I took my van in for service had a great experience. I will definitely be going back.

I had an appointment for a service made two weeks in advance. Because we need two cars in our family, it took some planning. When I came to pick the car up at 5:00, they had not even started working on it! I was pretty unhappy but understood sometimes things just don't go as planned. I was going to schedule another date, but the said they would get it done by 6:30! When I returned to pick it up, Smart had comped the entire bill as an apology! This is very rare for a business to do and was deeply appreciated. Smart has earned my business for their quality and integrity. read more

I been having my wife's Subaru Outback serviced there. I like the work they do so l decided to have my Honda Ridgeline transmission and rear differential serviced. The price was right and done in a timely fashion lt is a very professional shop read more

Took my car here again for the 2nd time so I'm a repeat customer. I can say with 100% accuracy that as long as I live in the area, I will ALWAYS have my car worked on here. read more

I had a mixed experience, but felt obliged to address the very high standard of customer service, and make it right attitude shown by the owner of Smart on Ballinger Way. Mike showed exceptional drive, a highly responsive and resolution based solution, and a commitment to ending our interaction on a positive note. The mark of a successful business is in how it handles problems. Credit where credit is due. read more

Quick and fast repair and turn around time, thank you!! Great and friendly staff. Always treated respectfully! read more

TL DR: I would NOT take your car here if you have any modifications or you are at all concerned with performance of your vehicle. I've taken my car here several times since 2019 and last I was there around June of last year. I am only writing this review because they keep emailing me promos and every time I get an ad I'm reminded of the lack luster service and confusing information I received. So here it is: Firstly I was returned my 2002 WRX with a MASSIVE up-pipe leak after taking my car into Smart Service for the explicit purpose of resolving the up pipe leak... I understand you guys aren't a performance shop, but I was charged $800+ to put on a cat-back and to install an 02 sensor... I explained in detail the specifics of my up-pipe leak and how and where it was leaking at the flange, and I was told OEM gaskets should resolve the issue. So I picked up the car and when I jacked it up and sprayed soapy water on the up-pipe flange, there was an obvious leak. I could actually feel exhaust against my hand. I said SCREW IT and bought a Killer B V-Band header to completely get rid of that flange. Main point - they made a simple, yet crucial mistake that 99% of customers wouldn't have noticed but that is still problematic and bad for the vehicle. Up-pipe leaks SUCK. On to the next issue I have with Smart Service - the communication. I was having fuel leaking issues from the rails/lines in my 2002 WRX being 20 years old. They explained that there was a warranty extension and NOT A RECALL regarding the 2002-2003 fuel delivery system and it would cost $600+ to repair it. However this is NOT TRUE. Subaru issued a RECALL for these vehicles and their fuel lines, albeit only in certain states, but it was still a recall not a warranty extension, and most if not all dealers in Washington will still cover it from what I understand now. It definitely would have been the honorable and right thing to do to advise me to the dealership first to see if they would correct the issue under the recall instead of replacing the entire fuel rail setup on my dime... https://www.cars.com/articles/recall-alert-2002-2003-subaru-impreza-wrx-1420663224838 read more

I've been going to these guys for years across two different Subarus I've owned. They have always provided fast, reliable, reasonably priced service and several times have fit me in at the last minute when I was in a pinch and had a car issue. Their employees are professional, friendly and polite. Great place for car service! read more

I really liked going here.. They were friendly; offered excellent service and go the extra mile to care for their customers. Rewards program and discounts are offered. Free loaner with extensive work needed.. always remembers my name .. with smiles However, the mechanic overlooked a major problem with my car, that I repeatedly brought up, they shrugged shoulders and said they didn't know why I had a rattle.. after my car broke down, had to be towed..come to find out it was a defective catalytic converter.. So, even though their service was great they did the repair with NO labor costs. I have lost faith in further diagnostics. I enjoyed the service they are very nice..I simply need a more knowledgeable mechanic. So get second opinions should you go there. read more

