A 1:1 question

[Tom T]

I'm the second owner of an 2002 Impreza TS (wagon). Although I like the car a lot, it's had a hard previous life living under "normal" Vermont standards (Dirt roads and mega-roadsalt conditions). When driving in snow, the AWD engages with a BANG when I'm driving uphill and the FWD slips at around 20 mph. Is this an inexpensive fix or should I count the days before I can trade it for something else? TIA.

[High octane]

Tom T,

I hope that you have DEEEEEEP pockets.

[Casey]

It's not going to be cheap to fix.

Have you checked out any Subaru forums?

[charlie8575]

Tom, I hate to say it, but it sounds to me like the transfer case is starting to sing its swan-song. When that started to go south on my friend's Legacy, I believe she was quoted $4500 to fix it from the Subaru dealer.

She bought a one-year-old Chrysler a couple of weeks later. This was in 2006. As to what the prices are now, who knows. I'd imagine you'd do well with a good used part and an independent garage who won't charge you anywhere near as much.

Charlie Larkin

[Tom T]

Rats. This does not sound like fun. And I'm a pro-fun person. BTW Dave it's an automatic w/a 2.5L engine.

[Tom T]

Tom, I hate to say it, but it sounds to me like the transfer case is starting to sing its swan-song. When that started to go south on my friend's Legacy, I believe she was quoted $4500 to fix it from the Subaru dealer.

She bought a one-year-old Chrysler a couple of weeks later. This was in 2006. As to what the prices are now, who knows. I'd imagine you'd do well with a good used part and an independent garage who won't charge you anywhere near as much.

Charlie Larkin

Hey Charlie you bringing anything to the meeting Saturday? I'm doing a quick, smash-together `57 Thunderbird & hoping just maybe to build up a Bluebird in time for the Wednesday meet.

[charlie8575]

Hey Charlie you bringing anything to the meeting Saturday? I'm doing a quick, smash-together `57 Thunderbird & hoping just maybe to build up a Bluebird in time for the Wednesday meet.

I don't know if I'm going to be able to make Saturday or not- we have bedlam at the house this weekend between plumbing problems and our own catastrophic ($3200!) car repair, leaving us with two cars right now. If I'm there, I'm there, and that's how it'll have to be until Saturday.

Charlie Larkin