IND. Subaru Mechanic Minnesota | S.A.I

Reviews

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

  Nick Raber
5 years ago
After chasing a rabbit on my 300 hundred thousand mile Impreza for a couple of weeks, I decided to look into getting a professional opinion. Multiple sources of Subaru enthusiasts pointed me to Sorenson and their other great reviews sealed the deal on me getting in touch with them. Their office manager James showed great initiative and customer service via emails and phone calls before I ever even set foot in the building. He worked with me on getting accurate and useful information to the techs to make sure they could do their best work on solving my issue. After being out of town for the weekend, I was ecstatic to come back to a job well done and a fair price. One of the techs, Mike, was happy to talk with me about the work that was done and even had pictures to show me. My experience with Sorenson was professional, effective, and above all, friendly. They even filled up my tires for me on request. I would recommend them to anyone looking to get work done in the greater Metro area, the drive from Vadnais Heights was more than worth it. They even have a driver on hand to pick you up and drop you off! Although his name is escaping me at the moment, he was very pleasant to talk with on the 40 minute drive home.

  Krikkit
9 years ago
The people at Sorenson seem like very nice people. My oil change was done in timely manner and was a fair price. The mechanic was also very informative and he made sure I understood the issues at hand and why it would be wise for them to be taken care of as soon as possible. I would come back any day before I would go to some big name repair shop that only cares about how much money they can squeeze out of you.

  Stacia Hopkins
7 years ago
I have had nothing but a terrific experience at Sorenson Automotive. Ben and Alexia are honest, helpful, explain what needs to be done in detail and above all treat my car like it was their own. Their pricing is very reasonable and the service is fantastic. I plan to use them for all of my car needs.

  Paul Lundgren
4 years ago
I would highly recommend visiting Sorensons Automotive if you are looking for service. Not only are they great mechanics that know their trade they are the most honest and caring people we have used to work on our vehicles. They have integrity and a genuine concern for you. By going the extra mile on my last visit they saved me from spending a large amount of money on repairs that I would never have been aware of. This buisness is a class act. I look forward to working with them in the future. Trust is a great thing to have when it come to car care.

  Shannon Marcus
7 years ago
I dropped my car off Friday after work and Ben had it diagnosed on Saturday morning and offered to have it done that afternoon. He was incredibly helpful in answering all of my questions and explaining the problem to me and what my options were. Initially, when I was driving up to the business, the sign was a little difficult to see, but I read other reviews and knew that it was not going to be showy shop front. I feel Sorenson's was honest in quoting me for the repairs and charging a fair price for the services done, less than any other 'name brand' shop. He even degreased/cleaned my entire engine! For a 13 year old car, it was pretty oily and dirty so it looks great! Over a week later and my car is still running with no problems. I will hands down be bringing my Subaru here from now on and you should too.

  Michelle Doll
8 years ago
I am from Sioux Falls SD and spent time in the Twin Cities over the New Year's holiday . I was on my way out of town when on New Year's Day the check engine light, brake light, and cruise control sensor started flashing. Since it was a holiday, no one was open. I called multiple places without any answers, including Sorenson Automotive. However, to my surprise, Ben called me back even though I didn't leave a message. He offered to open up for me. He was able to diagnose my car problems and within a couple of hours I was able to continue my trip. Ben went over and above in service. He also did not charge extra for opening up on a holiday. I would definitely recommend going to Sorenson Automotive. Great service and reasonable prices.

  Mark DeLong
5 years ago
I was stuck in a tough situation living 6 hours away when my daughter's car engine died while she was on her way to the cities. After taking the car to a couple of service locations (even a local Subaru dealer)...Sorensen's was the only place that really told it to me straight. Through conversations with them I truly believe they really know there stuff and do great quality work rebuilding Subarus. While it wasn't worthwhile for me to pay for a rebuild on an older car, they were able to buy our car for a reasonable amount. I fully expect that they will rebuild our car and it will be an excellent vehicle for someone for years to come.

  Dusty h
8 years ago
As someone new to MN, I went here on a recommendation from a friend because I knew my repair was going to be extensive (engine got rebuilt) and I didn't want to get screwed. I'm glad I went here and had a good experience overall.There were a few snags along the way, but I felt they were honest and put a lot of effort to keep me informed throughout and covered the costs of a rental vehicle until it was finished. When we initially spoke after they looked at the vehicle, he talked with me for over half an hour on my options for repairing. I'm not a car guy, but I felt very informed on the options and not pushed. When I picked up the vehicle, I was given plenty of information on how to break in the engine correctly and all other maintenance issues. I never felt like I was lied to or not told the entire story, and it was great to talk with the people who actually worked on the vehicle instead of just a salesperson reading a note on file.The only issue I had was the length of time the repair took was longer than quoted initially. I felt the situation was handled as best as they could, but this probably have been done quicker at a larger shop. Overall, I highly recommend Sorenson Automotive.Edit: For what it's worth, my vehicle is a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, and it's running wonderfully thus far.