I just got my car back from Smart Service. It runs flawlessly and actually as good as new or better! I blew up the engine on my 2015 Subaru Impreza. I took it to the dealership where I bought it (Michael's in Bellevue- awesome dealership and awesome people) and I was quoted a price of $11,000-$12,000 to have it repaired. A very longtime family friend (Pat) suggested Smart Service Independent Toyota Honda Subaru. The people who work here are amazing. Everything is so transparent and they keep you in the loop the entire way through your car repair. The best part of the whole experience? THE PRICE. My repair cost was LESS THAN HALF of what the dealership quoted me AND IT WAS LESS THAN SMART SERVICE ORIGINALLY QUOTED ME! These people are Subaru trained and Subaru Certified mechanics, JUST LIKE THE DEALERSHIPS. I cannot stress how much these guys helped me and their work is impeccable. I highly recommend you check them out for your Toyota, Honda or Subaru repairs. I will take my car back there for all future work that my car may need. Seriously, check them out. read more

We have had several Subaru and Smart Service has always done our work although the last experience with them is absolutely the last! Our 09 Trbeca had a computer issue bringing all our engine lights on. We took it in for diagnostics on a Monday. I call in the afternoon to find out what was goi g on and Mime the owner said that they were not sure and we may have to take it to the dealer ... and the Charge at that point was $350!! I was shocked and told them to Stop! Mime wanted to keep the car and further diagnoses. In Friday they called for us to pick up the car. We paid $350 for nothing and then found out that our car was GONE! It had been stolen from their front lot. No, compensation from smart Subaru was offered except allowing us to us one if Thur just let loaned to get home in. Never will we go back. read more

Was hoping for good things... but will never go back. Went in for a grinding noise that I knew to be a wheel bearing (I have mechanical experience and work on my own cars but didn't have all the tools to fix this problem) in the front passenger side. Dropped the car off with the night drop and wrote "Replace wheel bearing" right on the form. I get a call the next day from them saying that it's an axle. I thought to myself... uh... ok, well you guys are the "experts" so if you say so, go ahead and replace the axle (scratching my head) Later that day they call me back and tell me that it was not the axle... really?! So they said that they will need to keep it another night and replace the wheel bearing the next day. This was a problem because I expected to get the car back that night and did not plan for another day without a car. They did not offer me a loaner. The net day I get a call for someone else there and say that the car is ready and if I can pay over the phone. I ask them to go over the bill and it comes out to over $1000?! They had replaced the axle that did not need to be replaced and expected me to be a fool and pay for it. I told them to yank the new axle out and put my old axle back in. After that, the total bill was still higher than what they estimated. Overall I got the sense that they were unorganized, didn't know how to listen to the customers requests, and told me a bunch of information that was useless obvious information. I was not impressed at all. I was expecting a lot better because they do have a really good looking website, but after that experience, I would not recommend them to anyone. read more

I took my Subaru here after finally getting fed-up with Walker's Renton Subaru. Despite the fact this place is a bit out of my way, I will be going back! They did a great job on my Subaru maintenance and I felt the prices were really fair. The service specialist patiently answered all my questions and went through all the work they completed. (I am extremely anal about going through the maintenance check after getting burned multiple times at the dealer - Smart Service was totally tolerant of this and walked me through everything). He also took meticulous notes on my car and any 'watch' items that may need to be worked in the future. He did NOT try to upsell me on any additional services (pet peeve) thankfully and didn't urge me to replace things that I could get more miles out of. You can tell they take pride in the work they do. This is a smaller shop but it makes for a more personal experience and you don't get handed off to slick-talking salesman after slick-talking salesman. Support this great business!! read more

Great service at lower prices than Carter Subaru. I recently had my 1998 Outback's 210k mile service and timing belt done (Subarus last a long time if taken care of, people!) and they did it for a pretty reasonable price, along with a lot of other work (new water pump, steering rack seals, etc). They also did the timing belt service on my wife's 2000 Outback with quick turnaround and quality labor. The only ding from 5 stars is that they contract with Enterprise Rent-a-Car for service loaners, and the cars are really bottom end (Kia Rio with absolutely no power). But you do get free service loaners - most independent shops don't even have 'em. I'd rate Smart Service 4.5 stars if I could. read more

