"let's see 2 people
"let's see 2 people multiplied by 4 hours each (minimum) = 8 hours plus parts. It's cheaper for me to work overtime and have the pro's do it."
Great insight, lots of us get overtime, and we all make more than $18/hr.
"...but then again, I'd just avoid a Subaru and not worry about this issue....and replacing wheel bearings every 70K miles and CV boots at about the same."
I'm actually not quite sure which I'd rather have... as per the car manual preventive maintenance or something as shitty as a 2021 Ford F-150 with rusty chassis. Absolutely anecdotal, agreed!
"Subaru reminds me of the older Audis...they each suffered from the same problems for years and years and never get addressed."
You're hitting the nail right on the head. Has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the EJ and FA engines in Subaru vehicles are boxer engines. Porsches don't have the same headgasket issues and aren't 2-3x as expensive to repair. Got it. Oh, and driving style and preventive maintenance sure aren't factors here!
In summary, fantastic bashing on an internet forum of anyone making minimum wage and following their car manual, as well as a fairly good car brand.
Thanks Mike J!