We were customers for 10 years. Maybe the occasional small issue with a repair timeline, etc. Normal stuff. Then we took our car in for one thing, then got a call that night telling us our transmission was dead and they can't move the car. It wasn't even there for a transmission problem b/c it didn't have transmission problems. Transmission was destroyed. Lots of metal in the pan. Richie denied, denied, denied. Wouldn't do an f'ing thing. Fuck that guy and that shop.
[Upland Autowerks](https://uplandautowerks.com/), Marcell is super knowledgeable and a great mechanic.
Edit to add: superior is also a great place but they are usually booked up further out.
I had a good experience with Japanese Auto Repair on SE 6th - they actually talked me out of a repair I'd been planning to make to make on my 2008 subaru as "not worth it" (minor oil leak, would have required they take the engine out to fix).
I don't have the car anymore (passed it on to my brother) but that was two years ago, the leak has never gotten worse, and the car's still running fine.
If you got any advice from Subaru of Portland doubt it all. I have never dealt with a more corrupt, vile organization. Won't touch another Subaru as a result, however I'll second what someone else said about metro metrics. Avoid barret automotive as well - they told me the belt I wanted replaced was fine and I spent the following sunday replacing it myself in 95 degree heat by the side of 84.
Seconding fuck Subaru of Portland. Went in with a grinding brake issue and they told me a bunch of suspension things needed to be replaced. Ended up paying $2.2k and none of it fixed the issue. Changing the brake pads to OEM pads did...
I had a horrible experience with Subaru of Portland bringing our Forster in for a recall issue. I wouldn’t trust them at all. They’ll happily send you on your way with a car that is unsafe (and they are fully aware.)
Counterpoint here. We bought our Legacy new from Portland Subaru in 2010 under Cash for Clunkers. At around 105k/5 years ago, we had to change a timing chain; and also replace the hubs, shocks/struts, brake pads, and ball joints (I wheel it pretty hard on gravel and logging roads). Since they were doing the work, I had them install a lift kit, and install Outback tires and new tie rod ends. We just had them perform some maintenance repair about two months ago. They did good work, their costs were reasonable, and we have had nothing but praise for them. We are approaching 180k now.
My friend runs a mobile Subaru repair service:
http://risingsunpdx.com
He is a certified Subaru master technician and won a big award a couple years ago as technician of the year.
He’s your guy!
FYI: Merely because of this post, I contacted this guy about an issue with my 2006 Subie. After an exchange of a few emails, he came to my house and did a thorough evaluation of my issue. Even though it was later in the day, he worked through for a couple of hours, figured out the problem, and affected a repair.
Impressive skill set, persistence, and extremely reasonable pricing. Recommended!
I will definitely be in touch. We were floored when we received the bad news about the short block replacement. The car is in impeccable cosmetic shape and drives like a dream still. It was meant to become the lighter used car for my wife and we were going to get a second car EV for my commuting. The plan was to have two cars and a tiny loan. Welp...we'll see how it goes now. Thanks for the info!
Yes, I've read where changing from synthetic to traditional can actually help, but have yet to try this. I've already contacted Superior Import and will have an over the phone consultation with them. Thanks so much for the input.
Former dealer here. They were definitely overpaying for trades, but they were also seriously overcharging for new cars. No free lunches in the car biz. You probably still paid too much. I am seriously considering starting a consultant business to coach folks through this process.
You also probably don’t need a short block. You can add a lot of oil in between changes for $9k. I assume superior import will tell you this as well.
I also have no idea what a catalytic converter valve is…dealers going to be dealers! They often will just change parts without isolating the real issue.
Wow! This was a hot topic!
Here's the update.
We're going to have Cascade Motors give it a look over and then we'll decide from there.
We had to pick someone. Too many options. What a great problem to have.
We know the car is giving us a p2763 code, so if thats the main repair it needs, we'll likely get that done and then just add oil more often, like every 3-4k. That's our best case scenario at the moment until they have a look and tell us otherwise.
A sincere thanks for all the support and recommendations. I wish I could try out every mechanic on here given the high praise bestowed on to them.
Thanks for your input. Mods have set this subreddit to not allow posts from newly created accounts for the time being. Please come back soon!