Took my car in for it's 30k and it was one of the best experiances I have every had with a mechanic. They ran out of loaner cars, so they just rented one from enterprise for me. They called me right away to give me updates on my car and let me know what needed to be done out side of the 30k (which were just rear brakes) and when they went to change the transmission fluid they saw that who ever flushed it previously put the wrong fluid in. (So there has been why my car was having trouble shifting!) they walked over to the place I had the flush done and found out what it was. Then they flushed my transmission. When I got in my car to go home the front was vacuumed and it had little gifties in it. Driving it afterwords was like driving it when I bought it and I couldn't be happier. Thanks Smart Service! read more

Taking my 2002 Impreza TS to Smart Subaru was a costly and regrettable decision. I did it once and will never do it again. When I bought the car a few years ago little did I know that it burns oil. I took it to Smart Subaru to see if there was a diagnosis or fix to the problem. After checking it out they said that the cam seal has a hole and that is probably the issue. So, I said to go ahead and make the repair. Later that day I came in to pick it up right before they closed on a Friday evening. When I drove away the serpentine belt immediately started squealing and shredding. Since it was the weekend, I bought a new belt and changed it myself. I called back on Monday and explained the problem with the belt and that I had to fix it myself. After discussing the issue and lobbying for a refund with multiple employees they agreed to remove the cost of what they charge for replacing a belt, $40 or so, from my bill. That was somewhat satisfying even though it wasted my time. Ever since the cam seal was "replaced" by Smart Subaru my Impreza has leaked oil, probably in addition to the original issue of burning oil. I have since taken it for a second opinion and sure enough there is a hole in the cam seal. So either the cam seal was never fixed and/or the hole was caused by the mechanic at Smart Subaru and then not fixed, I have no idea. But the whole experience was a tough lesson. Multiple mistakes were made and after the annoying experience of having to lobby for a refund for the belt, I have decided that I am going to get the work done elsewhere and never go back. read more

Brakes needed to be done (4mm left) and scheduled a few days out, even had a loaner waiting for me. As a Subaru zealous state I gave Smart Service a chance and they performed Awesome-sauce. I called to check on my car as my scheduling for the day became chaotic; they offered over-the-phone payment and would lock my keys in my car. They asked and advised that I bring a spare key pickup my car after hours. After a long day, just wanted my car back, and Smart Service helped achieved that painlessly and left a 'welcome bag' in my car. Cost of service was expected, however their SERVICE excelled my expectations. read more

I was referred by Joe Spitz at Carter Subaru, who I trust, after getting multiple opinions and wildly different cost estimates to repair an oil leak. It required removal of the engine for camshaft sealing and a week of labor. I'm so glad I went to Smart Service to get guidance from Gallagher and the team. Integrity, honest, every detail explained. And a very fair price. An extra optional service (new valve springs) was presented with pros and cons; I appreciated the opportunity to research it with their balanced assessment. They included some additional body work at no cost, even replaced my radiator which was unintentionally damaged during the engine placement - the mechanic owned up to it and made it right. I'd go back there without hesitation, and recommend anyone with a chronic Subaru leak (you know who you are ...) take their car for high quality, professional intervention. Thank you guys! read more

Charlie, and Gallagher and the rest of the Smart Service team saved me THOUSANDS of dollars. I own a 2014 Subaru automatic Impreza and noticed a whining noise in the cabin whenever I hit ~55mph. Every time I took my vehicle to the dealership for maintenance (30k major, and 45k minor service) they didn't note anything about the noise even when I had mentioned it to them prior to the service so I assumed it was nothing and decided against looking into it further. For my 60K major service, my friends recommended me to choose Smart Service. I decided to bring up the noise issue with them, thinking maybe they can figure it out and within hours they paused the 60k service to notify me about the noise. It turned out that the bearings inside my CVT were failing and that was the reason for the noise. Luckily my vehicle was barely under warranty and got the entire transmission replaced by the dealer. (Dealer quoted me $9,200 to replace if warranty was expired) After I got my vehicle back I then took it back to Smart Service to have them perform the 60k service. The 60k service went well and Gallagher sent me update texts throughout which were awesome. This level of attention and care is the reason why I will only bring my Subaru to Smart Service here on out. TL;DR: If you love and care for your Subaru as much as I do then this is the team to trust. They're honest, knowledgeable, friendly people. Huge thank you again to Charlie, and Gallagher and the rest of the Smart Service team! read more

