Subie Independent Service

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  sashas schmidt
3 weeks ago
Hi, Aleks here with the 2008 Subaru Legacy.Where to begin, I found this shop through a close friend after the dealership quoted me for head gasket work for no reason. This shop found the problem and fixed it in no time and more work-appropriate price. This has been my shop since then (2021).As I got close to 200k, I got the car on a mobile dyno and realized that I was 100 HP less than when the car came from the dealership. Instead of looking for the problem and investing a lot more time and funds, I bit the bullet and requested a complete overhaul of the engine: bearings, gaskets, pumps, whatever off-brand turbo I installed way, back when, and dented oil pan.I got the car back and am currently in the process of breaking in the newly rebuilt engine. However, I can already state that the engine feels a lot better and I'm able to gain speed at about 2500 RPM.Here are a few things I've learned during this project:- plan the project accordinglyI didn't wait till the holiday season was over and put the car in the shop the second I rolled up to 199995 miles.- have a backup vehicle.Even though the shop has an agreement with a nearby rental shop, I am glad that I didn't rent one, since the whole rebuild took about 3 months. LA metro system isn't as terrible as they say if you need to get around.- have the shop follow up with you.A rough estimate is a rough estimate. Some things are out of the shop's control. Have trust and they will follow up with you.All and all, I'm happy with the results, and aftercare to get the car back to its full power.Also, a big thank you for cleaning out my engine bay. It's hard to find a detailing shop that will take on a detailing engine.P.S.If you ask nicely, Mark and Victor may allow you to take a pick at the engine taken fully apart.

  Kishore Mukherjee
2 months ago
Only two words? Trustworthy and knowledgeable.These guys are THE Subie guys in the valley. They are thorough, communicative and will go the extra mile for your needs.I had the car inspected by my local dealership and these guys also let me know on what they saw. Caught all the same big repairs and some small things too. More than reasonable and fair about options, prices and modifications if desired.This is for you guys who see cars as companions. For those of you who believe in keeping them alive because they deserve to and because it s the best type of recycling. Definitely will be my go to guys for this car.

  Lolo Vowell
3 months ago
I strongly advise steering clear of this establishment and dealing with Mark, as it could save you a considerable amount of frustration. Unfortunately, my experience with their services has been far from satisfactory. After entrusting my 2013 WRX for a rebuild at Mark's shop, I paid the necessary fees and eagerly retrieved my car. However, it became apparent from day one that something was amiss, as my vehicle exhibited abnormal behavior.Fast forward six months and a mere 8,000 miles later, my car experienced a blown head gasket a significant setback after the supposed "rebuild." While Victor was a commendable aspect of the business, the overall lack of integrity and subpar workmanship is truly disheartening. I have unequivocally decided never to return my car to this establishment, even if they were to offer remedial services.What compounds my disappointment is the realization that I'm not alone in encountering such issues with this company. It appears that others have faced similar problems, raising concerns about the overall quality of their services.In the interest of constructive criticism, I would suggest that Mark consider selling the business. Running an honest and reliable establishment seems to be a significant challenge, and a change in ownership might bring about the necessary improvements to regain customer trust and satisfaction.

  Elyse B
3 months ago
I'm absolutely car illiterate and they took time to explain what needed to be done and why it would cost what it did. They saved me a TON of money compared to the dealer and were done in very good time considering the amount of hours required to basically take my car and engine apart then put it back together. I will be bringing my car back here in the future!

