i took the subaru in to get the infamous “check engine light” examined, and as might be expected it was an emissions problem. the guys said that the o2 sensors are actually in the converters, so the whole system would have to be replaced. which of course is very very expensive (i. e. $1500). however, they could not verify the onboard status during testing, so they said i should just monitor the situation (translation of their politically-correct-speak: don’t do anything cause that would be stupid). they did manage to get $50 out of me, regardless.
since the emissions problem could not be actually detected, i am saved the moral decision on whether or not to fix the converters, especially since practically all of upstate new york does not require emissions testing. perhaps in reality i would ditch the subaru rather than fix the converters. maybe i’ll get to make that decision soon.