Is it really worth going to Subaru again?

by **Smithyy** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:45 pm

Is it really worth me going to Subaru for my 112,500 service. their price is twice as high as any other workshop Ive called, they are asking $850ish.

It's not a small service but it's not a huge one either...sparkplugs and upper engine cleaner is about it apart from the ordinary.

My whole logbook has been at Subaru but to be honest i think the pricing for this service is a bit much for what is being done.

Just after peoples opinions, Cheers.

by **mynameisdaniel** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:51 pm

$850 to drain some oil, unscrew an oil filter, screw a new one on ($20?), fill with ($50?) new oil. Take out some spark plugs and replace with new ones ($80). Then squirt some stuff ($10) into the engine? There's either more to it or Subaru is having a laugh

by **Smithyy** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 7:55 pm

mynameisdaniel wrote:$850 to drain some oil, unscrew an oil filter, screw a new one on ($20?), fill with ($50?) new oil. Take out some spark plugs and replace with new ones ($80). Then squirt some stuff ($10) into the engine? There's either more to it or Subaru is having a laugh

That's all my logbook says, I don't understand, unless they have to plug the computer in or something similar which only they can do...

Edit: the air filter too haha so another $40 odd.

by **kiahatsiu** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:50 pm

In short, no. Find a good Subaru workshop and take it there. Costs less, and better service.

by **kiks** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:03 pm

S tecnic over in maddington. He's the PMS of WA.

by **agan** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 10:30 pm

S Technic. They are very helpful and know what they're talking about. Can't recommend them enough.

by **Stomps** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:04 am

Re- 112500 service

Apparently Subaru so a 3 part major service.. Split over 100 112.5 and 125k.. Hence the stupid price..

Shit involved in the 112.5 is:

All fluids- front/diffs, gearbox, engine, etc...
As well as all the shit you mentioned.. I got quoted over $1000 by Subaru ozzy park.. Kindly told them to eat a box of dicks..

Let me know who you go through coz mine is coming up..

by **HoFF** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 5:58 am

The fluids alone are worth nearly $200

by **owen** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 7:40 am

I bought my car at 117,000, I wasnt sure what was/wasn't done so to be sure i changed everything at 125,000

redline gearbox and diff oils - not cheap
spark plugs were about 30 bux each and the 4th cylinder plug was an absolute c*nt to get to.
timing belt, water pump, front bearings, seals etc roughly 800 fitted (that's done at 125,000kms though)
flushed coolant, flushed brakes with motul race fluid and replaced with hawk racing pads. all up cost me about 1800 including fitting my new fuel pump and turbo inlet pipe.

non of it was done at Subaru, they quoted me 1100 just to do the timing belt

by **Stomps** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:59 am

I was gonna be good and take mine to subaru.. I bought it from an AHG dealership and get their extended warranty if I get it serviced at one of the AHG dealerships.. but then thought to myself..

Just coz its a dealer service it doesn't make it any better.. chances are it will be some snotty nose apprentice that gets the job of doing it and does a half arsed job... maybe doing everything the list says, maybe ticking boxes.. I have never previously taken any of my cars to get serviced by someone else.. but I don't have the patience or time for that anymore..

I reckon you are better off finding a good mechanic that knows their shit, preferably with subaru experience, but in a smaller business or workshop... that way you know THEY are the one doing the job..and they have had many years experience.. it also allows you to give them parts to use, like specific oils, timing belt, plugs etc... and to tailor the service to what is needed.. like not charging to replace an a.ir filter that doesn't actually need replacing..

by **Robbks** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 9:05 am

Take it to Doug and the guys at STechnic.
very smart bloke with subies

owen wrote:redline gearbox and diff oils - not cheap
spark plugs were about 30 bux each

RE: redline,
I've had it on good authority from my gearbox builder who replaced my stuffed 6speed centre diff that redline does more harm than good in a VCD subie box
something about excess heat transfer to the VCD causing premature failure of the viscous goop. and by nature of it's "stickiness" can cause issues with the soft 6speed synchro's

and $30ea for plugs, absolutely flogged.
turbo and high comp motors (especially gen4 Subaru's with sh!t factory tunes that ping their heads off) care not how expensive your plugs are, detonation will take chunks out of the ends of them whether they're $3 copper plugs (recommended) or $30 iridiums
when the engine detonates it takes pits out of the tip of the plugs. iridium/ platinum plugs have super-fine tips, and removing ANY of that material causes issues with opening up the plug gaps, then you get misfires and running rough.

Use $3 NGK Copper plugs, just replace them frequently and save your cash

by **Stomps** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:07 pm

Just booked mine in to STechnic for 2nd August..

a little ahead of schedule but may as well get it out the way..

Had a chat to Dave, seems like a really good bloke, clearly knows his shit...

just FYI in terms of price: $661.50..

will prob come down from that too because that includes Air filter...

by **agan** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:39 pm

If you haven't replaced the air filter in awhile probably a good idea too. My car was from SA originally and it looks like the Subaru dealerships never replaced it in its 3 year lifespan. Got the STechnic guys to do it, mine was full of dirt junk and whoknowswhatelse was in it haha

by **kiks** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:45 pm

Redline is garbage

hth

by **Stomps** » Fri Jul 20, 2012 1:02 pm

agan wrote:If you haven't replaced the air filter in awhile probably a good idea too. My car was from SA originally and it looks like the Subaru dealerships never replaced it in its 3 year lifespan. Got the STechnic guys to do it, mine was full of dirt junk and whoknowswhatelse was in it haha

i meant air filter as in induction, not pollen filter..

i've already got an aftermarket one so dont need it replaced..

Gotta agree about Redline too... i used the redline shockproof in my R154 (toyota 5 speed) and it nearly farked it..