A lot of folks were questioning whether or not the Subaru job was worth it and that's a good question. You know? should you have jumped the car, you can look at it like this. The car has a private party value of between eight and ten thousand dollars here in New York in the condition that it was in with the miles that are on it. The job took me about eight hours start to finish.

so about 720 at 90 an hour here in my shop. Cradle 600 brand new from Subaru and the control arms are 150 a piece and the alignment's 80 bucks when it's all said and done. So that puts Bill 1700 plus tax doesn't include the oil pan and other things you had me do a brand new 23. Subaru If you were to scrap it and just go buy a new one, it's going to start out at about thirty thousand dollars.

So if you got the most basic Subaru he could buy, he's looking at 550 to 600 a month. So instead of that he can take those three months worth of car payments, put a new sub frame in it, and get several more years out of it. No mathematician, but it sounds like the right move to me.

100 thoughts on “Was the subaru job worth it!?”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Chuang says:

    It's worth it if the rest of the car holds up. Good engine, good transmission? Yeah, worth it.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tre Funk says:

    Doing a subframe is never worth it, for the mechanic that is! For the owner, f ya!

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars corey couture says:

    Guy could have fixed his car himself for half of that

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Carl Burr says:

    I'm no Math-magician…

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rico Wade says:

    Even in rural NY 90 bucks an hour is crazy in 2023. Respect to you sire

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Templin says:

    Still running my 93 Ford ranger,,, sure iv out some $ into it,, but she drives like new,,, and a lot cheaper to maintain or replace,,,, she has 150,000, and IV owned it since 2000, 2nd owner

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Oveida Sinclair says:

    That is until that piece ofShit Subaru starts blowing head gaskets, or it's weakAss automatic transmission goes out on him.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Leap Year says:

    My local indy (northwest MA) charges the same and hes awesome at what he does. I tip him well and bring him snacks and I stay out of his hair and never rush him. He keeps my aged fleet running strong. Car payments are not desirable, avoid at all costs.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Hill says:

    Man, I've had customers pay over $10,000 for me to put a NEW engine and transmission in a 2001 Subaru Forester with 310,000 miles on it, also did converters & struts. The man simply didn't want a new

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars sproulman1 says:

    Our labor here in my area of pa is $55 per hr …

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Martin Jay says:

    Totally worth it

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chubbysumo says:

    I always ask if you can find an equally reliable car for the cost of the repair. if not, then its worth doing.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Murphy says:

    Your well worth over $90 an HR Eric. Your expertise is top of the line. Keep up the good work pal, Murph here in Boston ma. 👍🇺🇲🇮🇪

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Trevor Shiffermiller says:

    I wish more people would think of things this way. We have become too much of a throw away society. I have several vehicles that are now considered old but still in great shape. Thank you for no rust California vehicles. The vehicle value is how long it will last given the repairs in comparison to a new vehicle. I can’t afford the new vehicle payment but I can turn my own wrench most of the time and keep my vehicles going. Well worth it to me.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Stephen Gordon says:

    I hate car payments its a loosing proposition !

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Banjo Miner says:

    with the sub frame rotted out that car IS NOT WORTH 8K..NOT EVEN CLOSE..KBB doesnt buy cars

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Franklin says:

    I do $3k repairs to cars worth $5k all the time.
    Can't touch a decent used car here for under 10k right now might as well fix the one you've got.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave M says:

    The equation of fixing an older high mileage car vs. scrapping it and buying another is complicated by the step up cost to a newer car.

    For most people a new car is out of reach.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Algonquin says:

    But it's a Subaru?!?!?

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars RC cars and helicopters says:

    You're way to cheap at 90/hour. Damn. Wish I lived near you. I would never work on my cars again.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Warrick Rencken says:

    Auction your cap 🧢

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Because Bugeye says:

    The people asking "was it worth it?" are probably the people you see on "money tiktok" videos telling the camera their car payment is about $1000-1200 (+) a month. So yeah, don't listen to them.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kyle S says:

    Exactly why I rebuilt my engine

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cpear760 says:

    Made a similar mistake. Instead of getting my Saturn SL fixed, I saddled myself with a new Saturn Ion car payment. Then drove it into oncoming traffic when the driver's window exploded at 11k miles.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan G says:

    That's not apples to apples that was a used car he could go out and buy another used car. But me being a mechanic I totally understand and agree with your theory

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Semi Interesting says:

    wow… you guys really pay $8-10k for that?! nobody would touch it for $1200 in the northwest. might even get boycotted or burned out if you even thought about putting it on a lot for $500 lol

