All Wheel Drive Auto Independent Subaru Repair Expert

WOW! Two weeks after buying a 1999 OBW last fall I was cursed with an "over-heating" Subaru :( For another month I called every radiator shop within driving distance, and honestly didn't feel confident in taking my car to a shop and forking over large sums of money, not knowing if me and car were going to get the proper care we needed. I then stumbeld upon the All Wheel Drive Auto Independent Subaru Repair website, and instantly knew after browsing for a few minutes that these guys KNOW Subarus...AND customers!! I called and spoke to Justin who gave me a fair estimate and we made an appointment for an inspection. Upon the inspection Justin, Ken, and one the techs had discovered a number of VERY important issues that purtained to my most critical concern, SAFETY. They didn't just tell me and leave me to wait in the lobby...they brought me into the shop, under the car, and pointed out potential dangers with flashlights and explanations. It's been one year since the guys replaced my head gasket, and since, they've also replaced all four brakes, a CV-boot, and a number of freebies (as well as a suggestion to replace my tires, which I've done). I also have them change my oil. This may not seem as important, but after getting my oil changed at Jiffy Lube and similar "Fast-Lube" shops, who are ALWAYS trying to up sell me on something that I don't know if I need and they can't seem to explain WHY? I need it other than that my car has 130.000 miles (I'm talking maintenance jobs over $100); or knowing if they really are changing my oil . So, if I ever need anything repaired, whether it be my car, my plumbing, or a broken neck, I'm leaving that to the experts. From my own experience, when it comes to my Subaru, these guys ARE the experts! My car runs and drives like a 2009 model, THANK YOU! Not only do I know that my vehicle runs great, I know how, and why, it wasn't. Thank you again guys, for properly reparing and teaching me about what I depend on...my Subaru.

Posted 11/08/09 | Report Abuse

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Justin is an extremely knowledgeable and helpful owner and his team is one of the most talented around! They all go out of there way to show you what is wrong in terms that you can understand and physically examine for yourself. I have never had a better experience with customer service or shops for that matter. They are fair on their prices and gave me several options for repairs that would fit within my budget. I would recommend AWD Auto to anyone that could benefit from a superior Subaru shop. Don't hesitate to call and make your appointment right away!

Posted 09/28/09 | Report Abuse

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I came to All Wheel Drive after having a rebuilt engine put into my '98 Outback at an auto shop down in Oregon. The engine light was stuck on. Justin and his team not only kept me informed but educated me a as to what my options were. This process of giving me clear information and resources to confirm or get more information became the cornerstone of an excellent relationship with All Wheel Drive.
As it turned out the replacement engine led to a series of unfortunate events culminating in needing to replace the head gasket (which the original shop that installed the engine should have done). All Wheel Drive gave me instructions on how to care for my persnickety engine model to reduce the need for a future head gasket replacement. I found the quality of their work to be outstanding, and timely. Everyone has been courteous and straight forward.
I refer all my friends to All Wheel Drive, and drive across the lake from Seattle to get service from them, they are that good!

Posted 08/10/09 | Report Abuse

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After several bad experiences with a few Subaru dealers, we discovered All Wheel Drive Auto in Kirkland. I brought the car to them, explained the situation and the problems we had been having with the dealers never being able to diagnose or fix our problem. They kept me informed through the whole process. They were able to determine from their expertise, knowledge, and past experience, what the problem could possibly be. And, they were correct. My son has been driving the Subaru ever since, and it has never run so good! I feel very confident and comfortable knowing that there is a serviced department like this, that will take the extra time to explain situations, and let you know up front what your options are. I found them to be honest, and very knowledgeable. I would recommend anybody with a Subaru to take their car to All Wheel Drive Auto in Kirkland.

Posted 07/21/09 | Report Abuse

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I moved to Kirkland last year and discovered All Wheel Drive Auto after leaving Costco one day. I'm retired and I like to visit family in LA or Idaho on a moments notice. I feel confident in doing so even though I have 185,000 miles on my 97 Outback because they take such good care of my car. At each oil change, they check out everything and tell me what things I will need in the future and what things I shouldn't delay. For instance, I had the rear axles replaced and one of the parts they purchased wasn't right so they took my car for a day and replaced both parts at no charge. Last week, I decided to go camping at Priest Lake. They serviced my air-conditioner, fixed a leak in the power steering, re-glazed the headlight lenses and serviced my car all on short notice. That was greatly appreciated because it turns out I really needed the AC and the headlights were so much brighter, who knew? Brenda

Posted 06/09/09 | Report Abuse

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Just by sheer luck I found AWD on google.com, and found the AWD crew.
My 99 Forester started acting funny on 12/30/08, and I took it to the wrong place the first time, when they couldn't help me after 6 weeks! I had my car towed to AWD and they were able to help me more than anyone else!
They helped me in my ongoing battle of Good (ME) VS Evil (Warranty Company) and with their help I was able to get my car fixed and covered by the warranty!
I truly believe I would still be without my car were it not for them!

