Suburb Service

I so enjoy taking my car in to this shop and have come to trust them completely. Besides knowing how to fix notorious Subaru head gasket issues properly by getting engine surfaces filed level, saving me the need to purchase a new car too early, the routine work is reliable, efficient and friendly. What will I do if they retire??? This service is in contrast to the dealership garage, where no one catches anything outside of exactly what I (the uneducated) brought the car in for. The people at Suburb will see and think about your vehicle, though after so many years I cannot imagine how they stay as interested as they appear to be. Plus they are very funny and observant about life in general. GREAT SHOP!!! If I buy another Subaru (after the 200,000 miles they will help me achieve on this one), I’ll be going to them for service!

Very good service, done quickly, and pretty affordable as far as car service goes. I’ve gone to them for years. The recent reason that I’ve realized they kick butt though is that I got completely ripped off by a service in a different state after I moved when these new people completely redid some service that Suburb had already done despite me showing them the paperwork to prove it. Candy at Suburb Service basically went to war with these people and told them how to do their jobs basically, getting them to replace a poor fix they had done at no cost to me and convincing them to reimburse me for their unnecessary replacements (apparently she had to deal with these out of state people cursing her out too, so I’m impressed she was able to be diplomatic and keep her cool through that). Suburb Service is a great shop and run by some really fantastic people. I would definitely recommend them to all.

Super friendly and honest service.
Been coming for years and I’ll keep coming back.
Definitely would highly recommend.
Only downside is that they are closed on the weekends.

Good shop, friendly service and good price for the 90K service. The loaner car for the day was also very helpful. Only complaint is that they filled my washer fluid with non-​winter mix so driving out to Montana was a pain with frozen wiper fluid. Would think in the winter they would use winter mix given most people with subaru’s drive in the mountains in the winter… seems obvious to me. But make sure you tell them not to re-​fill your fluid! Do it yourself, its cheap.

Called these Jokers up looking for someone qualified to do a transmission swap for my Subaru SVX Alcyone. These cars are notorious for having transmission problems because of the heat build up due to the close tolerances in the transmission and rebuilding them seems not a great idea since they are faulty design. I have done a little research on this transmission swap and although there is minor modification to the drive line (2 inch extension) and a few other small details, it is a pretty straight forward job that any qualified mechanic could do. Considering the fact that this company claims to be Subaru Experts i thought they might be able to help me get the job done. The lady who answered the phone was quick to inform me that they have not and will not do this job. I never heard of a Repair shop that SPECIALIZED in a automobile brand but refused to do repairs on that brand. Considering that the SVX was Subaru’s flagship car in the 90’s with a sticker price of over $ 40,000, Any shop that claims to be the Experts on the subject should be able to handle the job. If these folks dont have the kind of skills required to do a repair that is not in the repair manual, I would not trust them to do any repairs at all.
I called a friend who has a similar car to mine and was referred to East Valley Auto Repair in Kent and when i explained my situation to them i was told that as a company SPECIALIZING in SUBARU they do 6 – 10 transmission swaps a year on these kool old cars. I was given a basic quote of around 10 – 12 hours and then told it would be Thursday before they could get started. The level of professionalism that was so sadly lacking at this local repair shop was definitely displayed by East Valley Auto Repair. Maybe hiring someone capable of thinking outside the box to answer the phone could benefit them greatly.

We’ve been happy customers for 15 years. I’m thrilled to support a family-​owned small business with great ethics. Maintenance on these buggies isn’t cheap, but replacing timing belts and water pumps as scheduled is imperative (ask me how I know? skipped it and got to replace my engine instead on a previous car). No car payment and a 16yo Outback with 200k plus miles that runs like new? Awesome!

I have been taking my 1998 Subaru Forester here since it was a pup. Drop off and pick up are efficient. Oil change without an appointment is great. They tell it like it is. «This will probably need fixing in the next two years or this could be a safety hazard. Don’t wait. «All the work they have ever done for us has been done quite wel and has held up for years without further problems.
When we had a big repair some years ago now, they took actually me out to the shop to show me what needed doing. They talk to women without patronizing you (rare). They are indeed characters, but I like a business with real people and actual personalities. I would rather have a lady with pink hair tell me the straight truth in plain English than a corporate professional in charge of head-​patting give me a pack word stew.