  miguel ortega
3 months ago
Good luck Here .Picked up My 2001 Outback 3.0 rebuild in late February 2022, over $5,600.It s now October 2023 and the Engine has 9,275 miles on it.First week: Noticed the engine cover was not the one the the car went in with.The new was a cracked, and fixed with black duct tape. Likely from some other car. When replacing it, noticed most of the ground wires were now in strange, random inappropriate places.Alternator was not bolted to engine. The top two bolts were half way out of the housing.Later that month: Sitting in traffic at a stop light. It s Lights out. Flat line everything dead. Push car across intersection. Why?Battery cable not bolted to battery positive post, just sitting loosely on the terminal.Later this same month. AirConditioning not working. Why? No O rings on any of the plumbed joints.Just before the 10,000 miles I m under the car changing the oil. I see a patch of oil on the driver side exhaust just where it leaves the engine bay. I ask my more local shop to just look at the whole engine and see what there is to see. Hmm.. let s see..Leaky head gasket driver side. (Oil this time not coolant, no over heating)Heads (gaskets) installed with copper spray. Apparently inappropriate for this engine.Leaky front engine cover(Timing chain coverNoisy Idler pulley and tensioner.Leaky valve coverGrounds not attached in correct locations.There are two other leaks at the back of the engine, which I m not familiar with, and can t accurately name here.I made some half hearted attempts within the first month of problems to call the shop, mostly just for comment. My calls were never returned. Frankly it would have been a waste of time to go there and leave the car again anyway. I have again called the week these new things were discovered. Mostly for comment, my expectations would be quite low for anything but. The employees who answer the phone listen respectfully and Will mention it to the owner . I'll let you guess what happens next.This is not a review.Just what happened.Best to all.Update: Four unreturned phone calls...and now the response. Classic for these times.Good luck.

  Vanessa De La Rosa
7 months ago
Just left Subie Ind. and couldn't be happier. I came here for a second opinion after getting a diagnosis from the Subaru Sherman Oaks service center, that my turbocharger assembly needed to be replaced entirely because of oil leaking out of it into my exhaust which caused a burning smoky smell when I turned on my Subaru ascent. Subaru quoted me $2500 not counting the time and fee for a loaner car.When Mark and Jose at Subie took a look, it was a small hose clamp that needed to be replaced. It was so ridiculous that they did it in 5 minutes.Subie just gained a customer for life. Highly recommend for honesty and integrity.Now, Excuse me while I write my review on Subaru Sherman Oaks Service Center...

  DTLA Weekly Production
a year ago
I took Beans in Subie Independent Automotive Service after another mechanic said It was likely to blow up if I didn't fix it soon. It was leaking oil. And ticking a bit after I drove it a long time. But not any more. It's as quiet as a kitten with no lips.Overall, I like their system and allowed me to pick from which services I could afford at the time ... leaving a ledger of the services that I will need in the future. I ll be back

  Ron Amick
7 months ago
Great service for lovers of Subaru vehicles. Mark acquired local legendary Subie shop from the amazing Avo T. in October 2020, when the world was getting very unpleasant (Covid etc.) and right away proved we double-decade Avo customers that he was prepared to continue the fabulous service. With this century's tech added -- email and text communication, electronic estimate delivery and signing, even comprehensive inspection with photos (that part went away, I think -- that's a lot to expect for free inspection and reports).This year, 2023, I have had basic maintenance (oil change + inspection) and a radiator replacement done by Mark's able technicians and have felt in very good hands.So the tradition of excellence continues. Thank you, Avo. Thank you Mark and company.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Oil change

  Keir McMichael
8 months ago
I called this morning to ask about some issues with my 2015 WRX transmission. I spoke with Tyler who's super friendly and kindly took the time out of his morning to answer my long-winded questions. He further took the time to refer with a more experienced tech about the exact parts causing my issue and got me the answers and recommendations I needed. A1 CUSTOMER SERVICE from the jump. I look forward to taking my car there for future service

  Stefan W
a year ago
I heard an unusual engine noise, the Subaru dealer wanted a blank check to take apart the engine to diagnose, Subie Independent fixed the problem within an hour for less than $200. They also advised me of a Transmission Seal leak 3K miles before the warrantee expired. The Subaru dealer had the car twice without telling me about the transmission issue. These guys are honest and reasonable!Service: Auto engine diagnostic

  Sal Paglia
a year ago
The best in customer service, Mark and Vic are very customer service orientedThe work is excellentI had a complete engine rebuild for a 2010 Subaru ForesterThe work is impeccable what they quote is what they did.The shop is clean and organizedI will recommend them to any Subaru owner

