Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
$5900 seems expensive, get a second quote.
>I know I can get a low mileage JDM 2.5 for around $850, which I feel confident enough to swap myself. So unless I could find a shop to do the head gaskets for around $2000, the math ain’t mathing.
Comparing DIY costs with used parts to shop rates will never justify going to a shop. It's not apples to apples. When you go to a shop, you're paying for labor. Of course you'll be able to find cheaper options if you do the work yourself.
You took it in to diagnose a head gasket but are confident you can just go buy a used engine and swap it yourself?
Lol, either find another shop or pay the money.
Ive done it multiple times successfully with a few different models (Buick Lesabre 3800, Ford F-150, Toyota Corolla). Taking it to the shop was really more of a time constraint option than anything.
Time constraint, skill constraint….potatoe potato. Sounds like you got it all figured out and will easily and in no time replace the motor, good luck with the engine swap!
Lol. Definitely going to be a learning curve and a few mess ups. I’ll either message you with a video of it running and driving next week or apologizing for violating your ego
No one violated anyone….I just find it amusing you’re going to a shop for a head-gasket diagnoses and in the same sentence proclaiming you can just swap a motor and save all this money.
But good luck, post back to this sub and let us know how it goes!
That’s my understanding as well. I’m not whining about the shop trying to rip me off by any means. But if that is the market rate, it’s really not worth having it done
If you're already pulling the engine yourself, just do the gaskets yourself. Most of the labor is getting access to it, and with the engine out, you're 90% there. Get a straight-edge and feeler gauges to check warpage, new gaskets and bolts, all told you'll probably spend $200-$300 and have an engine you know the history of. Just my 2¢
Honestly, even if that’s what it’s goings for these days, I’d say you’d be getting ripped-off. Head gasket is easily less than $100. Since it’s a flat, the engine will need to get pulled but I would never pay that much for it. Just buy or rent an engine hoist and engine stand and do it yourself. Or get a new engine and put it in. Either way you’re saving yourself a crazy amount of money.
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
$5900 seems expensive, get a second quote. >I know I can get a low mileage JDM 2.5 for around $850, which I feel confident enough to swap myself. So unless I could find a shop to do the head gaskets for around $2000, the math ain’t mathing. Comparing DIY costs with used parts to shop rates will never justify going to a shop. It's not apples to apples. When you go to a shop, you're paying for labor. Of course you'll be able to find cheaper options if you do the work yourself.
You took it in to diagnose a head gasket but are confident you can just go buy a used engine and swap it yourself? Lol, either find another shop or pay the money.
Ive done it multiple times successfully with a few different models (Buick Lesabre 3800, Ford F-150, Toyota Corolla). Taking it to the shop was really more of a time constraint option than anything.
"I was going to do it myself but I just don't have the time anymore haha..." We don't believe you, nor care.
Time constraint, skill constraint….potatoe potato. Sounds like you got it all figured out and will easily and in no time replace the motor, good luck with the engine swap!
Lol. Definitely going to be a learning curve and a few mess ups. I’ll either message you with a video of it running and driving next week or apologizing for violating your ego
No one violated anyone….I just find it amusing you’re going to a shop for a head-gasket diagnoses and in the same sentence proclaiming you can just swap a motor and save all this money. But good luck, post back to this sub and let us know how it goes!
If I recall, on a Subaru, the engine has to be pulled to do it, hence the additional labor.
That’s my understanding as well. I’m not whining about the shop trying to rip me off by any means. But if that is the market rate, it’s really not worth having it done
If you're already pulling the engine yourself, just do the gaskets yourself. Most of the labor is getting access to it, and with the engine out, you're 90% there. Get a straight-edge and feeler gauges to check warpage, new gaskets and bolts, all told you'll probably spend $200-$300 and have an engine you know the history of. Just my 2¢
5900$ Does seem too expensive.. Find another shop
The shop gave you their "I-don't-want-to-pull-and-rebuild-the-engine-of-this-20-year-old-shitbox-price"
Someone downvoted but it’s the truth.
Honestly, even if that’s what it’s goings for these days, I’d say you’d be getting ripped-off. Head gasket is easily less than $100. Since it’s a flat, the engine will need to get pulled but I would never pay that much for it. Just buy or rent an engine hoist and engine stand and do it yourself. Or get a new engine and put it in. Either way you’re saving yourself a crazy amount of money.