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Jankiewicz says:

    The fix was well worth the cost imo. Who wants car payments? Not this guy.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 91rss says:

    a relative helps a guy pull Nissan Quest front subframe in the south and ship them to New York, If there is a market I'm sure they can get them

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mabel Pup says:

    It’s amazing that people don’t understand this. Instead of 3k for a new transmission they’ll talk themselves into a 50k car

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tex L says:

    Smart man.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joel Sousa says:

    Foca me 😑 in portugal we charge way less than that

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lucas Underwood says:

    $1700 😬🧐😲

    Most shops would've been $2500+

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Perrin says:

    This is exactly how I look at it, new car payments are crazy high.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars M90B35 says:

    $90/hour for SMA repair is a smokin deal Eric

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Boyer says:

    Well I have a cruze and it's paid off and I plan on running into ny salty roads for 4 more years if possible.
    So if my motor blows up or the trans breaks I'll find a u pull it & pull parts.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hard worker says:

    After junking my subaru due to rust I switched to volvos and never regretted that decision. My 01v70XC with 290k is still without rust and works well. However, in terms of repairs done to the Subi in a video I would go with what my mechanic would suggest me, assuming my mechanic is Eric. (however still no more subaru in NY salt for me)

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Skinner says:

    Shit at that rate i have a 05 F150 that will need a timing chain ,phasers and oil pump recommended.When can i drive it up to you.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fljeff7 says:

    Yes

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Mechanic says:

    Well, when you put it that way.🤣
    If the rest of the car is in decent shape such as engine and transmission, I'd agree.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank M says:

    I'll keep fixing my old truck I'm broke and no way I'm paying what they want for new trucks! I can't afford $700 a month payment that's ridiculous

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tooka says:

    90 an hour is insane. I know you're independent but just never thought about independent shops being so much lower than the dealer. Our labor rate at my Honda dealer is $165

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg D says:

    The cost of repairs is less than the sales tax on a new one.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris Sapp says:

    Definitely.. in the current economy, I think people might actually be learning what our grandparents knew. That is repairing & maintaining your car is far better than treating them as disposable things to be used, abused, & thrown away.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dark Vader says:

    I'm currently having a similar dilemma of whether or not to trash my old baby. It's a b5.5 passat from 2005. Just shy of 200,000kms. I got a fuel tank vent line leak. It's so bad that if I fill it over 3/4 of a tank, fuel starts leaking and the smell fills the garage. I always keep it outside. Recently had a new used transmission installed in it, which just by luck I was able to find one sitting on a shelf 1000kms away from me since 2003. Guys at the wreckers were like, "not sure how we missed this thing during inventories. We'd have trashed it a veeey looong time ago." If I hadn't found this low kms tranny, it'd have been trashed. While swapping it, it was determined that the engine was leaking from 20 different spots. So they pulled the motor out, resealed it top to bottom. Every single gasket, seal, sealant, etc. While there, I had them put a new timing belt pump, pulleys and the whole sherade. Cost me just about 4 grand parts and work. Then the alternator crapped shortly after the car was back on the road. There went another $600 parts and work. Prior to all this work, I had paid to have vw install new brakes on all 4 corners and put 4 new all season goodyears. This was a determining factor in my decision to poof out 4k and replace the tranny, and reseal the engine. But now, dropping the fuel tank is gonna be another 1000 in work alone, as it is a 4Motion car and the entire subframe must get dropped, along with the diff and all else. So now I'm at a point where I'm just wondering if all of this is worth it. I am thus far at about 6500 into this car in the past 2.5yrs in tires, brakes, transmission, engine work. And now this… i mean, I could buy the same car for cheaper off the used market place. Mine's pretty well maintained since I've owned it. First guy never changed tranny fluid, hence the failure, but he had a full history of regular oil changes at the dealer rvery 8-10,000km. Car runs nice, no oil consumption, no leaks, besides fuel, suspension seems solid (for now). I don't know what to do about this.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bearded Ford Tech says:

    Very well explained sir

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tommy Makem says:

    One eight hour shift for subframe r&r, power steering rack, and alignment. And that's with smoke breaks.
    Really helps when you have a lift, trans jack, pole jack, and all the tools and osha violations you could ever need.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nebal Deby says:

    Of course the job was worth it.
    1. Owner likes the car, wants to keep it.
    2. Engine and the rest of the car is in Very good mechanical condition.
    3. The owner had a Very good Mechanic working on it.
    Sounds like a Good deal to me.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gilitar says:

    Keep your old car going…. New cars are unaffordable.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Pit Patrol says:

    Where did you get the cool hat?