  Peter B. James
a year ago
OWNERSHIP CHANGE. DO NOT RECOMMEND.I first started coming to Subie Independent back in 2014 when I bought an H6 Outback. Over the years I had a number of important fixes done here, including brakes, suspension, and transmission work.The shop had a reputation as being the kind of mechanics that tell it to you straight, don't upsell you work you don't need or didn't ask for, and were very reasonable in their pricing. In other words, the ideal solution for folks like me who despise dealerships.That is no longer the case. The former owner sold the shop, and the new owner has made it a dealership service department in all but name.I brought my car into have the A/C recharged and an engine oil leak addressed. I was shocked to receive a dealership-style "estimate" in my email detailing thousands more work than the car is worth.When I declined most of the work, and had only the essentials done, they tried to charge me an additional $150 "diagnostic fee" even though I was spending over $700 on work with them already.Only through much protest and argument did the owner agree to drop the fee. Nevermind that the prices quoted for various pieces of work were also much higher than previously would have been expected.I did receive a phone call from the owner, explaining various reasons WHY he made the changes to the business that he did, and I respect those choices as a business owner. But as a client, this business no longer offers me the value it once did, and I have taken my business elsewhere.P.S. The A/C recharge I had done was weak, never restored full cooling to the car, and lasted only a couple months. When I went to a different shop to have it checked, they were surprised that Subie had not used dye in their recharge to make any possible leaks easy to spot. As if I needed one more reason to recommend you go elsewhere. I hadn't posted this story out of respect, but this last bit was the final straw.UPDATE: Regarding the owner's response, I can only speak for what a different service provider told me regarding my A/C system and how it had previously been addressed. I had Subie fix it during a March heat wave, and by summer the system was barely cooling when set on max, when previously it would get very cold set to 72. I did not report the issue to Subie because I expected a painful process to get any resolution, and did not have the time to repeatedly drive out to North Hollywood for service that has now proven problematic.The owner is free to run his business how he wishes, and I wish him the best of luck. Perhaps in this world where people are buying $80k vehicles on 96-month loans, his business feels inexpensive relative to a dealership. But for those of us trying to keep making miles out of older vehicles, there are better options out there.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Air conditioning

  Sean G. Rosenstock
a year ago
I brought my Forester here for its 60k maintenance because as we all know, unless you feel like hemorrhaging money it's best to avoid the dealer.Mark (the owner) runs a nice shop. Victor (technician) was friendly, honest and upfront about the service and what he recommended. He gave some choices in how to approach it and clearly made an effort to save me unnecessary services and charges. Additionally he was outstanding in communicating with me throughout the day...from a couple text messages in the morning with estimates, to a couple of phone calls in the afternoon regarding progress and expected completion time. Finally, when I came to pick up the car, Victor once again reviewed all the services performed with me before payment was made and made sure I was happy with the work. Nothing went over the estimate and though not inexpensive, the price was fair (and still much less than a dealership). The work done here is honest and the parts are what the factory uses.While I purchased an extended warranty obviously there are some things which simply won't be covered. And for those things I have found my go to shop. I will happily be returning here for my maintenance needs.

  Gavin Andrus
a year ago
If you have a Subaru, do not hesitate to take your car to these guys. I have "mechanic phobia" from bad experiences in the past and this place has completely redeemed my faith. They did major engine work on my Outback and did a brake-job on my son's Forrester. Work was outstanding and the price was a fraction of what I was quoted at the rip-off dealer. I'll continue to make the trek out from Santa Monica to get my car serviced and repaired by these guys. Highly recommend.

  RJ Padua
2 years ago
Used to go to Suby Specialties in Monrovia until they closed and got referred to this place by a friend.Came here to get a clutch replacement in December. The owner is very friendly and gave me a thorough explanation of the work being done, sent me timely updates and even pictures of the work being done along the way - all at a price that was $600 less than the same clutch work my friend received at a Subaru dealer. I usually expect lower prices and friendlier service at independent shops but they were much more transparent than I was expecting and that was a pleasant surprise.I think I found my Subaru mechanic going forward from here and I'll refer them without hesitation to any Subaru owner in the LA/Valley area.