Knowledgeable, friendly, and get the job done. Every time I have taken my car in, they've been spot-on with the cost estimate, which comes in consistently at around 30-40% less than the dealership even with the dealership coupons that get sent my way every couple of months. And they are all Subaru Master Mechanics, so I know I'm getting the best for my car. A couple of years ago, they mentioned that my rotors only had about one more resurface left in them, and showed me how to check. They warned me that the OEM Brembo rotors cost a fortune (which I verified with the dealership - holy thievery, Batman!), but since I had some advance warning, I was able to find and procure an aftermarket set of rotors that performs at least as well as the Brembo units for significantly less than the OEM cost (which they installed for me once my rotors finally needed replacing). While I was waiting in line to pay, the lady in front of me ended up getting some free service/advice on something (I don't recall exactly what it was) that was a 5-minute fix. This is the kind of place I feel like I can refer my grandma to, and not worry that she is going to get sold some service that she doesn't need. Knowing that I have a reputable, friendly place to take my car is enough of a reason to consider a Subaru before any other make of car the next time I'm in the market. How many auto repair shops can you honestly say that about? read more

UPDATE: I am extremely pleased with the level of service provided. Customer service was over the top. AJ kept me informed along the way with what was being done to my vehicle. AJ explained every repair that was needed in detail, and was also very patient with all of my questions and concerns. My original appointment was the have the 60k service done. Timing belt, water pump, fluids, leaky hydrolic hose, etc.... My car (2000 Outback 180 k)needed more work than was originally expected. There was a lesson learned here. I had the head gasket replaced 5 years ago by a "we can fix everything" shop. That shop took an abrasive sanding disk to smooth out the heads resulting in now having to resurface the heads which added to my invoice, also If the job would have been done correctly in the first place by the other shop, I probably wouldn't have had to replace the head gasket. The moral of this story is Take your Subaru to a qualified mechanic that knows Subarus! A loaner car was given to me so I didn't have to reschedule any of my time. When I went to pick my vehicle up, AJ, and the mechanic that did the repair and maintenance went over all the work that had been done, and again answered all of my questions. Attention to detail! This is not seen to often, and this shop is all about details. Burned out Headlamp and tail light bulbs were replaced, and the sweet surprise of no charge for replacing a taillight wiring harness that had gone south. I spend a lot of my time in the woods hiking with my dog who has put layers and layers of dog drool on my windows it is now gone. The dust and dirt gone from the floors. This shop took the care and time to make sure I am safe. I now have a car that should serve me well for years to come. My car runs and drives beautifully. read more

I came in when an engine light popped on. Was told I would have to leave car the next day, pay to rent one (I couldn't use their loaner), and pay $125 up front for the engine-light check. Warning lights went off in my head. I called another mechanic and was told O'Reilly would check engine light for free and to call him back with the code. Learned all I needed was an oil change. Almost spent at least $170 needlessly. Worst part: There is an O'Reilly right next to Smart shop. Not Smart way to treat a former customer. read more

These guys do good work. They'd be up a star but it took them all day to assess the work needed. I had traveled far to have them work on my car. I had to hang around all day before they agreed to give me a loaner. They're not cheap, but I feel they did quality work. read more

$484 in labor alone for replacing two wheel bearings. What is that, 5 hours to replace two wheel bearings? Did they turn the new parts themselves? Nuff said... read more

Been taking my Subarus here since it was a one man shop. They know Subarus unlike the generic "import auto" repair shops I used previously. Have saved money since they make the right diagnosis the first time, and don't do unnecessary repairs. Though inconvenient, I even take my Subaru here for all oil changes since they will do a check up on other things. Recently, when in for an oil change, they noticed a leak from a small crack in my radiator. They were able to replace it that day. Can't say enough about Smart Service, Mike Corbin the owner, the front desk guys, Charlie and Gallagher, and the great Subaru mechanics working here. read more

I have had a few oil changes here and also had my 90k service done here. The whole staff is friendly and know what they are talking about. If you have a question they always have an answer. Also for all the big services you get done for you car, you get a loaner car. Prices are fair. Smart Service is trustworthy, friendly, knowledgeable and this will be the only place I'll take my Subaru from now on! Thank you Smart Service! read more