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars wuthenator says:

    I see it the same way. Ill spend a couple bucks here and there on my durango vs paying $600 a month in payments.

  51. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fasttruckman says:

    Excellent point. Spend 4 months of payments to fix what you have, or 5 to 7 yrs of payments for a new car.

  52. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Christopher Chavez says:

    Far smarter if more people had been thinking 🤔 like that !

  53. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tegra says:

    Couldn't find better advice . Don't just hop from car to car, you become a stream of income for banks and car dealers. In short time the new car will be in the same condition as the current and then what, monkey branch again? Fix what you have keep driving it if you can.

  54. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jackie may says:

    get scrap value or fix or new no brainer

  55. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Page says:

    YOU did the right thing!
    Anyone else would have just wrapped the old frame with duct tape.
    YOU, the man!!!

  56. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GZXC993 says:

    It seems to me that people budget for car maintenance and payments completely differently. Tell someone you're going to spend $600/month for 6 months renovating your car, and they'll say that's a lot of money and just get a new car. Tell them you plan on buying a car with a $600 monthly payment for 5 years, and they say it's worth it.

  57. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hans gruber says:

    New car prices are out of this world! Nice work Eric!

  58. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dadmezz says:

    No one understands car maintenance nor how to save a dollar.
    Thank you Eric.
    Happy Holidays.

  59. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Yakoubian says:

    I guess it’s a common thing to question high cost repairs. But considering the cost of new vehicles, it’s almost always better to repair. But if you throw in used cars, it gets more dicey.

  60. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dustin Key says:

    how's mrs o doing

  61. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Noson Fontenot says:

    these days… 50k+ for a pickup truck. Good grief, I'll repair it all day long.

  62. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Carlos Rodriguez says:

    That’s how Click & Clack calculated whether a repair was “worth it.” Figure how many more months of utility you get out of the car by fixing it, then multiply that number of months times a car payment

  63. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TurboFlush says:

    How I feel. Buy an old good car and just trickle some money in here and there.
    New cars still have problems.

  64. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ALBERTEEZY says:

    You need to charge more my man!

  65. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zach Z says:

    Eric, my man… You're in NY and it's nearly 2023…. Only $90 an hour!?!?… Brother join ASOG and raise those rates!

  66. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MarvTV says:

    I haven't seen $90/hr. in YEARS.

    How are you staying afloat?!

    God bless you for keeping prices affordable; I take it you're trying not to gouge your neighbors and the surrounding community. It looks like you're doing alright, too.

  67. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Excluservice - European Automotive Specialists says:

    You are WAY to low at $90 an hour. You are too good to be charging that low. Anything less than $130 you are getting taken advantage of. Please find a business coach.

  68. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DAVID PERRY says:

    How much you spend on a car does not matter on the age it matters on how good a car it is overall like the camry im a mechanic and 60 years old my 2 cars are 2003 and 2004 Camry because they are good vehicles

  69. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Colin Campbell says:

    90/hr in NY is awesome. Here in Kansas you’d be lucky to find someone below 200 in more populated areas.

  70. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Marilyn Pratt says:

    Where are you? Ok, New York, a bit too far to drive from Oregon to have you work on my vehicles

  71. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hondatrix says:

    Merry Christmas 🎄

  72. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars djsi38t says:

    If the subframe was that bad…the rest of the car surely cant be far behind?Its always a gamble investing 2 grand into a car thats 15 plus years old.Could fail elsewhere tomorrow.

  73. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James of all things says:

    The rust belt is depressing. There's no reason that subaru should ever be taken off the road other than rust. I still daily my 95 G30 for work.

  74. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul joey says:

    Dodge is BEST. at least my charger is. NOS is BEST TOO!

    OK A HELLCAT WITH NOS IS BEST

    in Mexico driving 204mph

  75. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul joey says:

    Your da man. You are the car preacher. 🚗

  76. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Robert Clamon says:

    $90 an hour is too low for your expertise

  77. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars andrew norris says:

    MERRY. CHRISTMAS AND
    HAPPY NEW YEAR

  78. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerry Hatrick says:

    Wow you work inexpensive. Can't find a shop around me where I live in upstate ny for less than 120 worth their salt if your lucky they won't screw your car up.

  79. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars WouterB76 says:

    I think in most cases, paying the repair bill will be cheaper in the long run (as long as your car doesn't get involved in a crash that is)
    Also, with Eric you know it's done right, and in the rare case he makes a mistake he takes it as a man and proud business owner.

