oil on my 2008 Subaru Forester with 171,000 miles on it. The mechanic where I take my car told me last year "they are just little leaks and nothing can...

    2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 XT Limited

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • any advice on replacing a 2008 subaru forester head gasket yourself? 3 Answers

    I have a 2008 subaru forester with about 170000 miles on it and it is leaking oil and a little bit of coolant. I was wondering if any of you had luck with any brand of head gaskets and whether or no...

    2008 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Subaru Forester blown head gasket 3 Answers

    I've just found out that my 2012 Subaru Forester has a blown head gasket, resulting in oil in my radiator, radiator fluid in my engine, and a couple of other rings that are gone as well? I've been ...

    2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2010 Subaru Forester Head Gasket issue 3 Answers

    I have a 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X automatic with just shy of 107,000 miles. My warranty expired at 100,000. I went into a local subaru garage ( not the dealer) who has been in the business for man...

    2010 Subaru Forester 2.5 X

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Subaru Forester water pump/head gasket replacement 9 Answers

    Hi, I'm looking at an 06 Forester with 36k on it. I know the timing belt should be replaced at 105k or 7 years. Is there a similar age thing with the WP and HG, or can they go for another 70k?

    2006 Subaru Forester

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Subaru Forester Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Chris W
    Reputation
    11,400
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    9,780
  • #3
    Nick Eidemiller
    Reputation
    6,220
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Outback
44 Great Deals out of 1,151 listings starting at $3,800
Used Toyota RAV4
136 Great Deals out of 3,049 listings starting at $3,900
Used Honda CR-V
178 Great Deals out of 5,024 listings starting at $440
Used Subaru Impreza
30 Great Deals out of 649 listings starting at $4,299
Used Subaru Legacy
12 Great Deals out of 221 listings starting at $3,200
Used Toyota 4Runner
35 Great Deals out of 557 listings starting at $9,999
Used Toyota Highlander
40 Great Deals out of 827 listings starting at $7,498
Used Toyota Tacoma
44 Great Deals out of 740 listings starting at $9,975
Used Toyota Camry
50 Great Deals out of 1,123 listings starting at $784
Used Nissan Rogue
138 Great Deals out of 4,992 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford Escape
127 Great Deals out of 4,263 listings starting at $3,999

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.