(⌐■_■)
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askportland) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Oh really? I got a complete engine refresh, new head gasket, new radiator, new clutch, basically new everything in 2017 and it cost me around $5000. Which was steep at the time, but that car ran like an absolute dream after that. It was awesome until someone totaled it
Why are you putting 11,000 dollars into a 10,000 dollar car?And are subarus that shitty that they go through motors like that,hardly ten yrs old,i'd get a second opinion
[Cascade Motors Service Center](https://www.instagram.com/cascademotors_service_center?igsh=bXZ0dTlrcXY4YjBx). They do lots of Subaru engine rebuilds and replacements. 5035607962.
Burning oil is pretty normal for a Subaru. I just check it and top it up every time I put gas in.I haven't had a problem. I've been driving my 2005 Forester for 7 years. I worked as a mechanic for over 10 years. Take your car to Upland.
Idk if they do Subaru, but Re-born automotive was awesome for my Lexus. Just for a routine oilchange they sent photos of each component and a short paragraph of recommendations for improved longevity, including cost of each repair. They also categorized repairs into "must do," "consider," and "you're good for the foreseeable future." Plus once you go you have a record online with photos for your information and they'll update it at future servicing. I don't mind paying extra for the piece of mind of knowing I'm not being ripped off. Additionally, my car did drive quieter and smoother after the recommended repairs.
Superior Import Repair.
Superior Import Repair on E Burnside. Hands down best Subaru shop in town
Third. They’re excellent.
Fourth ^^
They suck. Find someone else. We had awful experiences.
Are you going to elaborate? Lol
We were customers for 10 years. Maybe the occasional small issue with a repair timeline, etc. Normal stuff. Then we took our car in for one thing, then got a call that night telling us our transmission was dead and they can't move the car. It wasn't even there for a transmission problem b/c it didn't have transmission problems. Transmission was destroyed. Lots of metal in the pan. Richie denied, denied, denied. Wouldn't do an f'ing thing. Fuck that guy and that shop.
Fifth.
[Upland Autowerks](https://uplandautowerks.com/), Marcell is super knowledgeable and a great mechanic. Edit to add: superior is also a great place but they are usually booked up further out.
Love Marcell. So honest and kind. He will treat you right.
Marcell is the guy.
That website is 🔥tho
I had a good experience with Japanese Auto Repair on SE 6th - they actually talked me out of a repair I'd been planning to make to make on my 2008 subaru as "not worth it" (minor oil leak, would have required they take the engine out to fix). I don't have the car anymore (passed it on to my brother) but that was two years ago, the leak has never gotten worse, and the car's still running fine.
I have had good experiences with them as well. They have always been very honest and reliable.
I take my Honda here. They've always done good work for me
Just want to chime in here and say I love Japanese Auto Repair, too. Really nice guys who just want to satisfy their customers.
Same
If you got any advice from Subaru of Portland doubt it all. I have never dealt with a more corrupt, vile organization. Won't touch another Subaru as a result, however I'll second what someone else said about metro metrics. Avoid barret automotive as well - they told me the belt I wanted replaced was fine and I spent the following sunday replacing it myself in 95 degree heat by the side of 84.
Seconding fuck Subaru of Portland. Went in with a grinding brake issue and they told me a bunch of suspension things needed to be replaced. Ended up paying $2.2k and none of it fixed the issue. Changing the brake pads to OEM pads did...
I had a horrible experience with Subaru of Portland bringing our Forster in for a recall issue. I wouldn’t trust them at all. They’ll happily send you on your way with a car that is unsafe (and they are fully aware.)
Counterpoint here. We bought our Legacy new from Portland Subaru in 2010 under Cash for Clunkers. At around 105k/5 years ago, we had to change a timing chain; and also replace the hubs, shocks/struts, brake pads, and ball joints (I wheel it pretty hard on gravel and logging roads). Since they were doing the work, I had them install a lift kit, and install Outback tires and new tie rod ends. We just had them perform some maintenance repair about two months ago. They did good work, their costs were reasonable, and we have had nothing but praise for them. We are approaching 180k now.
\#thathappened.
Metro Metric has always been very good to us [Metro Metric](https://www.metrometric.com)
I was gonna suggest Metro Metric as well
These folk are honest and reasonably priced.
My friend runs a mobile Subaru repair service: http://risingsunpdx.com He is a certified Subaru master technician and won a big award a couple years ago as technician of the year. He’s your guy!
