Just bought a very clean 2004WRX with a ton of miles...
I need to have a post purchase inspection, oil leak inspected/fixed, noisy timing belt tensioner changed etc...
Both shops have a great reputation for tuning. Is one any better for repair work?
I am in Concord and between both equally.
Any recs for a subaru shop more convienient for me?

 

I'd go to EQ Tuning, they are a great bunch. There's also RBMS Autocare who are in Hayward and very good as well.

 

Mert at RBMS was, sort of still is, GST's mechanic and for what you're looking for, that's where I'd probably start.

 

While Mert and I are great friends as we have been for around 15 years he's really his own man so to speak when it comes to RBMS, I refer a bunch of work to him when as I know how good his work is and I feel it's the least I can do considering the time I spend with his wife!

 

Oh Mike

 

Yea I'm terrible I know!

 

GST is great, but I hear you have to pay in plastic dicks

 

I had a ton of work done at RBMS. +1 vote for Mert.

 

If you are in the East bay you should develop a good relationship with GST and RBMS...both shops deal with ANY problem that your Subaru might have and both work hard for good prices.

Between them they have built some of the most powerful Subarus in the world (no exaggeration) and they are good friends that help each other out all the time.

GST also has a dyno and does tuning and once the owner Mike has worked on your car a few times he is happy to touch up your tune without much cost if you modify further down the road which is nice if you throw something on there regularly and need multiple tunes.

Downside to both shops:
Mike's crew at GST keep midgets locked in a box Pulp fiction style
Mert's crew constantly force feed you with BBQ and get offended if you stop eating

EQ has a loyal customer base but it way far for me when Mike and Mert can handle everything locally and at the right price

 

Bring out the gimp.

 

Glen, I think you're confusing "Downside" with "Upside".


I've gone to Mert at RBMS for both maintenance and repair. I've always been pleased with the work done. When I'm ready for tuning, I plan to go to Mike at GST.