This was my first time at this dealership and I want to start by saying the staff was kind and professional. I didn't have any negative experiences with their personalities as I've seen in some other reviews.
I called to schedule bringing my car in for a recall, and once scheduling the date was told I'd also get a rental car from them since it'll take a few days to complete the recall repairs. Upon arriving the morning of dropping my car off, I was told it was now going to take 2 weeks. Annoying, but that's not really my main concern.
Side note: the day prior to bringing my car in, both my headlights went out. I purchased the bulbs, but didn't have time to change them (which I always have my regular mechanic do; I normally change lights myself, however in my car one of the headlights is hard to change because the battery is in the way, so I always have my regular guy who also does my oil changes, etc change that). I also needed to get an oil change, so I left the bulbs in the car and figured I'd bring my car to my regular mechanic for an oil change and to do the lights when I got my car back, as well as my annual NY State Inspection (which was expiring the day after I dropped my car off at Subaru).
So, when dropping my car off, they confirmed I was here for the recall and if I needed anything else. I specifically said nope, just the recall please.
I pick up the car 2 weeks later, and was told that in addition to the recall being completed, they also did my NY State Inspection "to prevent me from getting a ticket." And, one of my tail lights was out and therefore to pass the inspection they had to change it because "it is a safety issue."
Now, I appreciate the thought of me not getting a ticket - but specifically said I was there just for the recall and like to give business to my local mechanic. But, my biggest issue is that they just did this repair and didn't call to ask or even confirm. Yeah, it was only $40, but that's $40 I wouldn't have needed to spend otherwise (I change my own tail lights and think paying $35 for labor on something I didn't give them permission to do is absolutely obnoxious).
My favorite part, though: they changed the tail light for "a safety issue," but didn't change my headlights, which were clearly out? I mean, it's good, since I didn't want them to, but it doesn't make sense when they gave their reason for changing the tail light to be safety.
So, while I went into my first visit at Westchester Subaru thinking all the reviews were nothing to think of, it turns out you left a bitter taste in my mouth for doing work I didn't approve or know about. All for just $40.
Congrats. Definitely going to Stamford Subaru next time. read more