Get a second opinion. For several months, the Check Engine light has been on in my Subaru Forester. The family-owned auto repair shop we took it to in Chicago said it was no big whoop, but since they are not a Subaru dealer, they could not turn the sensor off. Fast forward to the hubby and I noticing that the car is leaking oil on the garage floor after we move to Nashville. He takes it in several times, sensor still on, oil still leaking. Fine. So week before last, he took it to an import auto mechanic downtown. The oil leak is fixed easily and cheaply with a new gasket (or something; maybe a seal). Yay! As for the Check Engine light, they tell him they’re getting a shiny new diagnostic system and to bring the car back that Friday. He does, and the motherfuckers charged us $300 and change for the diagnostic ONLY. Then they tell him the car needs $2500 in repairs, including a new catalytic converter, which ain’t cheap.
Predictably, I flip out over the $300 diagnostic cost and the repair estimates. I suggest we get a second opinion, which he’s all for considering we’re on the verge of spending every dime we have on the new house. I call the downtown Subaru dealership, and what do you know? Their diagnostic test costs a whopping $90. Now that’s more like it. The gentleman I spoke with told me that if the catalytic converter is indeed bad, it may be covered under the 8-year, 80k mile emissions warranty. Of course, we try not to get our hopes up, but every crumb helps.
The hubby just heard from Subaru. The catalytic converter is fine. All we need is a new sensor…for $300. If you’re ever in Nashville and your imported vehicle needs some work, avoid Import Auto Maintenance AT ALL COSTS. Cause they’re gonna fuck you. Crooked sonsabitches.
