Sacramento Specialty Automotive

These guys saved my A$$ !!! They found that there would be over $ 3k worth of work on a used CraigsListed Subaru that I was considering purchasing. The detailed report along with all of the photos they emailed me then even took 20 minutes to give me a download over the phone. They went above & beyond my expectations, especially since the car was in Sacramento & I would have to drive from Santa Cruz.
If I lived in Sac, this is the only shop I’d go to!

I took my 1986 Toyota 4X4 there to have all of the fluids replaced because I just purchased the vehicle and needed a service reference point. I purchased all of the fluids to flush the transmission, change the oil in both differentials and transfer case, and of course the engine oil. I also provided a fuel filter. Total cost of all the fluids was $ 180 at Autozone. I brought my truck in and explained the work that I wanted to be performed and was told the cost would be $ 180 and two hours. $ 90 an hour seemed really high but I went for it because they include a 49 point inspection, brake inspection and washer top off. I returned two hours later and was told my truck is ready to go. When I jumped in the truck I saw there was a quart of gear oil left unused. I went home and went over the invoice and saw there was no mention of the fuel filter being replaced or the transfer case oil being changed. I contacted the repair shop and was told the tech that serviced my vehicle was on a road test and would call me back to answer any question I might have regarding the service provided. Three days later with no call back I decided to contact them back. I was told that there wasn’t enough gear oil to service the transfer case and that the fuel filter wasn’t replaced either. The tech said if it wasn’t on the invoice then the work wasn’t performed. He had no questions for me as to how I felt about the work performed and promptly said «have a good one», end of call. The 49 point inspection was not performed, they did not grease my suspension and drive line as stated as included and did not top off my fluids as also stated. They also kept my fuel filter! They did not use new crush washers as is required because I am now dripping oil. I joined Unilocal just to do this review because of how unhappy I am of the low level of professionalism provided. I way overpaid ($ 55 to change the oil on just one differential! 20 min work tops and I provided the oil!) and I can only hope this does not happen to anyone else. This is my first review on Unilocal and hopefully my only negative review I will ever have to post.

I’m no slouch when it comes to working on cars but there comes a time when you realize your over your head. I was at this point with two vehicles and was slightly concerned the issue would take not only a lengthy time to diagnose but also the chance it would be incorrectly diagnosed. To my relief they had both cars solved in a days time proving to me their techs really are not just your average mechanics but intelligent diagnosticians that will figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle before throwing a part at it.

My daughter has used this business for years, so recently while en route home from A funeral in Yuba City, I stopped in to replace a brake light, rather than wait to go to the dealer near my wife’s Alzheimer’s facility from which I had bought my Forester. They promptly replaced it at no charge, not knowing of the repairs to my daughter’s car I had paid for. They were just being good Samaritans to a stranger.

Good place, great people. Tanner and his crew really took care of what I needed done in a quick and professional manner. Definitely give this shop a visit. They have fair prices, compared to other.

These guys are the best. They’ve taken great care of my WRX. Today, I went for a routine oil change and tire rotation. I ended up having a screw in the tire (no problem), but also a huge nail in the sidewall. Brad called one place and could get it the next day which means I’d have to run on the spare as my granddaughter would be in the car and I didn’t want to take chances with the nail in the sidewalk. Well, then he did even better. He called around and found my tire, sent one of the guys to get it and took care of it the same day! They treat you like family, great customer service, and the price is reasonable considering I own a high performance car! Thank you very much, Joe, Brad, and Alex who took care of me and my car!

I normally go to Maita Subaru, but have never had much to fix. I have about 90k miles on a 2010 outback and things now need to be replaced. The headlights went out and they are a little tricky to replace because of the plastic tabs. Maita could not fit me in (I also called Elk Grove-​I work near there, and they couldn’t either) so I called SSA. They saw me the next morning and diagnosed several other issues that Subaru missed. I believe I got a very fair and reasonable deal considering I was not expecting all the issues. Joe, the owner was very nice and helpful.

Met with Joe and his brother. Had to get my whole front end worked on, they cut me a very good deal. The service is top notch and very kind. They didn’t rush me at all and they knew exactly what they were talking about. not pushy and very helpful.
Would recommend anyone with a Subaru to come here.

My son took his ’99 Subaru Outback in for major oil leak, etc. Tanner diagnosed problem and made recommendations. Lots needed to be done. Tanner and his tech had it repaired in one day and at a reasonable price. These folks are honest and the BEST. He discussed issues and showed my son the old damaged parts. He used Subaru parts and did the job beautifully! My son is happy to have his Subie back. It’s old faithful to him. He loves it.

This is the type of service everyone seeks when looking for a mechanic. Knowledgable, honest, and affordable.
After a mis diagnosis at a different shop, I brought my Subaru here and the problem was immediately diagnosed. I went to the salvage yard and brought them the part, they only charged me $ 55 out the door.
These guys will be receiving my business again.