I’m seriously starting to question the ethics of this business. We’ve had repairs done here a few times before, and while they were always more expensive than other places who specialize in Subaru repairs, we always liked that they focused only on Subaru’s. However, a few days ago my front brakes were squeaking, so I took my Outback here to get an estimate, keeping in mind they had just replaced my front brakes back in March of this year. They told me I needed new calipers, front brakes, rotors, and a brake system flush, all for a whopping $ 850. I found it hard to believe that I needed all of this done only 9 months after having my brakes done there, so I told them I wanted to get another estimate before I made a decision. By the way, the squeaking stopped after Suburb Service inspected my brakes, so I suspect there was a rock stuck in there that came out during the inspection. Anyway, I then took my car to the Midas on Bothell Way — he told me that my calipers were absolutely perfect, my rotors were fine, and my brake pads had 30% life left on them. He gave me an estimate for the same repairs for a little over $ 500, but he said he didn’t recommend I replace any of it at this point because it just wan’t necessary. I won’t be giving my business to Suburb Service any longer!

Have been wanting to take my Subaru to this place for awhile. I just never got around to it because let’s face it, Subaru’s don’t break down very often :-)
Anyway, I had a couple of minor problems. A check engine light that the code reader said was an air sensor, also a wiper switch problem. They quoted me $ 660 for the sensor & $ 640 for the wiper switch. I took the car back, not having them do the work. Got home and sprayed some electronic cleaner on the sensor that cost $ 7. Then pulled apart the switch and cleaned the contacts on the wiper controller arm. Took me 1 hour of my time plus the cost of the can of electronic cleaner. Everything works great!
This place way overcharges for parts & labor. Buyer Beware!

Took my poor Subi forester here after many headaches from others. They inspected the first time, proposed the obvious (can seal), not so obvious but needed (timing
belt, water pump. etc). Several weeks later my radiator cracked and took it to them for repair. We did the necessary (radiator, can seal) and not no necessary (water pump, timing belt etc). They also suggests temp control module (80.00), as this was damaged when overheating
occurred.
2100 dollars later, engine is the same, although no cam leak (yet), and temperature gauge still does not work. They said engine needs removed and gauge at cluster and wiring harness needs replaced (engine removed) for 2400.00. they informed me of this when it was pay time, and didn’t
even blink an eye. Funny, I never see mechanics there, only the mom and daughter team w the crazy dyed hair dos.
Would I recommend… No way, especially since they didn’t even change
the oil after all that work. Check Unilocal,they have best reviews ever and are true!

First off, I should mention that I like this place and my FIRST TIME experience could very well have been a 4 – 5 star event. But it came up a little short, unfortunately. So I scheduled an intermediate service for my late model Subaru and got an appointment for the next day (great). While scheduling over the phone, I mentioned a $ 30 off coupon that I found online for intermediate service and asked if it was still valid. Was clearly told that is was valid (the lady on the phone was reviewing the coupon online while we were talking) and that I should just bring in a copy (also great). Next day, dropped off the vehicle, took off in an older loaner vehicle and everything was hunky dory (super great).
Upon return and pick up, I presented the $ 30 off coupon and was informed that the order was already rung up and that it could not be backed out AND that I should have presented the coupon when I first arrived anyway (not so great). I mentioned that the coupon did not state that I need to present the coupon when checking in but was quickly directed to a small sign sitting on the front desk that did read something about «all coupons should be presented at time of check in» (or something like that). Well, given that this was my VERY FIRST experience with this place, I would have expected that they would have either honored the coupon or better yet just taken the $ 30 off the final bill in the first place (acknowledging that a coupon was available online to everyone) just as a good faith gesture. I don’t know, maybe I am expecting too much, but in my book first impressions are very important. Not sure if the $ 75 I saved by avoiding the dealer was worth it but I’m still on the fence on this.
Overall Suburb Subaru is not a bad little shop for Subaru owners but just a wee bit of extra effort on their part for this case could have secured a customer for life along with a lot of word-​of-​mouth referrals for many, many, many other Subaru owners (friends and family). Maybe they don’t need the extra business, who knows. But it’s always important to take the long view when it comes to running a business.