  80. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pete4511 says:

    I'm driving a 22 year old ford truck (Oklahoma). I never compare the cost of a repair to the value of the vehicle. I look at how much longer can I drive this old thing without having a car payment. Last year I had the transmission rebuilt. The day it came out of the shop I couldn't have sold it for cost of the repair. The original transmission lasted me 21 year. If the rebuilt one lasts 10 years then I call that a win.

  81. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Todd Peters says:

    Yes, plus the insurance will double

  82. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fred Simmons says:

    Eric is down to earth,and salt of the earth!Hope you get your buck hunting this year,I got a six point communist buck this season!

  83. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ttgk says:

    same thing I did with my truck. having no payments is great and I'll continue to fix it up as long as I can

  84. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars sparkplug1018 says:

    It is so refreshing hearing someone say what I have been saying for many years now!
    Just junk it, cars worth like $1500, why are you putting $5,000 into it!?
    Because to buy a newish 4 door sedan is going to set me back $20,000 or more! So who cares what this car is worth, fixing it is many times cheaper. AND it's paid for, I have the title!

  85. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TONY Bl says:

    Wondered about that myself but you explained perfectly how it indeed was worth the cost as long as the engine and transmission don't suddenly drop as soon as you give it back or something drastic like that happens which is unlikely.

  86. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars D says:

    After having vehicle payments for 4 years, its more practical to buy an older vehicle and just fix it up when needed, i was paying $900 a month including insurance, VS now paying $90 a month for just insurance.. its a no brainer.

  87. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jeremy 113 says:

    I've had a car payment all my life just recently bought a 2011 ford exp for $2500. $65 a month for insurance, no car payment.

  88. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Bambenek says:

    Gonna fix my car as long as it can be fixed. 500.00 payments for 6 years has no appeal to me

  89. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars joseph bellucci says:

    And this is why I’m getting rid of my lease and buying a used car. As a former technician, I have the tools and space in my garage to repair it, and I’ll stop having monthly payments. Even if I have to make an expensive repair, it doesn’t matter. No payment it better than having payments.

  90. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Reed says:

    Hey where are you at in New York?

  91. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark H. says:

    "I'm no mathematician…." (Proceeds to do a good mathematical analysis).

  92. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brett H says:

    The short of it: "Can't buy a new one for that!"

  93. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars interstate odd jobs says:

    Exactly! It was worth it!

  94. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Old Man Badly says:

    It was a very good looking car otherwise, nowhere near rusty enough otherwise to scrap it or anything. With the job done, the car is good for a few more years. So after 3 or 4 months, he can start putting the "car payment" in the savings account and a couple of years from now he will have a darn good down payment on the next one without an issue. Overall, it's a no brainer fix.

  95. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Harry Funk says:

    Yep he did the right thing, keeping in mind you did the work.

  96. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roland M says:

    That's the thing about new cars and car payments, lease or finance. You're spending an insane amount of money monthly in most cases, though that is the cost of having a new car. Either that or having the cash to buy it outright or enough to pay for half or more (e.g. huge downpayment). Vast majority of "new car buyers" do not fall in this category however, they fall in the "make payments until I die because warranty" and all that nonsense.

    I'd never suggest someone in that situation buy a brand new vehicle instead of fixing an old one, but rather buy a good used one. Problem is, used car prices are still insane right now too, so fixing a currently owned car is much more "worth it" these days, even well into the thousands in repair costs. Def. seems like a good choice by the owner.

  97. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars M R says:

    We are going thru something similar. We have a 14 Pathfinder. We bought new. That lovely P.O.S. CVT transmission is crapping out at 115k. Debating on a new transmission (with the same outcome at 100k.) Or a new car with some payments. Were leaning towards not fixing the tranny and drive it till it falls off. 😆

  98. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars silent1967 says:

    Yep, can't say it any better than that.

  99. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Scott says:

    A lot of folks just don't understand the stuff we go through with cars in the rusty parts of the country (or world). You can't always just junk a car because it needs rusty parts replaced. And like Eric pointed out: for the cost of a couple car payments, the owner can get several more years out of the car. It's not rocket surgery.

  100. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Russ Davis says:

    I've had people argue with me about the 'math' when it comes to repair vs just buy a new one….

    I simply tell them they can do what they want with THEIR money…but don't tell me how to spend mine.

    I have no requirement to be covered by full coverage insurance and no monthly payments because of MY decision to fix vs replace….

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