All Wheel Drive Auto Independent Subaru Repair Expert

Thank you so much AWDA for everything you have done for me but also my Mom and Sister. You continuously go above and beyond to make sure we are all safe.

Not long ago I went out to the garage to find my car leaking. I am a car moron so I had no idea what was going on. AWD had worked on my car for years so I called Justin on his cell phone for help. We talked and he had an idea of what was happening. Only one problem - I am a single mom and live in Kitsap County so I could not just drop everything and run it to the shop. So Justin decided he would send one of the shop guys to bring me a fleet car and they would take mine back. That evening after the mechanic got off work and took the ferry I had a borrowed car and mine was off to the shop.

The next morning I got a call from the mechanic himself explain what was wrong, a reasonable price and how long it would take to repair, OH and not to worry he would deliver it back to me when he was done. Two days later I had my car back. Only to find out that the mechanic had worked until 10 for two nights to make sure it got done.

The next time I went to visit my mom I delivered chocolate chip cookies to the shop. This crew is fantastic!!!! Thank you all so very much!!!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I bought my daughter a Subaru Legacy for her 17th birthday. Although before I bought it I wanted to take it to someone who would make sure my daughter would be getting a safe and reliable car. I took it to AWDA and their mechanic went through every inch of that car to make sure it was safe and I wasn't going to be getting ripped off by some used car lot. Other than needing some of the fluids changed I was told it was a great car for a teenager. Everyone in the shop was very nice and excited for me to be giving my daughter this car.

I will tell everyone I know that this is the place to go! They're not only professional and friendly but very reasonably priced.

Thanks AWDA for making sure my daughter has a safe car to drive!!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I recently purchased a 1999 subaru outback from a private party, I'm not very mechanically inclined & should have taken the subaru for a mechanical pre purchase inspection by an independant subaru repair shop but call me nieve ,I trusted the elderly gentalman I bought the car from & the price seemed fair.The first day driving the car the check engine light came on & the car started running real rough & I barley got to work, ounce @ work I asked a co worker if she knew any good service repair shops specializing in subaru repair She said yes her brother had owned nothing but subaru's & he great luck with a shop called all whell drive auto on 85th in kirklad on rose hill , so I called & talked to a service adviser named Ryan he informed me of several possible things it could be, I went ahead & scheduled an appointment to have my subaru checked out at all wheel drives independant subaru repair facility.The good new is that the check engine light was only a sensor. The way it was running I thought foresure it was going to need major engine repair,These guys are the best! It's nice to do buisness with such tallented & Honest people! Thanks all wheel drive auto Jay

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

AWD Auto is Absolutely Great! I have never been happier with a repair shop. They never charge me for the little things! I have been there a few times now, the first time was for a 60k service and they saved me a lot of $$ over what the Dealer quoted me. There were things they told me about and said we could just keep an eye on for a while. Another time I had an issue they were able to help me with over the phone for free! 5 stars For Awd Auto in Kirkland and only because there isnt a way to rate them higher.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Great people, awesome service, positivity and service with a smile not seen anywhere else in the Seattle area! This is truly a great shop.

I have been going to All Wheel Drive Auto for a little over a year now for parts for my Subaru. I am an apprentice mechanic at a large dealership and no other parts or service business has made me feel more welcomed and a true part of the Subaru community than these guys have.

I like going in to pick up an oil filter and sometimes wait behind the customer before me for a brief moment. I enjoy the way customers that come in for service get accurate and in depth explanations and details about their car and the repairs made to it.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I needed to have the timing belt replaced on my 2005 Outback, I called around for prices and the range of prices was astonishing. I remembered that when I spoke to Justin at All Wheel Drive Auto that he mentioned there was a video on their website that showed all of the little parts that should be replaced or considered when in for the timing belt. I went to a few various Subaru owner forums where most seem to agree that the job should be done complete or the price later could be high and could even ruin the Engine. There were even replies to Justins article where other Subaru owners had had the cheaper service done only to have engine damage a couple of years later because a part had given up. Needless to say I went with All Wheel Drive Auto as I wanted the best service! Thats what I received; they went over the old parts which were in fact all noisy!! I cant imagine the Dealer not bothering to replace these and they are supposed to be the experts! Thank you to Ken for taking the time to painstakingly go over the old parts with me. Very happy and new All Wheel Drive Auto customer

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

These guys are the best mechanic shop I have worked with in a long time. I have been their customer for two years (maybe a little more). I find them to be honest and diligent in their work. All the staff have been professional and patient in my interactions. Their prices are fair and more competitive vs the dealer prices. And, they are certainly Subaru experts.

