my subaru dealer tells me i need a new rear differential, which will cost $800-900. he said that the oil in the rear diff should have been replaced regularly although he also told me that there is nothing in the maintenance manual telling mechanics this needs to be done.

the car has only done 76,000 miles, and has been serviced and oil changed regularly, and i want to find out if anyone thinks i have any recourse with SOA for not mentioning this essential maintenance requirement to buyers.

any advice much appreciated.

Here's what SOA tells everyone about maintenance for the 1997 Subaru:
http://www.subaru.com/owners/schedules/schedules.jsp?schedulepage=1997myfed.html

Here's what SOA tells everyone about maintenance for the 2005 Subaru:
http://www.subaru.com/owners/schedules/schedules.jsp?schedulepage=2005myfed.html

It looks identical for the transmission/differential lubricants. It appears the gear oil in the differential should have been INSPECTED regularly. I guess your dealer just drained it out every 30K, took a look at it, and then put it back in.

i haven't always taken it to the dealer. i suppose that's where the problem lies.

in the end, i think that the money you save by getting a car serviced at a place cheaper than the dealer isn't worth it. at least when you go to the dealer, they're supposed to know what they're doing and they have some recourse.

it's hard, though, when the dealer charges one-third or more than the local mechanic and the funds aren't really available.

I agree it can be a tough decision. One thing you can do to minimize the outlay is to have the dealer/mechanic only do those services listed in the Subaru manual. Many dealers & mechanics try to increase their sales by adding on other services that they recommend and calling it a standard package. That doesn't mean the extra services aren't helpful, but you can save money by skipping them without harming your car.

Being that you are three years and 16,000 miles outside of warranty coverage, I doubt there is any recourse. The dealer cannot offer you anything. Any assistance would be through SOA, and without dealer maintenance chances are nil.