We have a 2012 Outback 2.5i with 139,000 miles. Brought it in due to shuddering when accelerating. Car broke down when technician test drove it and it needed to be towed back to the shop. The investigation revealed the passenger side valve guides had dropped (driver side valves guides dropped at 98k miles and were repaired under warranty).

Repair estimate is $4,500 per cylinder (x2 = $9k) or remanufactured engine is $7,500. Starter also needs to be replaced ($650). We just put new tires on it ($700)

Costs far exceed the value of the car. This is our secondary vehicle that I use to commute to work.

Should we get the remanufactured engine, a salvage or JDM engine, or junk it?