I just called them to talk about a rear wheel bearing on my 06 Outback. The receptionist answered the phone seemed pretty nice. She suggested that I check with the dealership to see if the extended warranty still applied to my car. I thought that was really nice for her to remind me of that. I told her that I already did and that the warranty expired because its been over 8 years. I then asked her how much to replace the bearing and she quotes me at 480 dollars. Its like she pulled that figure out of the air. I told her wow you cost more than the dealerships. Then she goes is that all and I said OK bye.

I wish I had read the reviews posted here before taking my car to this company. The comments about being snapped at, and treated disrespectfully are all believable at this point. Let’s begin.
I love my subaru and have found it to be one of the most enjoyable cars to work on. (huge engine bay, interchangeable parts between models, straight-​forward design) That being said, some jobs are out of my hands due to the fact that I don’t have an engine hoist, car lift, or space to do large jobs.
I took my car here initially for a once over to give me some piece of mind that nothing was going to fail in the immediate future. My first interaction was pleasant enough, although expensive for what you get. I explained my concerns and asked for what their opinions were. They seemed knowledgable, so I wrote a very good review for what I had received. I even went as far as referring a friend to have his car looked at. He did and also dealt with the superiority complex of the staff. I gave them a pass, as I figured his inexperience might have shown and been a cause of frustration to them.
Fast-​forward two months and my clutch finally gave up, and left me stranded. I had the car towed to Suburb Service thinking they would take care of me. I was quoted $ 950+ tax for a clutch replacement. As I had no way to take the car anywhere else, I agreed. I had a few parts that would have helped bring the price down, although I couldn’t verify how long they would have lasted (which I explained very thoroughly when dropping them off, and that I understood a warranty would not be issued if they were used.) We went ahead with using all new parts. Then I was informed that I should use a sleeve kit that helps the actuation of the clutch pedal on my Legacy. I knew this was something I wanted to do, so I agreed. There’s another $ 150 dollars. I expected a call to let me know the status of the car and instead received a call informing me that the slave cylinder might not be reusable, I insisted that it was only a few months old. They then told me that they were able to make it work. I went to pick the car up and pay the remainder of the bill which had changed another $ 20 dollars. I was frustrated at the fact that this repair kept creeping up in cost. Each time I was spoken with on the phone I was met with short answers and what I felt was bad attitudes (considering how much money I was giving them.) I was sent an email asking for a review. I was left with a very bitter taste in my mouth from this whole experience. I left a review on their website stating why I would not be returning again, mostly due to poor customer service.
I figured that this would be the end of it.
Wrong.
I received an email from the owner (whom I had not had a unpleasant interaction with) in which she blamed me for the failure of my clutch, asked if I was angry because she «wouldn’t use used parts and give me a warranty» (never asked for that), asked if I was angry because I had dropped valve guides due to poor fuel and lack of maintenance (never brought that up in my review, they had pointed this out to me and I was very frustrated due to having had head work done within the year at another shop, this was just an attacking point for her), then went on to state that I was never treated poorly and she had the video tape from the shop/​office to prove it. Then at the very end stated that «If you have issues with me or my business than you should be MAN enough to come to me and speak about it». I am very non confrontational, especially in a room full of employees that I assume will jump down my throat if I were to be.
I’m sorry but when your customer service is being questioned, wouldn’t you handle it a little more carefully? Having spent the majority of my adult life in the customer service industry I was appalled at the fact that I was being attacked over an honest review (which was replied to on their site and basically called me a liar and stated incorrect facts to back their claim up.)
Sorry if this is difficult to read, I wanted to make sure I fit everything in. Like someone said prior to this, If you are being treated well it’s probably due to the fact that you are blindly letting them charge you whatever they want. If you show any sign of knowing what you’re talking about (whether you do or not) they will most likely view you as a threat and treat you differently. I will be going straight to the dealership for any large repairs from here on out, yeah I’ll pay a premium for it, but at least if you have an issue with anyone you can talk to a manager that cares about professionalism.

I think these people do decent work at a reasonable price — and it’s convenient.
However, I don’t get the «attitude» from the women in the office. It’s as if they are doing a parody of surly front-​office workers who just don’t give a damn whether they get your business or not.

Specialization is key for car work, and Suburb Service people are Subaru experts. Prompt and friendly service. Knowledgeable and honest technicians. Reasonable pricing. I’ve only been once, but based on my first visit I plan to use Suburb Service ongoing.

