RJT>Which is why I've (mostly) never done any business with dealers,  excepting
RJT>buy parts that only they would stock.

Well I own two Subarus and I am still looking for a little shop that
 knows what they are doing. they have soem unique quirks and one
 should use a Experienced Subaru Machanic. The guy that did some
 transmission work on my S-10 pickup looked promissing, althouhg not a
 real subaru maehanic, but Failed the Test. His mechanic tightened the
 upper radiator hose so much he Crushed the plastic upper tank fitting
 after changing the timing belt and doing the 30,000 maintenance. They
 were nice and gave me a NEW radiator FREE but I am not inclined to go
 back. Since I plan to have my current car last the rest of my life I am
 trapped into doing proper maintenence at the Dealer since I cannot do
 it myself. I have 6 months ago installed a set of 80,000 mile guranteed
 Tires and only drive about 3,000 to 4,000 miles per year. The
 vehicle is a 1999 and only has about 32,000 miles on it. Since my other
 Subaru is coming up on 190,000 the odds are with me this will be my
 last car.
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 þ SLMR 2.1a þ This note from El Cajon California USA