My mom's subaru 2011 forester with 140k miles is burning 1 qt of oil every tank of gas, just started 5000 miles ago. We have it scheduled for a compression test. Most likely has bad rings or valve guides, maybe a bad head gasket or pcv valve.
Estimates on repair costs are 4000 for a rebuild from their local guy. He suggested buying a certified rebuilt engine and doing a swap instead for 5k, but I think it was just not in his wheelhouse to rebuild.
The car has some minor damage to the hatch as well and would trade for around 4k in current condition. She is considering a few options:
1. Pay for the 4k rebuild (maybe from the dealer?)
2. Trade it on a minivan (20k for <50k miles)
3. Trade it on an economy car like a hyundai (12k under 30k miles)
4. Run it as is, put in oil as needed
I am leaning toward the rebuild, but wanted to hear some othere perspectives. She has a total of 500 saved for repairs and would throw the remaining on a 0% credit card. Otherwise she would finance a replacement vehicle at around 4%.
She drives around 30k miles a year and cleans houses for a living. She also lives in a rural mountain town and can get stuck in the snow occasionally.
Thanks for your thoughts!