What about rebuilding the engine you have.

 

Thanks for replying - the mechanic we took it seemed to think that was not an option, at least it would be costlier than the replacement. But I'm new to this, as far as having the replace/rebuild discussion. It's a place that works on lots of Subarus, so I'm taking his word that this one is not worth the cost to repair. May need a 2nd opinion though

 

I would absolutely get a second opinion.

Putting a used, unknown-condition engine into a reasonably nice car seems like putting a bandaid on a bullet wound. A rebuilt engine, although costly, is a fresh start on life, and would likely outlast the car.

If the engine is running now, it can be rebuilt. If your current mechanic doesn't want to do that, shop around for another shop. Engine rebuilds are expensive and timely, but not impossible.

 

Look for a Subaru specialist. If you listed your location someone here could probably help. The 9,000 to replace the engine with one of 115 K miles is over the moon. DO NOT EVER VISIT THAT SHOP AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!

 

In Tucson -
Just to clarify it's 9K for everything, not the engine by itself, but yeah it seems high to me too. Shop was well recommended but we will definitely see what another set of eyes has to tell us. It runs, not too well for sure, a rod-related chatter that is steadily getting worse.
Very much appreciate the responses -

 

I'm one that prefers the path of least resistance, it would already be listed on cars & bids.

 

Subaru 2.5L FB25 DOHC Long Block (11-13 Forester)

2011-13 FB25 Subaru Forester Long Block Engine. Block Casting: FB25 ( F25), Head Casting: AP25. Need your core or call 509-202-3187 to check stock

sunwestautoinc.com

 

Put a rebuilt long in my 2014 that had the dreaded oil consumption issue and was out of any mileage grace from Subaru. If you are up on all the other service work and compare to the cost of a running Forester of the same era/options then add some $$ for a new motor I think you will see it's money well spent. Sure it's a pain to deal with but likely better ROI with the new motor if yours is in great shape. If do the swap, make sure add a little more for new hoses and any hard to get at plastic sensors or such while on the stand.

 

IF the car is good/very good condition, I would replace the engine. The prices of used/new cars are High. Believe me I don't want to work on any cars anymore. But the price of good used cars and new cars are so high, it pays for me to fix my cars and be miserable fixing them. I bought a beater forester with cold AC and I replaced the engine with a good JDM used motor. The car runs like new now with no oil burning. Just so you know, I watched alot of youtube video's about removing subaru engines and bought from harbor freight engine stand and engine puller. I did the work in the driveway and it took me 2 days and I took my time.

 

@StrongMad I have a 2001 Forester S. It's now got 233,000 miles. The body and interior is in good shape. No rust anywhere. It's now seen 2 Head Gasket jobs ($2500-$2800/each). 2 radiators, 1.5 starters(Replaced the 1st time, rebuilt 2nd time). Some here would consider spending $2800 on the last Head Gasket as a crazy idea when the car is only worth $1200. But I view it from the perspective of $2800 vs $15,000-$20,000 for a used vehicle. Or $30,000 for a new vehicle. To me $2800 is cheap given the current state of vehicle market. I don't have money sitting around like some to lease or buy a new vehicle every 2-3 years.

 

I bet @StrongMad would be happy if one you all promoting swap in a new engine would make him an offer.

 

I'm not able to do much DIY beyond bulbs, blades and batteries myself. So the idea of the shop costs to handle the whole thing, plus the time and hassle is kind of daunting. We are able spring for a newer or new vehicle if need be, which is always fun.
Other and now only ride is a base 2017 Golf 4-door with stick, sneaky turbo motor and it's a damn hoot. Will see what 1 car life is like for a bit while we research.

 

All engines are eventually terminal. Did you overheat or have it shut down from lack of oil? 9K is the most expensive used engine replacement I have read about here. I would think yours which had half the mileage comparatively could be rebuilt for far less.

 

It still runs, but appears to have been out of oil for sometime, and initial shop diagnosis was that it will be done for any day - it certainly sounds bad. Again, the 9K is for all parts, labor, taxes - since I'm not much of a mechanic myself it's all done by the shop. I have not yet had a chance to see what they estimate a rebuild would be, but the implication is that it would be prohibitive. 9k is more or less the value of the car when running (maybe 10.5K in the current market?) - but close to totaled.

 

If i were in your shoes I would not do the used engine unless youre doing it your self and getting it cheap. since your depending on a shop to do it i would find another shop for sure. we just replaced the long block (new subaru) in my sons 09 sohc forester. including timing kit, gasket kit, rebuilding heads and misc other part he was in it for about 3500 to 3600.00. so figure another 2k or so in labor on the high side puts this job less than 6k at any reputable shop. a used engine could last 50 to 100k or 2 weeks. no way to tell what you're getting in a used motor. I was finding low mile motors (100k or less) for 800 to 1600 dollars when the subaru long block was less than 2100.00.
re

 

Wish you were closer. I would buy it in a heart beat. The FB25 engines are still relatively inexpensive and the swap is not that hard for those so inclined. PM me if you decide to dump it. It still may be worth the shipping.

 

Gotcha - thanks. Still researching options here. I wish I was more a wrench myself.

 

Curious about the lack of oil issue. Our 2015 doesn't seem to use much between oil changes, maybe 1/2 quart.

About junkyard drivetrain items; maybe for dirt cheap but $9000 more than a quarter the price of a brand new Forester. That would make no sense to me

I think I'd find a Subaru only specialist. We have a couple in our area.
It's much cheaper to have someone who can do the work in their sleep than it is to have someone fumble around through a job and make it last much longer than necessary.

I'll share a story about a client who did structural steel work on buildings. I once asked him how I could estimate the cost of a job and he said that I couldn't. He followed with the fact that if he needed the job the price would be low. If he didn't need or want the job he might double the estimate and if he got the job he would fit it in and make a bundle to change his point of view about it.
Point is, you definitely need more than one price because you really don't know which category you are currently in.