Smart Service Inc

Not sure what the other reviewer here was thinking, I have been taking my car to them for a year now and needless to say their prices are much better than any dealer and the quality and attention to detail far surpass my expectations every time. My Subaru did indeed need the headgaskets replaced as well, a few other shops had confirmed this before but Smart Service's prices were better and their packaged job included more. Yes, $2700 is a lot but it took care of every worry I might have with the engine. The dealer wanted over $3k, and for the 2 and a half days they had my outback I got a free loaner car. They may not be as cheap as Midas or a "craigslist special" mechanic, but they darn sure do a 100x better job and keep my Suby running great! It would never cross my mind to take it anywhere else. Even if I moved to Tacoma I would still come up for service! more

They claim they bill "by the job" and are "cheaper than dealers" (nothing to brag about). I went in for an inspection - learned that they charge $97/hour (gulp!) and was later told we needed head gaskets replaced. Their bill for this? $2700!!! Of which $1650 was labor. Oh, and, it took them one 8 hour day. Last time I did the math 8hr * $97/hr = $776, NOT $1600. Well they did vacuum the car and wash the outside (at least a $35 detail job) plus they gave me a "free" blue glass coffee cup with their logo on it. Gee, that must be where my $824 went. For comparison, a straight head-gasket replacement on a car generally runs $600-$800, so I thought I was looking at $1000 on the outside! I'll wait and see if they cured the mild gas odor and a minor oil leak before I comment on their quality, but it seems like it's a place for Microsoft millionaires and others for whom money is no object. Others, caveat emptor (iwatch you wallet). more