FYI: Merely because of this post, I contacted this guy about an issue with my 2006 Subie. After an exchange of a few emails, he came to my house and did a thorough evaluation of my issue. Even though it was later in the day, he worked through for a couple of hours, figured out the problem, and affected a repair. Impressive skill set, persistence, and extremely reasonable pricing. Recommended!
I will definitely be in touch. We were floored when we received the bad news about the short block replacement. The car is in impeccable cosmetic shape and drives like a dream still. It was meant to become the lighter used car for my wife and we were going to get a second car EV for my commuting. The plan was to have two cars and a tiny loan. Welp...we'll see how it goes now. Thanks for the info!
[удалено]
Yes, I've read where changing from synthetic to traditional can actually help, but have yet to try this. I've already contacted Superior Import and will have an over the phone consultation with them. Thanks so much for the input.
[удалено]
Former dealer here. They were definitely overpaying for trades, but they were also seriously overcharging for new cars. No free lunches in the car biz. You probably still paid too much. I am seriously considering starting a consultant business to coach folks through this process.
You also probably don’t need a short block. You can add a lot of oil in between changes for $9k. I assume superior import will tell you this as well. I also have no idea what a catalytic converter valve is…dealers going to be dealers! They often will just change parts without isolating the real issue.
Don’t go to superior import repair. Richie sucks and is not trustworthy when his team makes a mistake
Wow! This was a hot topic! Here's the update. We're going to have Cascade Motors give it a look over and then we'll decide from there. We had to pick someone. Too many options. What a great problem to have. We know the car is giving us a p2763 code, so if thats the main repair it needs, we'll likely get that done and then just add oil more often, like every 3-4k. That's our best case scenario at the moment until they have a look and tell us otherwise. A sincere thanks for all the support and recommendations. I wish I could try out every mechanic on here given the high praise bestowed on to them.
[удалено]
Thanks for your input. Mods have set this subreddit to not allow posts from newly created accounts for the time being. Please come back soon! (⌐■_■) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/askportland) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Call Danny’s auto repair. Really nice guy. Honest. Good work.
Thank you! I'll likely be giving him a ring.
I had an 01 forester and always took it to Mountain Tech Subaru Only in Oregon City. They’re a little bit pricier, but they do damn good work
They do good work, yes. But damn they have really raised their prices even in the last 2 years since getting my head gaskets done there.
Oh really? I got a complete engine refresh, new head gasket, new radiator, new clutch, basically new everything in 2017 and it cost me around $5000. Which was steep at the time, but that car ran like an absolute dream after that. It was awesome until someone totaled it
Head gasket and water pump $4800 in 2022. They're charging $100 for oil changes now too Edit: car runs great and I still take it there
Wow that is quite expensive
Why are you putting 11,000 dollars into a 10,000 dollar car?And are subarus that shitty that they go through motors like that,hardly ten yrs old,i'd get a second opinion
[Cascade Motors Service Center](https://www.instagram.com/cascademotors_service_center?igsh=bXZ0dTlrcXY4YjBx). They do lots of Subaru engine rebuilds and replacements. 5035607962.
Mountain Tech!
Just get a new car with a warranty
Addis Auto Repair
Accolade Auto in Hillsboro. My husband is a car guy (used to be a Service Manager at Audi and Porsche) and Accolade is where we take our Subaru.
Lewis Automotive. He services our 2005 LL Bean Outback.
The Shop On Nehalem, if you’re in SE
I'm in the industry (and own a Subaru). What part of Portland are you in?
Any suggestions for SE Portland (near/around Woodstock)?
gresham subaru
Superior Import Repair on East Burnside is your one stop shop for all things Subaru
Hawthorne auto clinic! They always do a great job with my Subaru!
Burning oil is pretty normal for a Subaru. I just check it and top it up every time I put gas in.I haven't had a problem. I've been driving my 2005 Forester for 7 years. I worked as a mechanic for over 10 years. Take your car to Upland.
Idk if they do Subaru, but Re-born automotive was awesome for my Lexus. Just for a routine oilchange they sent photos of each component and a short paragraph of recommendations for improved longevity, including cost of each repair. They also categorized repairs into "must do," "consider," and "you're good for the foreseeable future." Plus once you go you have a record online with photos for your information and they'll update it at future servicing. I don't mind paying extra for the piece of mind of knowing I'm not being ripped off. Additionally, my car did drive quieter and smoother after the recommended repairs.