Hi everyone

I just bought a 2004 Subaru WRX wagon, and it needs its 105k service done. From reading these forums, it seems the best places to get the service done are GST, Speed Element and AutoHQ.

However, since I live in Berkeley, I was hoping to find a closer shop (like in the Oakland, Berkeley, El Cerrito area). Someone mentioned TDGarage, which seems to be much closer (they're in Berkeley). However, on their website, they are charging $1250 upwards for the 105k service. This seems slightly pricey to me.

Does anyone have any recommendations about TDGarage? Are they worth the price, or should I just make the drive out to GST?

Alternatively, are there any other good shops closer to Berkeley where I can get the service done?

 

RBMS in Hayward. Mike old techs new shop.

 

licmotorsports in novato

 

I used TD garage last year per recommendation from my good friend. I had my uppipe replaced for my 2005 wrx wagon. I thought he did a good job, until I noticed that he forgot to refasten the motor mounts. I drove my car almost 2,000 miles without them being secured, and that will forever scare me away from their services. Not to mention at the time he was busy, it took 3 weeks to get my car done.

 

I used TD Garage when they were located in Walnut Creek and a few times after they moved to Berkley. It is a small one man shop run by a younger guy. He is probably not as seasoned when compared to all of the heavy hitters (RBMS, GST, LIC, etc), but he is still very good mechanic (from my limited experience). I only had minor maintenance, mods and trouble shooting done (all when fine without issues), so I cannot speak to major maintenance or heavy duty modifications. Shop rates and prices seemed reasonable when I went there.

Call around and/or visit the shops you are considering; all of the options listed a solid and all will have their bad stories/customers if you dig enough. Figure out what you think will be the best fit for you and give them a try. At end of the day, on threads like these, you will mostly just get fanbois with allegiances recommending personal preferences. I highly doubt many people get 105k services or turbo builds done by ALL of the shops in the area to make a truly objective unbiased comparison.

Good luck.

 

Stay the **** away from TD garage unless you wanna be overcharged for half assed work. Just sayin..

+1 go to RBMS

 

RBMS Hands Down!!! Mert and Jojo will take care of you. GST's finest master mechanic of all trade. Well....... Hes more of a magician.

 

Thank you everyone for all the fast and useful feedback. I'm so glad to be part of the Subaru community with people like you around.

So it seems the general consensus is that TDGarage is ok, but not the best for complicated work. Since I want some other things inspected while getting the 105k service done (I'm seeing some oil at the intercooler; it may just be normal blowby, but I want a professional opinion on it), it seems best that I take the car to someplace else where they have more experience.

I just looked up RBMS, and they're just a 30min drive away (and they're close to BART, so I can take the BART home when I leave my car there). I'll give them a call on Monday and chat to them about it. I actually heard good things about them a while ago, but completely forgot about them.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

 

Swing by in person Tuesday I will be in there most the day ( 1)no job so I hang out, 2)Mert is putting in my Grimmspeed pulley and blue gates racing belts)

 

+1 I haven't gotten a chance to check out RMBS, but when Mert was back at GST, basically everything installed and done was by Mert or Tommy and I had no problems whatsoever

 

I just wanted to give some brief feedback:

I took my car into RBMS last week and was extremely satisfied with the work. I really appreciated being able to chat to Mert directly about the car, rather than with some desk monkey that they employ at other places to deal with the customers.

Mert did a great job on the 105k service. He also noticed some other problems (radiator leak, oil cooler oring worn, valve cover gasket needed replacing, etc) and gave me his honest opinion on these problems, rather than just trying to take my money. I also appreciate him taking the time to look out for other issues with the car, instead of only focussing on the 105k service.

And not to mention that his prices were better than a number of other places.

If anyone else is looking for a Subaru mechanic, I would strongly recommend RBMS. Thanks everyone here for the advice!

 

Hehe, I saw your wagon, get that radiator replaced man...oh and put subframe bolts in!

 

RBMS is one of the best shops I've ever taken a car to. Prefer to do my own work, but you guys know how expensive it is to have a place w/ a garage these days.

If it's a semi-quick job, I go eat tacos around the corner; cheap and tasty!

 

RBMS FTW! I knew Mert since he and his older bro Tito started RedStar Racing in Hayward. Same street, but on the opposite side. They were well known on the SCCA Solo2 AutoX. Not to mention when Gino had his shop on Winton, near the airport, Mert and his younger bro Bong aka Andrew, and Mike who now runs GST, now tuning only...Correct me if I'm wrong, worked at GB Motorsports.

 

Mike started his own parts selling company... MPJ Performance. Shared space with Gino.

Parts from mike, install from Gino.