2005 Legacy GT in relatively good condition with about 150,000 miles on it. Chicago winters haven't been kind but its a great car nonetheless. I want to keep it running as long as possible and figure that putting a few thousand dollars into it is better than selling and getting a new car with money I don't have.
I usually get my oil changed at the dealership because its convenient and cheap. While there, they did some extra work and inspection at the 150k mile mark and found a laundry list of stuff that needs work. Dealership quote ~$10,000; local mechanic quote ~$5,000. Anyways, here's the list of things that need to be fixed:
1. Leaking head gasket. Repairs would entail water pump replacement, timing belt etc. (correct me if I'm wrong)
2. They also want to replace the power steering pump. It's leaked since I've had the car so I'm not worried about this one. I usually replace the O ring if its gets squirley in cold weather.
3. Rack and pinion leaking - they want to replace this.
4. Rear links loose with worn bushings. They want to replace sway bar links and bushings, which seems reasonable.
5. In trying to adjust my alignment, they found that the camber bolts are seized and they want to replace the lateral control arms.
My big question is: what is worth doing? (I figure all of it) and where is there an opportunity to make some small upgrades or do some things since the engine will be torn apart and out of the car?