  A C
4 years ago
Sorensen's has been the best place I've ever gone to to have my car repaired and I've tried plenty of places.They are extremely knowledgeable, they will tell you the truth and the bill is WAY below if you were to go somewhere else. I will ALWAYS take my vehicles there. Plus, I wasn't able to pick up my car before 5 and they drove it to my house. What auto mechanic shop does that. They think of the customers first.

  Chris Ostroushko
9 years ago
Sorenson Autmotive hands down is the best mechanic shop in the Twin Cities! Ben and Sam are very knowledgeable, professional, and want to make sure your vehicle is taken care of at a fair price. These days, it's hard to find a reliable mechanic who is honest, reputable, and does good work. If you are looking for an honest shop, who cares about your car and your repeat business, then Sorenson is your shop. Thank you Sorenson Automotive for providing me with a wonderful experience and for taking care of my Chrysler Pacifica.

  Hugh Phillips
8 years ago
It is perhaps fortunate that a Google search for 'Subaru mechanic Minneapolis' yields so few results because in those few I found Sorenson Automotive in Savage MN. I have used a fairly good independent mechanic shop near me but I always had a suspicion they weren't really tuned into Subaru and they were always expensive. Leaking head gaskets on my 2000 Subaru Outback have plagued the vehicle for years and a recent overheating issue meant my wife no longer trusted the vehicle for long trips. We were in the market for a replacement vehicle for a while and dismayed at that potential cost before I decided to visit Sorensons and now I am really glad I did. Sorenson's is a first rate shop and Ben Sorenson is an excellent and knowledgeable Subaru mechanic.My first impression of Sorenson's wasn't favorable. It is located in an industrial park, set back from the road in a brown cement block building. The Sorenson's sign is eclipsed by the much larger Turner Excavating sign, the business behind them. The dirt road approach is dominated by a dumpster and the chain link fence entry gate to Sorenson's holding yard. At that point I almost drove away thinking getting automotive work done here might be a real mistake. And the modest office won't dispel the first outside impression. It is furnished in old dark paneling with worn flooring, a tired sofa and is permeated with a faint smell of solvent; its nothing like the white/glass/chrome service desk and waiting area at your expensive dealership service counter. But then you realize after you meet and talk to Ben Sorenson, the owner/mechanic and get a look into his garage full of quality lifts and tools that little is spent on outside appearances, the focus is on the repair work. Ben is always willing to discuss a repair issue in detail before and after the work. And because Ben doesn't have the overhead of a snazzy dealership service area his repair charges are lower to people like me who need repair work on their vehicles. You will meet Ben's wife who runs the office and possibly even his boys if they are not in school. Sorenson's is a family-run business operating at low cost. I encourage you to support them by giving them your business, it is well worth it.So far I have had several visits to Sorenson's. The first was to get the heads overhauled and machined with new gaskets. That went perfect, I no longer have that antifreeze smell every time I pull into the garage. Importantly, Ben also noticed my check engine light was on - has been on intermittently for several years that my regular mechanic could never solve - and tracked it to the knock sensor which he replaced. The car has never run better. In another visit Ben replaced a transmission hose that cracked and leaked out all the transmission fluid. Most recently Ben replaced anti-sway bar bushings that had worn causing a creaking sound from the suspension when loaded. All successful visits and in the end I still have my 2000 Subaru Outback running great and without the cost of a replacement vehicle!My only regret about Sorenson's is that it is a long way from where I live so for a multi-day repair like the heads I had to rent a car (Ben's wife helped arrange that and got a great rate for me at a nearby Enterprise). If you are going to be stuck at Sorenson's for a few hours waiting for a repair then you should consider walking over to the Tin Shed Tavern (~1 mile away) for some good food.

  Matthew Thompson
4 years ago
Called into the shop with a question, but had no intention of using their services as I was in a different state. However, I needed some help from somebody truly knowledgeable about Subarus and an out-of-the-norm problem with my alignment. When I called in, they were extremely helpful and gave their best advice. Never did it seem like I was taxing them with my problem. Super cool guys!

  Jonny Stange
4 years ago
Recently bought a 2010 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport from the Sorenson s. The care they gave the car prior to purchase was superb! Had one minor issue with the car after purchasing, but the Sorenson s drove out to our place and fixed the problem at no charge. After one summer I can easily say without a doubt that I love the car! These are quality people offering quality cars, definitely recommend buying from them! Very impressed!

