Howdy. As the title states, I drive a 2012 Outback 3.6R Limited. It currently has 107k miles on it. I was told this past week it needs the whole head gasket system replaced.

I’ve been noticing for the past 1,000 miles or so that it needs a top-up on the oil more frequently than ever in its life; prior to this, I would rarely, if ever, need to top up between oil changes. I also know this car’s tendency to burn oil straight from the factory.

It went for an oil change, they recommended an engine repair shop due to there being oil in the coolant. I took the car to my local non-dealer OEM repair shop and they told me this. A year ago, at 101k miles, I replaced some computer chip in the transmission to the tune of 2800$. Hell, I had to replace the whole DVD infotainment system the backup camera because those also died last year.

I HATE this car. It gets awful fuel economy in the city where I live now (I’m averaging 15mpg if I’m lucky) with fuel prices over 5$/gallon. It feels like the thing is slowly disintegrating around me. I thought these things were tanks but I honestly had better luck and far lower repair costs on my Fords than this thing. I’m in grad school and working part time. I was planning to buy a new car next year anyway and if I’m going to have to pay 4800-5600$ between now and this time next year to repair something I hate, I might as well have a car payment.

My question is this—I don’t think the flat 6 was known for head gasket issues. I also don’t think the engine had that transmission chip issue. Am I simply unlucky for owning an Outback? How safe is the darn thing to drive until I can secure a new car? What is the likelihood of finding someone to buy the car now?

Were you in my situation what would you do?