They truly care about their customers and doing a "QUALITY" job!
They are very honest, striving to give the best deal they can, and they're pretty funny too!

Posted 04/17/09 | Report Abuse

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I've been a customer of All Wheel Drive Auto for over 2 years now - a happy customer! Not only are they fair, but they do extra's for free that the big shop's charge for. Best of all, you get a real understanding of your cars needs - not in Greek mechanic talk - but in terms that a mechanically challenged person can understand. They're fast, friendly, and always courteous. I recommend All Wheel Drive Auto to all my friends and co-workers. I won't take my vehicles anywhere else!

Thanks Justin!
Gloria

Posted 11/09/08 | Report Abuse

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This past week I called around to find a good deal on my Subaru's 60,000 mile maintenance, as it is quite a comprehensive (and expensive) service requirement. Justin at All Wheel was fantastic, and I will certainly take my car back for all future service. He is a great guy to talk to, friendly, very straightforward to deal with, honest (he didn't need to change my air-filter as it was still in good shape, so he didn't and he took that off the bill), and seems to care deeply about how his customers feel about their experience at his business. AND, he charged less than the other shops I spoke to would have!

Posted 07/02/08 | Report Abuse

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I've never had someone I could refer to as "my go to guy" for service on my Subaru Outback and my Subaru Impreza. Actually, I've never had a "go to guy" for any car I've ever owned. For that reason I've never been inspired to write a review for a mechanic before. But in Kirkland's All Wheel Drive Auto I've found a team that I can trust with my cars. There is nothing in my life more important to me than making sure my family is safe; a critical part of that is making sure that my vehicles are sound, and that I can know my wife and children can go out and be safe on the roads.

Justin has proven himself to really care - not just about my Subaru Outback and my Impreza, but about me, as well. I can trust him to look out for my best interests; he's up front and honest, and his prices are very fair. Honestly, I don't know how his prices compare to other mechanics - either Subaru specialists or generalists - but it doesn't matter to me because I trust him.

Just be warned - he cares deeply about the impact of our vehicles on the environment; if you're not careful, you'll get a master's level discourse on how our vehicles could run better if only... Justin's awesome - try him out, and you'll see why.

Posted 12/18/07 | Report Abuse

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Safety is my #1 concern when it comes to my car. Therefore, I don't like to leave her in the hands of just any Joe Jiffy. When I expressed my concern about my check engine light being on to an acquaintance, he said he too has a Subaru and referred me to Justin at All Wheel Drive Auto. A referral is a thousand times better than a fancy commercial with a catchy jingle. So, I took my car there for a diagnosis. When Justin took the time to show me under my hood what he and Randy found, I knew he had my safety in mind and that he was honest. He already had me at "Let me show you under the hood." But when I came back and he arranged and PAID FOR! a rental car for me for the day, I was shocked! Now that's customer service!!
I recommend All Wheel Drive Auto to everyone.

Posted 09/29/07 | Report Abuse

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AWDA was the third shop I engaged for a quote. They understood my problem and fixed the car for significantly less than estimated by the first two shops. They really knows Subaru's and what they need. Justin explained what was needed and why, also identifying errors made in previous repairs. In particular, I appreciated good communication during the discovery and repair process. I had no surprises.

Posted 09/28/07 | Report Abuse

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My wife and I took our Lexus RX-300 in after hearing occasional squeaking from the brakes. Justin and Randy inspected both the front and rear brakes and gave us a written report, including comments about a minor belt noise. The brakes were in good condition and needed no work. Cost: $0.00. In addition, Justin showed how we could save 27% off some repair work which had been proposed by a larger, franchised service garage, and 52% off service previously performed by the dealer. Needless to say, we will return to All Wheel Drive Auto!

Posted 09/27/07 | Report Abuse

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I had the best service experience ever at All Wheel Drive Auto. Justin took the time to explain the needs and why the services were needed. My car runs better and gets greater gas milage too boot. I will send all my business to Justin at All Wheel Drive Auto. It is hard to find a technician who really cares about what he does.

Posted 04/24/07 | Report Abuse

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We took our car to All Wheel Drive Wheel after our check engine light came on and the dealer couldn't look at it for 3 days. Justin diagnosed the problem and informed us that the vehicle's failure was still covered under warranty. We appreciated his honesty and integrity and will definitely return to All Wheel Drive Auto in the future!

Posted 04/16/07 | Report Abuse

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I have found it! A great place to take my Subaru!! Honest ethical, and nice people too! They did a service on my Subaru Outback gave me a complete estimate for the needed repairs and then prioritized what I had to do, and what I could wait until next time on. I feel better just knowing that my car and my pocket book were both considered. I will be bringing my car back to them for all my service needs. I recommend All Wheel Drive Auto to all Subaru owners.

Posted 01/27/07 | Report Abuse

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