Hi folks;
I have an 04 with up, dp, borla and accessport....overall pretty mild.
I have a minor issue on the engine that I want looked at but am wondering if either of these dealers will hassle me about mods or somehow "flag" my car in the Subaru database.

So,,, has anyone taken their modded subaru in to either of these dealers and was your experience positive?
thanks

c77

 

Stevens Creek has a really bad rep around here, as an FYI. Most people are happy with Carlsen Subaru. Almost everyone swears by Santa Cruz Subaru.

 

damn

 

thanks, I meant to say santa cruz subaru but just abbreviated "sc"...
I know about stevens creek and won't go there for any reason unless i absolutely must,

 

Santa cruz wont hassle you about the mods, but they might say that could be part of your problem.

 

i don't know if removing cats, increasing power with exhaust mods and changing EM parameters could be viewed as "mild" mods. if anything, those are enough to void the warranty.

 

I would go to Santa Cruz or better yet an independent shop that specializes in Subarus, and can give you advice that will work with your mods.

I personally have had very BAD experiences repeatedly at Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City.

-Jacob

 

Other than scratching the car and breaking my inner fender well, carlsen is great!

I dread bringing the car in for the cc recall and seat bolt.

 

The cc recall took about 10 minutes. It's 1 plastic clip.

Lying about an issue I asked about, faking info on a SOA oil consumption test, lying to my face, just plain not knowing pretty important and basic information about Subarus, giving contradictory information and advice... Well, all that has taken about 2 years. Your results may vary.

-Jacob

 

carlsen used to have a great reputation, but I'd say in the past 6-8 months I have seen and heard a ton of complaints. I don't know if the shop has new management or what.

Go to Santa Cruz.

far as mods go..they are pretty laid back about it but they will stick to SOA policy and be they won't lie. They are a good honest family business.

They have great tech and service people. Talk to bruce or ben. Ben is Old90 on these boards. Send him a Pm and ask his advice. For service....Rusty is my favorite..he did my syncro fix. But they are all top notch. Talking like 10 plus years experience each.

I'd say they probably wouldn't have the biggest problem with the exhaust...but ECU modifications void warranties...trust me...I've asked.

Basically.....what's the issue with the motor? If honestly you feel it has nothing to do with your mods then take it to them. They'll know whether it is or it isn't. If you're having problems with pinging, detonation, timing..knock...stuff like that...it could very easily be your tune.

they deal with modified cars all the time. They'll know and be very honest if it's related to the mods.

 

Thanks for posting this. I have been pondering the same thing. I am coming up to my 30k service along with a few warrenty issues. I couldn't decide which dealer to bring the car to since I live equal distance from both dealers mentioned. Now, I am going to take the trip down to Santa Cruz for sure.

 

DITTO!

 

thanks for the comments. I guess when I mean "mild" I mean not replacing stock turbo, injectors, bov..but that is certainly my own interpretation.

My problem is a weep of oil from (apparently) the rear seal area, its not enough to drip onto the floor but it does dirty the top of my steering rack.
I want to get it looked at.

I dont think this is something caused by the mods I have installed, unless indirectly (by more hp).?

And that begs the point that if a WRX can't stand an extra 30 whp over stock without developing a leak then I would be worried about guys who are 80-100 whp over stock!

 

"up, dp, borla and accessport" .... that's it? that's a very clean and conservative modding...
definitely not mod related damage....
i would never think of taking a modded car to a dealer... I didn't know you could?