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March 2024 by Nancy B.
BEWARE: They are now Sunwise Auto Group and VERY expensive. I encountered an issue with the electronic components of my 2017 Subaru. Initially, I took the car to my regular mechanic in San Francisco. However, upon consultation with Subaru Corporation, he was told that due to the proprietary nature of the system, I must use a Subaru service center for repair. I scheduled an appointment with the Marin Subaru service center in San Rafael, CA. Upon initial contact, I was surprised to find the establishment answering as "Sunwise Auto Group," indicating a change in ownership. Despite this transition, assurances were made regarding their access to the proprietary information necessary for resolving the issue with my car. In addition to addressing the electronic problem, I needed a new battery, as the existing one had died 2 times and I just wanted a new one to ensure no more dead batteries. Despite the age of my car, they offered a complimentary loaner car for the day while they worked on my car. Upon arrival, a diagnostic scan was swiftly conducted, following which I was quoted $395 for the replacement battery. This seemed excessive to me, so I quickly looked up battery prices for 2017 Subaru Forester on my phone and I could not find any that were that expensive. I told the lady that and she said the cost discrepancy was because I was looking at uninstalled batteries and it was important that it was hooked up properly. Then, I was presented with documentation, including an estimate of $990 for diagnostic services. This fee, clarified to be solely for the diagnostic process of touching the computer to parts of my car and not inclusive of any repair costs. It was 7:15 am and I was not thinking so I signed and drove the new loaner car towards home. I went about 4 miles and turned around and went back and told them I left something in my car. ( I did not want to have a difficult time getting my car back or have them say they already started working on it) They brought my car around and I got in and told them they were too expensive and drove away. My brother lives in Santa Cruz so I called the Santa Cruz Subaru Service Center and explained the problem ( never mentioning that I had been to San Rafael) and they said they would charge $235 as a diagnostic fee because I was a first time client. Their reviews were not so good and I love my Subaru but I have had several bad experiences with the Bay area Subaru dealers and services so I ended up taking the car to a very good friend of mine in Sacramento CA and he got the car fixed for me. The cost to fix the electronics was $285. I took it back to my mechanic in San Francisco and got a new battery for $249. My mechanic in SF is in Pacific Heights and they do not claim to be the cheapest but they are dependable. I would never take a Subaru to Marin Subaru/Sunwise Auto Group. They are a complete ripoff. I should have realized it when I was offered a free loaner car because no place offers free loaner cars when you bring in a 6 year old car for servicing. It probably will not do any good, but I am going to contact Subaru Corp. in New Jersey about this. I have learned a lot about Subaru Service centers since owning this car. I bought it from another Subaru Dealership and had a problem when the car was 6 months old. I had a friend that drove race cars look at it and we caught the dealer that sold me the car lying so they had to fix the issue as it was under warranty. I was lady like and caused no disruption in their premises but after they were forced to fix the problem, they wrote that they refused to ever work on the car again.( after selling me new 2017 turbo charge forester for 41K) Yes, a dealership is allowed to do that and it is often done. I think the old simple Subarus were great but Subaru is not skilled with manufacturing a car with all the bells and whistles that cars have today. They are not common cars so you are limited to a few Subaru service centers and if you have a problem with any part that they call "proprietary", you might be driving a long way to fin
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March 2024 by Amey S.
FALSE AND MISLEADING ADVERTISING BY THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT. Received a call from Marin Subaru stating my first 4 oil changes are free because I purchased my vehicle from them. When I went to schedule my service, they said that was not the case and I would be charged full price. When asked why, they said they "made a mistake." They were not even willing to give one free oil change as a result of their mistake. Unacceptable. Reporting to better business bureau. DO NOT GET SCAMMED BY MARIN SUBARU SERVICE - STAY AWAY!
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January 2024 by Scott W.
