Need timing belt done: where to go?

[Shoobie]

Hey everyone, I'm a new member here. I've been a long time lurker on Nasioc, but I only recently got in to a Subaru. It's a 2002 WRX Sedan, to be specific. I'll post pictures of it when I find the time to take them, but for now I have another issue. The car has ~113k miles and hasn't had the timing belt changed. I'd like to do this (along with anything else that goes with it) soon, but I'm not confident enough to do it myself. I'm hoping that you guys could point me to a shop in the Reno area that is trustworthy and hopefully good with Subarus. I've heard that Independent Automotive (on Bergin Way in Sparks) is a great shop that specializes in Subarus. Any opinions?

Also, what else should I do 'while I'm in there'? I've read that the water pump, cam seals, front crank seal, oil pump seals, tensioner, and idler pullies are all good things to do while it's opened up. Again, any advice here is very appreciated!

I hope that I can find the time to come to one of the meets and meet some of you guys. Thanks in advance for the help. See you guys around!

[Kevin M]

Indy Auto is going to get some votes here. They have a good rep.

[wrxkidid]

The Auto Shop in Sparks on Cal lane does good work. I interned there last year. Good techs.

[MPREZIV]

I've NEVER heard anything but bad stuff out of Independent... Not to bash them, cause I've got no first hand experience, but I have heard some scary stuff.

[wrxkidid]

Edited.

[sperry]

Originally Posted by wrxkidid

Theres also BCWRT but youd have to take it up with Cory...

http://www.seccs.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5094

First, if someone has a hookup to offer, please let *them* offer it. Telling person A, "oh dude, person B totally has the hookup on that" isn't fair to person B, as it puts them in the position to offer something to someone they may not be willing/able to offer. If you see that person A would benefit from person B's help, tell person B in a PM about person A and let them make the offer at their discretion. Basically, if the hookup isn't yours to offer, don't offer it for someone else.

And I don't mean to single you out Robbie. People in general around here have been disregarding this more and more frequently lately.

[wrxkidid]

My bad Scott.

FIxed it.

[Shoobie]

Originally Posted by MPREZIV

I've NEVER heard anything but bad stuff out of Independent... Not to bash them, cause I've got no first hand experience, but I have heard some scary stuff.

Do you have any recommendations? I know that you're pretty good at repairing cars, but I wont ask you to hook me up with your services.

Anyone have any experience with Greg's Garage? I've heard that their service was good, but this was from soccer mom types. I had Valencia's do the t-belt on my Integra, but that shop looks a little too shady for me to trust them with my Subaru.

Thanks guys!

[MPREZIV]

I was just asking Bob about Greg's, and he says they're actually a pretty good shop! I know they've been around for a LONG time, and despite my lack of personal experience, I do know that they've got a decent reputation.

[Shoobie]

Originally Posted by MPREZIV

I was just asking Bob about Greg's, and he says they're actually a pretty good shop! I know they've been around for a LONG time, and despite my lack of personal experience, I do know that they've got a decent reputation.

Cool, thanks for the advice.

While we're on the subject, where would you guys suggest I go for an alignment? My car came with Tein STechs (), and the PO said he never aligned it (). Don't worry, I'll have a real suspension someday, but for now, I don't want my tires to wear unevenly.

[cody]

For alignment, C&C gets my vote. Rusty is the man! They might even be able to do your timing belt.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...2&iwloc=A&om=1

[left footed whooten]

I've always had good luck with compact car repair with the old GM2 and with the stupid old S4.