  Kenny Krauss
a year ago
I had excellent service on my 2014 Outback several times at Subie Independent.Thank you for going above and beyond. I came in January 2022 for motor mounts and three months later called in distress with what looked like an oil leak. They went over the vehicle for 4 hours over 2 days and sent me away happy WITH NO CHARGE! I will be bringing my car to them forever. Thanks again so much for your expert work and attention to detail.Services: Auto engine diagnostic, Body & Trim, Brakes

  Lain God
11 months ago
Thank you Subaru independent team for fixing my 2004 sti that many others weren't able to fix or even diagnose. Make this your number one shop for all your subaru mechanical needs. They work better, faster and better than the subaru dealers I've visited prior. I hope to do business with you guys again Thank you!!!Services: Transmission, Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Body & Trim, Wheel alignment, Transmission repair, Brakes, Air conditioning, Brake service & repair, Battery, Oil changeServices: Transmission, Electrical repair, Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Tires, Steering & suspension repair, Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic, Body & Trim, Wheel alignment, Transmission repair, Brakes, Air conditioning, Brake service & repair, Battery, Oil change

  Arae Webner
3 years ago
If you have a Subaru, this is the place to go!I have a 2006 Subaru outback and it's in great shape now, feels brand new!I had trouble with the the control arms and inner tie rods on my car, I had taken it to 4 other mechanics and had various things replaced trying to get to the bottom of my car shaking, no one could figure it out, but these guys knew exactly what to look for and figured it out within hours!I also had them replace my transmission, being that it was an older car, a brand new transmission didn't make sense, they were able to find a refurbished transmission for me with a warranty and installed it for a fair price!It looks like my beloved Subie will make it quite a few more years thanks to these guys!They were straight up with me, honest and easy to communicate with, I trust them completely with my car!I'm a customer for life!Services: Transmission, Steering & suspension repair, Wheel alignment, Transmission repair, Brake service & repair

  Sydney Krantz
7 months ago
Cannot recommend these guys enough!!! Mark and his crew take care of me every time I m there. I m sorry for the people who don t drive Subarus and can t come here.

  Fresh Cakes
4 years ago
Great service. Honest mechanic! I bought a used Subaru that had the rotor and brake pads replacement before I bought it from a place in Silver Lake and within 3 months I had to have them changed from warping due to using generic parts. Subie only uses factory parts. The owner told that my lower control arm was not in the best shape and I should get replaced in 6 months to a year. Decent pricing.

  Perry Chamberlain
9 months ago
I took my Crosstrek in because the shocks and struts were failing and the bearings for the struts that were failing.they quickly replaced the struts and shocks and found out also that my lower control arms bushings were almost gone so they ordered those put them on the car had the car aligned and I picked it up and it drove like a new car amazing ride.They're my new go-to guys for all my Subarus no way I'm going back to the dealerships now they're pros they know their stuff All they work on is Subarus.

  Matthew Verschelde
6 years ago
This place is the only place you should take your Subaru unless of course you lease. This place was referred to me from an old Subaru owner. Avo is honest and explains what needs to be done. Work that the dealer has quoted for $3200 he has done for me for $1100. He only uses genuine Subaru parts and stands by all the work. If you're like me, and love your aging Subaru, this is the partner you'll want to work with.

  Jimmy Dean
a year ago
DO NOT TAKE YOUR VEHICLE HERE.unless you're bringing them a 'fun' project they will drop the ball, they will only work on it between other jobs, they will get frustrated and not finish their work, this process will take at least 3 months, then they will ask you to remove a car that doesn't work after all that and give you a 1K+ bill. for nothing.Services: Electrical, Auto engine diagnostic

  Darren Arnone
10 years ago
I have taken my Subaru to Avo and was nothing but pleased. I had what I thought was possibly a blown CPU. I had taken it to Avo and I let him go to work. He was completely honest and notified me after multiple hours of tracing the wiring harness system, he discovered that I had a connector issue behind my dashboard. He charged me a low price and fixed the issue quickly and efficiently. This is my third Subaru previously owning a 2000 Impreza RS, 2005 STI, and now my 2002 Impreza TS. He cares about his work and he cares about your car. I will be bringing my car back in shortly for a timing belt and water pump replacement. He is a true Subaru mechanic...and thats hard to find.***UPDATE 5/2/11*** Had my timing belt replaced, automatic transmission fluid flushed and changed, all my belts replaced and my car is running spectacular. I am amazed at how quick all this was completed and the low price I was charged. I had this work done about two months ago and everything is running flawless. I just noticed I am leaking radiator fluid possibly from a hose. I am brining it back in tomorrow for Avo to diagnose and repair. He is the best and he is honest. A true Subaru mechanic...again which is nearly impossible to find. Ill update you after my radiator leak is repaired and let you know again how the service goes. ***UPDATE10/18/11*** Not a radiator leak, head gasket leak actually. I'm taking it in this Thursday to have it repaired. *** UPDATE 11/9/11*** Head Gasket, Intake Manifold Gasket, Valve Cover Gasket, Thermometer and multiple other repairs done. Car is running great and the cost was below expected for what repairs were done. My Subaru TS is running incredible and is getting the best gas mileage I have ever had. I have 127k on my Subaru and with Avo as my mechanic I will got another 127k no problem. I also own a 2003 WRX Prodrive Edition. God for bid anything needs repaired on it, I will bring it to Avo without hesitance. Avo is the best, Subie Independent is the best.