I’m so upset and disappointed in this place — they pretty much scammed me on a head gasket repair that costed just a little over $ 2400.00. And for all the people out there that think their prices are «fair» compared to dealership and other places, it’s not. I’ve called around 4 – 5 different places and Suburb is NOT the cheapest. Dealership quick oil change center charges the same price and sometimes even cheaper with promotions through their website.
The story: I had a major head gasket repair done from these guys a couple years back on my 2003 Subura Impreza. At the time, I had a leak on one side and it was recommended by most mechanics to just repair BOTH and change the water pump, timing belt, spark plugs, etc. because it’s such a labor intensive job and the cost is already there. I said fine, let’s just do it all and hope this car lasts me a long time. The Suburb people assured me that, «Subarus last forever if well taken care off! This repair is basically rebuilding the engine, you should be good for the next 100k miles!»
I got this repair down at around 90xxx miles… I’m at 113xxx and guess what? I have the EXACT same head gasket leak in the EXACT same spot. WTF. I went to a different mechanic this time, closer to me and recommended by my mom. I went for the convenience and when the mechanic told me this was the problem, I was so pissed off. I told him I had this exact job done just a couple of years ago and he basically told me that the last guys that did it, didn’t do it right. They either used after market parts or they replaced the head gaskets without thoroughly checking where the problem occurred or if the pressure is right, because otherwise it would just cause a leak again. Needless to say, I was furious. I’m now quoted another $ 2400 repair. This mechanic also said that the fact that this last repair didn’t even last over 30,000 miles means it just wasn’t done right the first time.
SUBURB SERVICE should NOT be trusted!!! Even when I had them do the job the first time, their customer service was not exceptional, I had to call them a couple of times on some other questions I had and they never even got back to me with an answer. I only went to them because «Subarus are all we do» and well… that was the worst decision I’ve ever made.
If you are looking for a repair place, try Harvey’s (where my car is at now) or Smart Service (they only do subarus too) and heck, the DEALERSHIP, trust me, they actually only cost about the same as all these other places. Save your money and don’t go to Suburb, they do a SHITTY JOB!!!

Really easy spot for me to come get an oil change. First time customers get a FREE oil change, which I found out when trying to pay for my first one. They open up at 7:00am for oil changes and don’t take an appointment, so I just swing in on my way to work and there’s usually none or maybe 1 other person in there. They do a good quick job and get me on my way! As long as I take 522 to and from work this will be my spot!

My brakes was in bad shape. Breaking wasn’t smooth any longer, so I decided to use the people my brother normally uses when his car isn’t working. Plus, they would be able to loan me a car. I have a Suburu Impreza Outback 2008. I called and was quoted about $ 400 for the front breaks (which was expensive already). The front desk person said that my back breaks probably didn’t need replacing. I brought in the car a few days later early in the morning and dropped off my car. After dropping it off, I went on my way to do some volunteer work. I received a phone call an hour and a half later asking if it would be okay to charge me more. I already had a bad feeling.
The woman on the phone said it would be best if the the front and rear rotors and pads were changed (additional $ 400), along with getting a oil change done (additional $ 40), and flushing out the steering fluid ($ 95)…she gave me another quote about $ 900 for everything. I was literally caught with my pants down. I was quoted from the get go and then quoted again when they had my car after several of hours. Normally, I usually have my car fixed in Ballard. I should have gone there. Again, by my brother’s recommendation, I came here.
I picked up the car later in the afternoon and looked over the bill quickly. The front desk woman didn’t mention the cost of tax, so the bill was about $ 1030. Labor costs alone was $ 400! and parts was slightly over $ 500 (again overpriced). I will never ever bring my car here again. I think they overcharged me exhorbitantly! I didn’t get the oil change for free nor was my car cleaned (I received a free coupon to Brown Bear — $ 6 value). They should have offered me something for screwing me over. The job was done and I regret coming here. They are not honest, but they pretend to be. Do your business elsewhere.

Highly recommended. Very helpful shop, great service and prices.

The folks here are finest kind — friendly, efficient, honest. The work is always top notch, and finished when they say it will be.
Early morning (7 – 9) weekday oil changes with no waiting, loaners, and they go the extra mile!