  Victoria
10 years ago
Ben Sorenson helped us with an engine problem on our 2007 Subaru Impreza wagon. We live about 65 miles away from Sorenson Auto and had taken our car to a local mechanic, but he had no clue and recommended a junk yard engine swap.We found Sorenson Auto and talked to Ben over the phone. It was obvious as soon as we spoke to him that he understood our car problem. We had it towed to his shop on a Saturday. Ben found the problem and quoted several different options for repair.We could not decide how to proceed and Ben allowed us some time to decide what to do. Other shops may have pushed us to make a quick decision, but Ben allowed us to review the quotes and helped us make the best decision for our situation.It was refreshing to work with an auto repair shop that can do complex repairs and will work with car owners to make sure we made the right choice.I used my daughter's google account to post this , although I usually do not do online recommendations, I wanted to share the good experience we had with Sorenson Auto.Thanks Sorenson Auto, I would recommend your service to anyone.

  Ilya Pekurovsky
6 years ago
Wow, I thought that shop has a great reputation and integrity!!This review is ONLY on the estimation side, not on repairs.This is the second time I am calling them to ask for quote on different issues, and this is the same treatment I get.This time I called in and described the symptoms. I know about cars very well. The lady on the phone started to tell me such nonsense that I could not believe my ears!!I have a fuel leak under the intake manifold, I can see it.She told me: You have to replace fuel seals inside the tubo! (fuel does not go to the turbo).She told me that I could see fuel pulling on top of the engine because my fuel injectors are leaking...And other impossible cases. I understand the need to upcharge and charge maximum prices, but I do not appreciate paying for something I do not need! When I started to question her statements she got very upset and irritated. When I mentioned that for the shop with such integrity I was expecting more, she hung up!I know their work is superb, I heard great reviews from people who did the work. I know they are much more expensive than the dealership, but replacing non existent fuel seals is more than I am willing to tolerate.My advice: do not call them, go there and talk face to face and question everything!

  Tom T
6 years ago
this review is long over due, last summer after talking to subaru dealers and repair shops to get my daughters forester engine repaired I landed on Ben's shop, I knew right away when talking with him he knew what he was doing so I had the car brought down to him. After Ben disasembeled the engine and had a chance to examine it he offered me a few different solutions and I knew that I wanted the car to for sure last through college and then some, we also talked about a couple of different upgrades that I was aware of but had questions about, I decided to go with the upgrades knowing the car would still be running when the doors rusted off. when I got the car back I was amazed at the quality of work, I am a commercial aircraft inspector and know excellent work when I see it.Thanks again BenTom in Blaine

  ophiruchus
7 years ago
Ben and Alexia turned a significant issue (ignored by a local Subaru dealership) into a cost-effective, long-term solution for my friend's Impreza. She and I trust Ben and Alexia to address newer concerns that have surfaced, and are extremely happy with each consult and repair performed. Ben may be a Subaru specialist, but he's an automotive mechanic master.As mentioned by other users, the shop's appearance is not a reflection of the customer service and quality of work that leaves the garage of the Sorenson shop. SAI is a true definition of a mom-and-pop shop, with honest work and extremely fair prices. Skip the Subaru dealer service departments and come here instead.

  Tom Clements
4 years ago
We helped my daughter buy her first car from these guys - a 2012 Forester. I thought that since they were Subaru specialists they might be more careful and knowledgeable about any Subaru they would sell.My daughter was very excited. The car drove nice and looked very nice for the 120,000 miles it had on it.When we bought it I asked if it came with any warranty. They said no, but that if anything happened in the first month or so they'd take care of us.About six weeks after we bought it my daughter was driving to her class up in White Bear Lake (we're south of river, so a good 40 minutes to an hour away). She called because the oil light came on. I had her stop and check the oil and she said there wasn't any. I looked a the manual online and saw that it took 0W20 synthetic - which I'd never even heard of. The gas station where she stopped didn't have that but I'd read that you could use 5W30 in a pinch so I had her put a quart in and check it again. She said it was registering on the stick so I had her drive on home.We dropped it back off at Sorenson ASAP expecting that it would be probably minor and that they would "take care of us" as they had said when we bought it.I explained that we had put 5W30 in the car because the gas station didn't have 0W20. They told me that it was good we didn't put the 0W20 in because that would have ruined the engine. That got my attention so I went back and looked again at the manual online and verified that it did in fact say 0W20. (They did eventually agree that 0W20 was the right grade)The problem turned out to be a known issue which Subaru had settled a class action suit about. They call it excessive oil consumption and it's something to do with the pistons not functioning properly which leads to oil getting burned up in the combustion chamber. (or something like that - I'm not a mechanic)They said it needed a new engine and their idea of "taking care of us" was to offer us $1000 off the $6500 cost of the repair. To be clear, the people who sold us a POS car with a known issue that a Subaru specialist might have thought to check on, wanted us to give them an additional $5500. We only paid $8000 for the car in the first place.I told them I thought they either needed to fix it for free or give us back our money. They refused.So we decided that we would trade it in and get her something newer. This meant that we needed the title. Unfortunately, at this point they hadn't actually turned in the paperwork for the license plates or the title - six-plus weeks after we bought the car. That was another week or so of run around before that finally happened.In the meantime, my daughter continued to drive the car - and check the oil frequently since we didn't really have a choice.Then the check engine light came on, because of course it did. So I took it to a mechanic that I trust and it ended up being the catalytic converter. Apparently burning excessive oil in the engine can contribute to early catalytic converter failure. So we put another $1000 into it to get it driveable so that we could trade it.We were finally able to get the title, trade the car, and be done.So - buyer be ware...

