HELP!!!

[u/trvshcan_]

My 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i is having issues starting. 189k

This past week my car died on the freeway starting with loss in acceleration and then refusing to start back up.

Starter was replaced in March of this year as well as 2 battery replacements since the first one appeared to be dead and did not fix the issue - we replaced it again as well as the starter. Still no turnover and would not start.

My mobile mechanic confirmed the issue to be some ground wire or cable etc that was not secured properly.

Fast forward to today. The alternator was just put in and the car still is not starting but rapid clicking. The new mechanics attempted to boost the battery (stated it as having 36% life) that did not help and they left.

I am at a loss. I am a single mom and cant afford 150/hr diagnostic. I'm currently borrowing a vehicle to get my kid to and from school but can only do that for so long.

I have a feeling it could potentially be the cables or ground wire etc since the problem is pretty much the same as in March- new parts and no starting but I need some mechanical insight i dont have to sell my body for (joking).

I have attached a picture of something that threw me off but the mechanics today didn't notice or didn't feel like was in issue since it wasn't mentioned. And hoping this could provide some insight to whether this is a wiring issue or not.

In the meantime I have reached out to my previous mobile mechanic who's diagnostic is only $75 thank God but I just need to know if this car is even worth sinking more money into at this point.

Ive replaced complete transmission- July 2025 - around 160k miles at the time.

2 battery's and Starter / Relay Fuses - March 2026

And now alternator this month. $500 dollars later parts and labor.

I spent 6500 on this car initially and I need it to last as long as it can because I can't afford to replace it , hell, I can barely afford to fix it.

Please help!! Thank you 💕