They always explain everything thoroughly and try to find the most affordable option. With my Subaru I prefer a specialist and these guys know the nuances of Subaru models. I'm not incredibly knowledgeable so it's good to take my car to someone who isn't trying to just make money and get me out the door without explaining anything read more

Just had them do my 45k service. Done well as always, and they also checked out a supposed CV boot grease leak that another shop had pressed me on. It turns out the leak is extremely minor/intermittent, not an issue, and the boot is good for a while yet. It's Subaru-specific knowledge like this that saves me having to prematurely replace parts that I appreciate. read more

They do good work, but I just don't see much difference between here and a dealership(price or experience). I have had three interactions and they have been all over the map. My 30k service was great until I noticed they removed my personalized license plate and replaced it with theirs(part of the fine print on a coupon). I also noticed the $20+ for new windshield wipers listed when I had just replaced them on my own. Nothing was 'hidden' but I did not find them as upfront as they could have been. Soon after my 30k a Check Engine light came on and the checked and cleared it with no problem. Lastly, I called the other day to ask how much an oil change costs if I brought my own oil and filter(just haven't had the time to change it on my own) and they quoted me $40! I found another 'specialty' shop who quoted $13. 2 stars because they do good work but man do they find ways to charge for it! read more

This was my second time taking my 2003 Subaru Forester to Smart Service, and it won't be the last. The first time was about a year ago for my 120K-mile service. They gave me a free loaner car for the day and gave the car a full tune up. More recently I had gotten worried about an occasional noise when I hit my brakes and started wondering if the brake pedal was going soft. So I took it back to Smart Service to take a look. They couldn't offer me a loaner car on such short notice, but they could have arranged for a rental through Enterprise (which I didn't really need). A couple of hours later they called to say that the brakes were in great condition, and that they couldn't replicate the noise, but did note a little bit of brake noise from the rear drums. They also said that they *could* take off the rear drums and clean the brake dust out, but they didn't recommend it because it wasn't necessary. When I went to pick up my car, they said they had gone ahead and taken off the rear drums and cleaned out some brake dust -- for free. Total cost? $0.00 They even explained why my brakes sometimes make noise in the morning or when I haven't driven for a while, all without making me feel like an idiot. Now, I know that lots of places offer free brake inspections, etc., but I fully expected to be charged *something* for having them work on the car. There are plenty of places I could take my Subaru nearer to our house in Ballard, but I'm now a customer for life. Thanks Smart Service! read more

I've received great customer service from Smart every time that I've used them. I've had both my front and rear brakes replaced by Smart. Smart did the job for much cheaper than what the dealership quoted me and to date (which has now been years later), the brakes are still in great working condition. The second time that I used Smart was when I had one of the locks on my door suddenly stop working. Dealership told me it would be $90 just to assess what the problem was. Smart diagnosed free of charge and also fixed the problem for cheaper than $90. And most recently I used Smart for a second opinion on my front axles. Again had dealership tell me that my front axles needed to be replaced. However, as I hadn't been noticing any issues, I took my car to Smart for a second opinion. Smart inspected free of charge and let me know that the axles are currently operating fine and not in need of replacement at this time. I appreciate that level of honesty and not telling me I needed a $1,400+ repair job when I really didn't. Great service and I highly would recommend Smart! read more

I've been very happy with the service from this shop for my WRX. They beat the prices of all the dealerships and do good work. I've had them install the catback/downpipe on my car, as well as do the regular maintenance. If you drive a Subaru, I'd highly recommend them for your regular maintenance. read more

I've been taking my 2000 Subaru Forester to Smart for the past 5 years. They have done an excellent job keeping my Forester in running condition. They do a great job answering my questions and their rates are reasonable, especially compared to what the dealership was charging me for the same services. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else! read more

Just took my car in for a wheel bearing replacement and they quoted under what I expected. Their recommendations were also spot on and I never felt I was being taken for a ride. These guys know what they're doing and I'll continue to use their services. My car is running like a champ and I thought it was on its last legs. read more