Two outstanding stories: (1) I ran over a tire (in the dark) on I-5. I took the car over to AWD Auto and they lifted the car on the large jacks and performed a complimentary inspection, which to my relief did not reveal any damage. (2) I noticed that my coolant was a below the low mark on a Friday, prior to a departure for Eastern Washington. I was a little concerned because I read somewhere that Subaru cars are picky about coolants. It was 6:00 p.m. so I called a couple of dealers first and who told me I could buy some coolant the next day. I randomly send an email to AWD Auto, and shortly, Justin replies from his iPhone stating that I could add a little water. Now, that is great and timely service indeed!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I was so glad to see lots of favorable reviews for AWDA when Google searching. I can tell you this -- these guys are the best mechanics I've ever had to deal with. I think the primary reason for this is Justin Stobb, AWDA's owner. He runs a tight ship. I see the kind of people he hires, and they're solid dudes. Whether its Ryan or Ken at the counter, they are both professional and extremely helpful. His techs are top notch and bring tons of experience to the table. Dealing with Justin has always been good.

Another thing that I think makes AWD so great is that they are true enthusiasts. They love Subarus. Most of the guys who work there are part of local Subaru enthusiast communities. Almost all of them have a history of working for Subaru dealerships, and they drive Subarus themselves. While this is not proof in and of itself for good service, you can rest assured that they both know about your car and they also care.

If you haven't seen it, one of the best aspects of AWDA's customer service approach is their blog that Justin publishes regularly. You can find it by Google searching as its part of their main website. Justin explains in clear terms why certain repairs are necessary, common failure problems in Subarus, and why bringing your car to AWDA is a good move. They don't just merely say they know what they're talking about -- they prove it with pictures and plain-speak about common Subaru issues. And the posts are honest about Subarus, since they're not perfect cars, but a lot better than most cars on the road.

I could go on about my experiences with them, but all I can really say is that if you're trying to decide between getting service from a dealer and from AWDA, you should at least give them a shot. Having dealt with dealers for years, its a crapshoot and you don't know who's working on your car. They also don't stand behind most of their repairs in my experience. Your experience may be different. But at least at AWDA you know the people face-to-face, they are an independent business so your satisfaction is their lifeblood (unlike dealerships who primarily exist to sell cars), and Justin can tell you about each of their mechanics and the 20+ years of experience most of them have.

Give them a shot! As I re-read this post, I sound like a marketing dude for them, but I'm just a satisfied customer. Between the two Subarus I've owned, there's nothing better than knowing your car is well taken care of. It's peace of mind that's hard to put a price on.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

We first took our Subaru Outback to another shop that I wont mention here but will review after the dust settles. Justin and his crew saved the day! AWDA figured out in 3 hours what the other shop couldn't figure out in days, instead the other shop tried convincing me the head gaskets were blown (just days after they did a service). I am back in my beloved Subaru now, without spending thousands of dollars I might add! I am so thankful to my friend who told me about AWDA in Kirkland, they are worth the trip across the bridge I just wish I would have found them first.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I have known Ken and Justin from All Wheel Drive for a couple of years now. Everytime I stop in, whether it is for service or some Do It Yourslef advice they are always very curteous and patient in explain to me whats wrong, and what the fix is or how to fix it. These guys are the best I have ever come across at a shop. I will continue to bring my cars to AWD for life. Thank you Justin and Ken for bringing some repect and honesty back into the auto buisness.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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!

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

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.

Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?