When to use Subaru specialists and when to use all-purpose mechanics?

[Carbon512]

For you non DIY-ers without dealer warrantees, when do you take your cars to the dealer vs. an all-purpose mechanic?

Just bought my 2005, 5-speed Outback 2.5i. Loving it. But I had to divorce my previous mechanic of 25 years as he only does Toyotas. I live in the Subaru-deprived state of Texas, and even here in Austin (probably the Subaru capital of the state) I've found no equivalent Subaru-specific mechanics -- other than the dealership. I've heard good things about the local dealer service shop but I have NEVER brought my car to a dealer for service, so it's a foreign concept to me.

The local trusted guys we've been using for years for the various Hondas, Nissans and Acuras that we've owned said sure, they work on Outbacks -- and for most things, I'm sure they'll be fine. But are there any particular systems that you all think are better addressed by Subaru specialists though? Like suspension or anything to do with the AWD?

(I may need to replace the rear dampers soon since they are probably OEM and with 74,000 miles on them, could be a little soft. Maybe even re-align it to the 2007 specs... I read as much of the suspension FAQ/ghostwalking threads as I could before my eyes shriveled up and dropped out of my head... then realized I was turning every single trip in my new car into a high-stress test drive, obsessively fixating on every slight movement of the car at 70 mph and wondering what was normal, what was a factor of the poorly designed geometry or the wheel toe or, or, or... since I decided to just turn on the radio, shut up and drive, the car handles much better. But I may need a little work yet there.)

Would a "GP" mechanic and/or frame shop be fine for that work? Or would it be better to spend the $$$ for the dealership to do it?

[BAC5.2]

ALWAYS use Subaru specialists. Find out who the local Auto-crossers and racers go to, and try them.

[mr3wan]

As a fellow Austinite I'm quite curious too. A buddy of mine swears by a kid that did work on his WRX that works for a dealership during the day. However, I'm very leary of a guy working out of his moms garage. I haven't looked too hard b/c mine is under warrenty but for some items that are outside my DIY level I have wanted to find someone

[tibug]

I use the guys I bought the car from. All they do is Subarus, and they do a ton of preventative maintenance on the cars before they sell them. I get repairs done for cost of labor and dealer cost of parts. The only problem is the place is a freakin mess. I got screws in two of my tires when I picked the car up...and another guy I know had a CEL go up...turns out one of the guys put a bolt where the 02 sensor was supposed to be...

And these are Subaru "specialists."

I think it has more to do with the proficiency of the mechanic than the car. I'm not stating this as fact...I just think that a great general car mechanic will do a better job than a shitty specialist...maybe I'm wrong.

[fatabbot]

Originally Posted by Carbon512

Would a "GP" mechanic and/or frame shop be fine for that work?

Without a doubt. What is so special about Subaru dampers? Nothing. Alignment can be done at any good shop given they have or you give them the proper specs.

I'd stick with a Subie shop for drivetrain (headgasket, tune ups, transmission, AWD, axles, etc.). Normal wear and tear stuff could be left to any trusted mechanic.

[rockhopjohn]

Very few things on these cars requires a specialist. In my opinion, I would only worry about finding a specialist for a few the things, i.e. Head gaskets, AWD system. Things like timing belt, cv joints, dampers etc can be done by any reputable mechanic.

[Carbon512]

Cool, that's what I thought. I'll see how the general mechanics do with the basic stuff then. (For the Austin person -- We've gone to M.E. Gene Johnson Automotive on Airport Blvd. for years for our other cars... to file away for your post-dealer service needs.)

Nothing major wrong with the car now -- external temperature display often off by +/-5-10 degrees but who cares... air from fresh air intake is somewhat warmer than ambient air but no big deal... if these bug me enough, I'll see what these guys can do.

Re: anyone competent doing dampers and alignment to the proper specs - I was thinking of aligning to the 2007 specs in the TSB mentioned in the other uber-thread. But I cannot find those anywhere. Can mechanics get them? Or can I get them from..... ? I have the alignment report from when I bought the car and I'd like to compare to the newer specs.

Still undecided about the dampers. Not sure if it is just adjusting to a different ride feel after driving Corollas for 30 years, or just driving a lightly loaded wagon, or worn rear struts. I'll see what happens after the first camping trip with gear and the dog in the car.

[BAC5.2]

For me, I just don't trust "general" mechanics.

There is SO much that a knowlegable Subaru Mechanic can do faster and better than someone who is just reading the AllData or Mitchell printout.

If they are comfortable with Subaru, they will do a better job.

[dammitjim]

Here's a recommendation for a shop that works on Subarus in Austin:

Ultimate Subaru Message Board - View Single Post - need Mechanic, Austin, TX

Austin Auto Repair Austin TX, Car Auto Repair Shop, Automotive Repair Shop, Mechanic, Transmission Repair Shop

[mslatfly]

The guys from Car Talk have a web site on cars.com. Look for "Mechanics Files," put in your zip code, and Subaru. It uses reviews by customers.