Firstly, my sis-in-law had purchased a 1997 Subaru legacy wagon GT Auto Transmission in Portland, OR. Got the carfax, history of vehicle, all of it. Everything looked fine and checked out after a test drive. Then, after one week of driving, my sis-in-law drives her usual route to work and the car starts hissing from the hood, luckily got it to the parking lot and smelled coolant coming from the hood. We go to check it out and then made it to Smart Service about 6 miles away. They took it in and got it done before the afternoon hit the following day since we got it in late that night. For just a single ripped coolant hose, the parts came out to 39.99. Then told my brother the total over the phone was about $187. When we got there (a day later), they re-quoted us to $264 and some cents. We talked to the guy who quoted my brother this price over the phone and tried to play it off as if he was right but there were more associated costs like providing the service to "find the leak" which ran up 49.99. They didn't even have the professional courtesy or decency to show us the defective coolant hose or at least point out the location of the replaced hose. All they hope to do with you is put on a big smile which is later ruined by having you grunt as you swipe that plastic and kiss away your rent money. Labor essentially costs 90% of the fix. When we could have probably rented a budget rental truck to tow it back (since tow truck companies suck), 13 miles home and fix the problem ourselves. Sure, it might sounds a "bit" more work, but its certainly cheaper than having been lied to by the "supposed professional" with a misleading deceptive quote. This guys will steal your wallet. Don't trust them over the phone, don't trust them in person, and don't take your Subaru here. If you want to fix something as simple as this hose, tow your own car, and go on www.nasioc.com. There, you will find the answer. Plus, isn't it more meaningful to learn something about your car so that you know you don't have to rely on professional looking scam artists? read more

We are all looking for a auto repair place we can trust... I've always gone to the dealership, but have heard a lot of great reports about Smart Service, so I gave them a chance with a major service, and a unique hood latch issue. 1) The major service was much less than the dealership, and I was quoted what I thought would be a fair price for the hood latch repair. 2) The results - great communication, a free rental car (because it was a major service that took all day), and most importantly they informed me that they ran the my Tribeca's vin number and found out that there was a recall for the hood latch. As a bonus - they didn't even charge me for the initial work done for the hood inspection, and recommended I take it to the dealership for a free repair. In other words, - they are honest, saved me money and went the extra step to earn my loyalty. I'm a convert - no more high priced dealership repairs... read more

I scheduled an appointment for the first time for a headlight bulb replacement (about a $60 service) for my 2011 Outback. When I arrived, they said that they believed that there was an extended warranty out for the headlights for my vehicle's year. He confirmed it and saved me $60! Great service, I will most definitely be back. read more

I have been going to these guys ever since I got my first Subaru. Never once have I felt shorted on the quality of workmanship and the one time I had an issue with a rebuilt motor I got from another place that they installed for me they got the car fixed and handled all the info with the other place I got the motor from. They now take care of my wifes car now as well and I know both cars are in good hands when I need anything done that I cannot do myself. To a tribute on the quality of their workmanship I live down south and I have driven to both their locations for work over going to any other place; my faith in them is that good and driving a few extra miles I don't even bat an eye at it...and the only time my car needed a tow I *my fault* I paid the extra money to get it to these guys - the quality of the work is worth it at very fare prices too! read more

I've been coming to these guys for the past 10 years or so with my 1995 Legacy. Just had my 60k-interval service. They do solid work. Costs in the Seattle area are pretty high overall, but Smart Service has some of the more competitive rates. They are a great value. read more

I just have to express the heart and generosity behind the shop I took my car to. After spending thousands of dollars on a new engine several weeks ago, you can imagine the frustration I was feeling when my car began having trouble starting, and the check engine light started coming on. I took it to the same company, only here in Shoreline. It turned out to be a sensor, but was going to cost around $250. I'll admit it--I cried. I can think of a million things I'd rather spend my money on than this d@$# car, and I just felt frustrated!! I could tell the two men working had NO idea what to do with my emotions, and I apologized and explained how much I had just spent at their other store. Well, they had to order the part, so I went today to have it put in. When I went to pay, they graciously said NO CHARGE. Say what?!? And so I cried some more. Haha. But seriously--these people have heart, and they do an excellent job. I don't know if they realize how thankful I am, but wow, my heart is full. read more