Tool Guru Subaru & Import Repair

wow bobby ur a great guy .....thanks 4 the work on the subaru, god bless !! for the rest of ya ( IN BOBBY WE TRUST) great sevice if you go anywere else ur not thinkin.......

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The short version:
After giving me a great deal on a new clutch, they failed to properly diagnose subsequent problems associated with the new clutch. They likely caused, but definitely neglected to diagnose (twice), a damaged axle seal that caused my transmission to leak a quart of oil within a week (twice). Was not impressed with their lackadaisical attitude or inability to identify and correct a problem. They will never again receive our business.

The long version:
(*Have owned my 2006 WRX since 2008, dont drive it hard, have never had any problems, and always kept up to date on maintenance.)

Appointment #1: Took my car in for a new clutch, Tool Guru gave me an awesome deal. Told me I needed my valve cover gaskets replaced as well.

Appt #2: A few days later, brought my car in for the valve cover gaskets, told them its been squeaking when the clutch is not engaged. They replaced the valve cover gaskets for a fair price. Without looking, told me the squeaking is probably a defective throwout bearing and to come back in a week if it doesnt go away.

Appt #3: Brought it back a week later due to the squeaking getting worse, and the check engine light coming on. After taking things apart they realized it wasnt the throwout bearing as they assumed, but the clutch slave cylinder needing to be replaced (often needed when installing a new clutch, but they never mentioned that possibility in the beginning). They tried to read the check engine code but didnt figure it out. Told me my car was leaking clutch hydraulic fluid due to slave cylinder, and to come back again when theyd have the part.

A few days later noticed a large stain on my driveway (1ft wide x 6 feet long), we realized it was gear oil. An entire quart of it, as there wasnt a drop on the transmission dipstick. Enraged. Called Tool Guru to express our displeasure and give them the chance to correct the situation.

Appt #4: Few days later, gave them my car for TWO DAYS to replace slave cylinder and fix whatever happened to cause my car to lose a quart of gear oil. Tool Guru didnt charge us labor, which was appreciated. Replaced clutch slave cylinder and said that an axle wasnt seated all the way, which was causing the gear oil leak. Accused me of hitting a curb and dislodging the axle. Really. They supposedly drained the remaining gear oil and replaced it with synthetic gear oil as we requested.

Drove my car down the block and noticed a new rattling sound. Brought it right back and demonstrated, he said some housing only had 2 of 5 bolts on it when my car first came in and thats what was rattling. I did NOT have that rattling before, and was shocked that he wouldnt take the initiative to put bolts where they belong, regardless of how many it came in with. He put new bolts where they were needed, and I went home irritated.

Few days later, noticed a NEW large stain on my driveway, again gear oil. Furious. Took my car to a more reputable shop who, within 20 MINUTES, identified and showed me the seal that had been damaged when Tool Guru had removed and reseated the axle during the clutch replacement. This new shop also noted that the current gear oil (supposedly new synthetic) appeared very dirty, and noted and showed me metal chunks and sludge on the magnetic drain plug. This indicated that my transmission had not been serviced at all by Tool Guru.

When we called Tool Guru to discuss what the other shop found, the owner swore that they drained and refilled the transmission, but didnt notice any metal chunks or sludge on the drain plug. I dont believe him for a second.

Overall had a horribly disappointing and irritating experience at Tool Guru and will never return or recommend. I am amazed at Tool Gurus ability to botch so many things, and miss so many more. If it had only been one little thing I wouldnt be this angry, but it was multiple things multiple times, and it really just got ridiculous towards the end.

(P.s. Now a month later, have just heard sporadic squeaking from the clutch when not engaged. Lovely.)

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I have been to many shops- but this place really is family run! The owner is the mechanic who actually worked on my car and his wife was in the office. He took the time to explain all my options and the prices. No pressure to spend more than I could afford!

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bobby's job was $700 cheaper than what the dealer said it was going to cost. what more can i say? my subi runs great and i would recommend him to anyone.

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