  Waxley Molding
7 years ago
I love my Subarus and have found that you definitely need to seek out a specialist for them since they are rather "special" in their design. I know from experience because I had a beloved '92 Subaru SVX runied by a mechanic that claimed to be able to fix it. Then there's the dealer: they have no appreciation for their older model cars and they will do the least amount possible to keep it running. They are also quite vague as to what they actually do and what the problem really was. Face it, it's in their best interest for you to buy a new car anyway.I have been taking both of my Subarus to the Sorenson's for a while now. They understand the quirkyness of Subarus. Ben will thoroughly check things out before and after the repairs and answer any questions that you may have. In doing so, he will establish a familiarity with you and your cars and thus when you return, it is an ongoing dialogue. This is a nice change from the cold, anonymous treatment you will receive at most mechanics. They will also make other necessary repairs while they have it all taken apart which saves future labor and makes for a more comprehensive repair. When you come to pick it up, they always have your old parts laying on the counter so that you know exactly what went wrong with them. I have also had some emergency repair work done here and they were very accomodating to it as much as they could be. With a smaller mom and pop shop like this, sometimes you need to wait a bit longer for completion but it is worth it in the end for this level of personalized service. Another thing that I've never experienced before is that these folks don't even wince about giving you a ride. They will come and pick you up/drop you off at home or work. They'll even set up a tow if needed. This is the kind of place that we need more of. There is no glossy exterior or annoying and misleading advertising. Just a solid and capable shop. If you have a Subaru, definitely bring it here.

  Platy Pie (Raj)
5 years ago
Great service. Honest work. Easy to talk to staff and friendly with no pressure or guilt if you don't wanna do something. They give it to you straight and honest. The way a small business in Minnesota should. Expert care and professional service.Oh I bought my latest subaru there too. Yay.

  Kris Werner
9 years ago
I had recently moved to the area and was in need of a new maintenance shop. I had found Sorenson on the internet and wanted to try someone local and not the big name. I was able to get my vehicle in to be looked at right away and through my years in and out of auto shops I feel I was treated with the upmost of honesty and the price was very reasonable. I will continue to use Sorenson Automotive for all my vehicle repairs. Thank you again, Josh Maros.

  David H
8 years ago
Sorenson Automotive was very gracious and willing to go the extra mile. My vehicle had more issues than originally anticipated and they were more than fair with the cost of the repair.

  Chris Shewmake
a year ago
Horrible workmanship, installed "rebuilt" motor but real mechanics verified it was not really rebuilt. Very sloppy install and did not even use all the proper parts. Also, will not honor the warranty or fix anything

  Dona C
9 years ago
My Ford Focus was repaired the first time using Ford Quality/Warranted parts and completed on time with a fair price. Thanks for the car and engine compartment wash.

  V S
2 years ago
Good customer service! Did a great job repairing my car as well! I would come again. I would also recommend this place anyone else looking for auto repair.

  Myra Elyse
5 years ago
Beware of this business!!!! I had to contact the police because I did not hear anything from this business after eight days of being without a car. No call, no update. I would not recommend this place. As of now I still do not have my vehicle and the police are investigating this business currently.

  Blake Wangelin
5 years ago
I would drive 100 miles to get here and not be mad about it. Great service, ginuine care fo your car, all around nice people running it. I ve come here a couple times within the past couple years and I have never been disappointed. 10/10 great job

  Delac Barbouche
9 years ago
If you own a Subaru, Sorenson is the place to have it serviced in the Twin Cities area. Great expertise, great service.

  Mike Jensen
5 years ago
I have gone to Ben Sorenson and his crew several times. They provide great work, always very friendly, informative and helpful.

  James Wallin
6 years ago
Small shop. Very friendly, but most of extremely thorough and do great work. Highly recommended!