  Roger Klemm
8 years ago
Avo knows his Subaru's and knows all of the little things needed to take good care of them. I'm very impressed with his service. Our Subaru has 275,000 miles and our driveway is still dry - no leaks! We've been going to Avo almost since it was out of warranty.

  Hale Johnson
2 years ago
It's very rare that you go to a shop were they A Know what they are talking about and B care for your car like it's there own. Mark is a straight up guy and Anthony and the staff are true Subaru Specialists I wouldn't take your Subaru ANYWHERE ELSE. 5 STARS AND BEYOND. I FINALLY FOUND A SHOP I TRUST!Services: Transmission, Exhaust, Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Transmission repair, Oil changeServices: Transmission, Exhaust, Steering & suspension repair, Auto engine diagnostic, Transmission repair, Oil change

  Tamara Gagliardi
7 years ago
I moved to LA from western NY, the land of the subarus. Here you don't see too many subarus so I was skeptical taking it any other place other than a place that knows everything about subarus. I had several services done here, from a millage maintenance, oil change, cat replacement etc. most recently I started to hear a thumping noise by the driver side tire. I took it to another shop to get it checked since it was a Friday and I was going on a road trip the next week. They didn't find anything wrong with my car. Not convicted with the outcome I called in Monday and the guys at subi were able to check my car and identify that it was the stabilizer link that was broken. Problem solved!the engine light of my Subaru came on. So I took it to Avo to have it checked. He told me the cat had gone bad on my car and that since it's an expensive fix I should first call Subaru of America to see if they could cover the fix. Who would do that? Such an honest shop! They could have right away schedule an appointment but instead he didn't charge me for the checkup and advices me to fist see if Subaru would cover it. To my disappointment the cat is 7k miles over the guarantee for the part so Subaru of America didn't cover it.Long story short: very honest and reliable shop. Experts in Subaru cars. If you have a Subaru take it here!

  Rye Family
4 years ago
tried charging me fees that were not discussed upfront. I told them that this was not a fair practice they got upset with me. after I pushed some more because they should have told me about this be upfront they told me they have enough customers and do not need my business and will not charge me. while I appreciated not charging a bogus fee, their tone was wrong and I don't appreciate how rude they were. ultimately I do want a mechanic to do work on my car. Unfortunately they were unable to perform the work needed and got upset with me because of it. I have a more detailed version of this from my main account just wanted to reiterate how poor the customer service is here and how you should look out for any hidden fees they're charging you that they did not discuss.

  Akash Ramrakhyani
a year ago
Taken care of my high mile 2013 WRX for a while now, great service and they make sure to cross their T's and dot their I's when it comes to making sure you're updated on everything.

  Rene Zambrano
7 years ago
There is absolutely NOBODY better to work on your Subaru. Avo rocks and does it right the first time at fair, if not good prices. You feel at ease after you have done business with him. He's a busy guy because Subaru owners who care about their Subies, know to go to him. Subarus are finicky and have their own special needs. He will school you on the truth about your motor, suspension, anything Subaru. If you know what you're talking about, even better because his knowledge will mesh and also enlightens to our Subie needs.Also, by coincidence, in between making and keeping my 1st ever appointment with Avo, I had my Subaru alignment done in Glendale by what turned out to be Avo's brother! I forget the name. I think it was Pacific Auto repair or tire.Good & honest work seems to run in the family.