I’ve been getting my car serviced at another area indy shop but came back here recently for a valve cover gasket service largely because of the competitive pricing and the way things were handled on the phone — friendly, thorough, patient and professional.
They just moved to their new shop (maybe ½ mile away from their previous location) which is pretty impressive in overall scale (and gives you an idea of their overall plans for global domination!) If they continue this balance of cost and service, I have no doubts that they will succeed.
My new favorite local Subaru indy shop. I’ll be back for sure.
EDIT: Just as an added testament to their commitment to service, I had a question about the parts used for the service referenced above. I went to their website, filled out the webform with my question, and within 15 minutes received a call from Tanner with a thorough (and patient) explanation. That was a very pleasant surprise, and that level of responsiveness tells me that they take their customers seriously.

These guys are fantastic. Tanner is awesome, and he always gives me his time to explain possible solutions.
Update…
This morning I brought my Legacy in and was out in less than hour. Plus, they did some courtesy maintenance.
Who else will change a fluid and not charge or request payment? Only these guys.
They appreciate my business and prove it every time.

I’ve been bringing my Outback to Joe ever since I moved to Sacramento 12 years ago. He and his staff do great work. They are honest and professional and have kept my car running well. With their great service, I’ll probably get another 12 years out of my car. I recommend Joe’s Alfas and Subarus to all my friends who own Subarus.

Joe’s been awesome. When I turned my forester into him for a head gasket issue, he gave me honest quotes. A bad and a worse, but honest none the less. When it was done he came in under the low quoted price which is amazing after a few costly decisions arose.
To this day the minor repairs I can do are AFTER I call him for his input. He has the best economic answer which is hard to find. Especially when it doesn’t mean dragging it into the shop, he WILL advocate the best options.
Thanks Joe!

My 2010 Subaru Forester was out of the dealer maintenance plan, so I was looking to find a good alternative. I called and scheduled an oil change and had an appointment within one week. I dropped off car in the morning and picked it up that afternoon at the agreed time and it was all ready to go. I started it and checked the usual before leaving… no burning oil smell on my catalyst (Forester owners all know this is a problem if you are not very careful when changing the oil filter it gets inside the exhaust heat shroud and will stink for days or weeks), for some reason even Autowest Subaru can’t get this right half the time and they have to take my car back in to clean up the oil they spilled inside the heat shield. :/​There were no greasy hand prints on hood, price as quoted, said that they blew out my engine air filter and will need to get it replaced next time (I knew it was getting close) so all good. Overall good service and they were honest. I have not used them since as I traded in this car for new, but would use them again. :)

I have owned 3 Subarus over the past 20 years and I keep coming back. I do not feel comfortable trusting anyone else with my Subaru. I have gone other places just to later find out they used a lesser quality part to save me money. You get what you pay for. Alfas Subarus takes care of your vehicle as it is their own. You can rest assure they are checking everything and giving you every option to make sure your vehicle will be fixed properly and operate safely moving forward. Their team are experts on Subaru’s and get it right the first time so you are not returning with the same issue. They use higher quality parts for your vehicle that will last, rather than saving you a couple dollars on less expensive parts. If you want the job completed right the first time, using quality parts, than choose Alfas Subarus. If you want the cheapest repair in town and hope it will last than choose somewhere else to go.

Stopped in on my way home from a conference because my oil light came on. I asked to buy a quart of oil. They sent a tech out to my car, who added more than a quart and then when I tried to pay, they said it was on the house. I just don’t run into this level of courtesy very often anymore. The receptionist was very sweet, too. Great place!

BAD customer service. I used theses guys for a few years with no issues BUT recently the customer service/​phone rep is rude, and seems to have no interest in pleasing the customer. ALSO the bottom line, THE PRICES ARE TOO HIGH. I compared prices and found Alfas Subaru is higher than all compared. Too bad, they used to be good. GO ELSEWHERE.

I am very impressed with the service! I am a new subaru owner, and they patiently answered all of my questions and found cost effective ways to fix my broken fog light. I highly recommend Alpha Subaru!

I needed to have service done on my clutch and flywheel (2008 Impreza). These men not only found a more efficient alternative to what the dealership offered, but did it at half the price. Great shop filled with great employees who care.

I called this repair shop from a referal from Subaru recycle and Glad I did. Joe and his staff worked with me and did a fantastic job finishing up a big repair on time and in 1 day. It is a pleasure to work with someone who cares and keeps their word. I will have all my future repaires done here knowing it will be done correctly and they will stand behind what they do.
Thank you Joe !!
Bradd Hoberman

I took my ’06 Subaru Forester in last week because the check engine light was on and the cruise control light was blinking. They diagnosed a failed oil pressure sensor, and replaced that. Then this weekend the check engine and cruise control lights came back on. I called Monday morning, they got me in right away, and found what they had missed the first time – it needed new spark plug wires and coil. Imagine my surprise when I went to pick it up and they said, «No charge. It was our fault for not diagnosing it in the first place.» I’ve had to take cars back to repair shops after the first try didn’t do it before, and never have I gotten that kind of customer service anywhere else! I’ve been using Joe’s Alfa-​Subaru for a couple of years now, and I definitely will continue. They’ve got a customer for life now.

