On Tue, 8 Dec 2009 10:16:08 -0500, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
My ex's 1999 Subaru Legacy (4 cyl, 126K miles) began making some nasty
noises in the motor a week ago. She drove it 2 blocks and it's been sitting
in the driveway ever since, while she ponders what to do. Except for
warranty work, It's been maintained by one very competent mechanic
throughout its life. He's hesitant to mess with it because he says that
evaluation could require major engine disassembly which could cost so much
that no sane owner would want to even go that far just to find out that the
car is toast. Car is in otherwise excellent condition.

Unless you're primarily interested in adding a room, or perhaps
replacing a toilet, this doesn't belong in a.h.r., even if you live in
the car. Try rec.autos.tech.

If the mechanic is competant, he can find out if the problem is major
without doing any dissassembly at all. There's probably no way he can damage
it worse than has already occured and the problem might just be the
bearings of an accessory. If the mechanic is unwilling to start the
car then find another.

It is insane to write off the car without even starting it again and
listening for where the noise is coming from.