Joe and staff have been servicing my 2000 Subaru Outback since 2003. NO ONE else compares to the knowledge, experience, customer service and level-​headedness that Joe and his staff provides. I have 345,000 miles on my car thanks to Joe’s Afas & Subarus. Thank YOU!

I have had «2» VERY POSITIVE Experiences with Alpha’s Team/​Joe the Owner! The FIRST was back in 2008. This Visit could have Literally saved my Life! I made an Appt. to have my Head Gaskets fixed on my 2002 Subaru I only had 30,000 on (missed the recall by 6mos. lol). I had just had my car repaired from a Bad Auto accident. I had some suspicions that Ca. Auto body had done a faulty repair ($ 13,000). I had already had a BAR REP. examine the Car who denied there were any problems. I asked Joe to examine the Car while they were working on it to see if they seen any issues. They Completed the Repair in a Timely Professional manner at a VERY REASONABLE Price. Upon picking up the Car I was informed by Joe that they had a really hard time fixing my H. G’.s because My Engine was in crooked! I will Never Forget his exact words were «If you were to get in another accident this car would crumple like a Tin Can»!!! I was So Happy I Finally Rec’d. Validation but at the same time Pist with Bar. I contacted Bar & the Mgr. Came out & IN SHORT I had to follow them back to BAR. After an Hour they came back with «22» Pictures/​Violations. The Owner of Ca. Auto offered to buy my Car to avoid Prosecution!
I bought a 2009 Subaru Forester & Presently only have 15,000 Miles on it! I have been in «4xs» to Elk Grove Subaru in regards to a Radiator Smell. Each Time they stated they couldn’t find any leaks & even Pressurized it. I’m SO GLAD I Finally stopped Procrastinating before my 5Yr Power Train expired & got in to see Joe. I just knew this couldn’t be normal! They took it for a Drive & then lifted it up. He Also Performed a Pressure Check. Joe led me out to see First Hand what they were seeing! There was a Crust of Dried Radiator Fluid around the Left Head Gasket/​my pressure had dropped 5lbs. I’m so Floored that I have another Subaru with a Head Gasket issue with LOW Mileage but at the same time so VERY PLEASED with the Service Rec’d. To Top it off Joe went the Extra Mile & took a Picture of it for me & is sending it Via Email. He also Contacted Elk Grove Subaru to share his Findings.
THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR HELP, PROFESSIONALISM, GREAT PRICES & HONESTY! «IF» I BUY ANOTHER SUBARU I WILL DEFINITELY COME HERE. I CAN ONLY HOPE THEY WORK ON OTHER MAKES BECAUSE I REALLY DON’T WANT TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE BUT HERE!

Be Careful here. I took my Subaru in because of a ‘burning odor’ on my left front tire. I was told it was a torn boot, on both — left and right, and he said the right was the worse, although I never notice on the right. He then told me it was my axel that was causing the ‘shaking’ when driving. I asked him to rotate the tires as that could be the problem — and it was. No shaking now. He first quoted me $ 210, then changed it to $ 433, and after 5 ½ hours of waiting, the clerk tried to charge me $ 478. They finally found the mistake — and I ended up paying $ 403. The worse was waiting so long, and I had an appointment. The mechanic took his lunch hour, aware I had been waiting so long. Very Poor Customer Service. Told me after diagnostic, it would only take 2 hours at the most. I will not go back.

Nice, knowledgeable, and very helpful. My Forester is a bit of a monster with various problems, so here’s the short list: (1) first time I went to the shop they replaced two outside belts on the spot and didn’t charge labor, (2) drive staff was replaced and they charged $ 50 bucks less on the labor they quoted, and (3) yesterday Joe installed a used part to help my persistent ignition problem free of charge. I have some bigger issues to address in the future and I would not consider going to any other shop (including the dealer).

Absolutely the best. Joe is fair, honest, trustworthy. I have taken my car here since day 1. Even with the warranty active I take here first and Joe will tell me if the repair is covered and to take it to the dealership. I would highly reccommend them. We take our Honda here too. He fixed our check engine light that had been on for a couple years that the dealership could not diagnose.

I had my car towed to Joe’s Alfas Subaru when the alternator when out. I also needed the head gaskets replaced. Joe said that since they would be doing the labor for the head gaskets that would get to the alternator, they would just charge me for the part. Very nice!
Also, although the work went a few days over estimation (they were waiting on the work of another shop), the price came out to be significantly below what was quoted.