We were very pleased with our experience at Marin Subaru and especially with Hans Wagner. Even from the first call to the dealership, Hans was very willing to help us, to take pictures of a potential vehicle, and to even send potential pricing before making the trip from San Jose to San Rafael. He had the car ready when we arrived, and he was very good to answer all of our questions, and help make sure that all of the financial aspects were taken care of. We were very pleased with the deal we received on a 2024 Subaru Forester and it was worth the drive. His efforts were the reason we went to Marin Subaru instead of other Bay Area dealerships, and we would highly recommend Hans and Marin Subaru.
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January 2024 by Heidi D.
We bought a 2021 Crosstrek for my 86 year old mother, thinking she would have a safe and reliable vehicle. WRONG. We have had nothing but problems since we first bought the car. It has not started many, many times, and we have always been told by Marin Subaru that this is because my mother does not drive enough. Since being told that, we have driven the car regularly, have had the battery replaced, and still the problem persists. Four days ago, my mother charged the battery for 40 minutes on the highway and yesterday she drove for 50 minutes on the highway, and AGAIN the car would not start, stranding her at a doctor's appointment!! Today Marin Subaru diagnosed the car, says it is "running as designed," and insinuated for the umpteenth time that it is my mother's fault that her car is a lemon. I would never again buy another Subaru or go to Marin Subaru.
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January 2024 by A B.
Bought a new car from Hans at Marin Subaru Summer of 2023. He was a fantastic person to work with and very thorough on all details. THE PROBLEM EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF IS THERE ARE NO PARTS FOR THESE CARS IF SOMETHING HAPPENS. Got rear ended two months ago and SUBARU was contacted by the Auto Body Shop to get parts and we still don't have some simple parts like a rear bumper. Seriously? DO NOT BUY A NEW SUBARU from anyone if you care about a repair that will not take months. Other Car companies are still having the same issue, but just beware.
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December 2023 by rachael e.
What is it with the Marin dealerships. They don't get back to you. They don't do what they say. You have to literally chase them down and try and force them to take your money to get a car. It's so ridiculous. I want to shop locally but they make it literally impossible, after multiple calls and follow up, I gave up and went somewhere else. Other dealerships out of the area are so responsive and their customer service is so much better. Such a shame.
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June 2023 by Robert W.
I had been waiting several days for my daughter's 2020Subaru to arrive by carrier from Atlantic City, N.J., and hadto continue calling Marin Subaru service center to cancelour scheduled servicing dates due to all of the unexpecteddelays in delivery.When the car finally arrived, I just took a chance and drove it right to the service center in San Rafael and met directlywith Bruno Santos in the servicing department. He fullyunderstood my frustrations and set me up immediately fora 60,000 mile full inspection and service. He told me not to worry, and that everything would be completed in 4- 5 hours.Bruno also set me up with one of their Subaru loaner carsso that I would not need a taxi or Uber lift to get back home.Bruno then kept in touch with me by phone regarding theprogress on the servicing, and explained all of the aspectsof the service and costs, and exactly what time to pick it up.I have never had such an experience with any automotiveservice in the past , and I obviously fully recommend MarinSubaru to anyone who wishes such an elevating experience.Thank you, Robert A. Wilson ( Novato, Ca.)
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March 2023 by Mari N.
Came in to test drive a 2017 Forester. We were impressed by the quality of the vehicle but when we got back to the dealership, we were told that it had already been sold. They then tried to push a newer, more expensive ($12K more) Forester. Classic bait & switch. Scam...don't shop here!
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January 2023 by Jpm M.
Marin Subaru is a top notch company. Whenever we take our Outback in for service we are treated so well. Everyone is professional, kind, friendly, informative and really considerate of our time and comfort. Everything is explained thoroughly to us, they are neat and respectful of our car and generally a pleasure to do business with. It's easy to make an appointment and I feel like they really try hard to get you in and out, respecting your time. The waiting area is clean and comfortable, with charging/ work areas and they offer complimentary beverages. I can't say enough good things about this place but I would never take my car anywhere else
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December 2022 by Cesar R.
Review is regarding finance department. I called to shop prices for their Gold Plus warranty and maintenance plan. I didn't catch the name of the male who answered the phone, but he was rude, unprofessional and quick to end the phone call.
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November 2022 by W W.
Service dept are LIARS. Told me my 1.5 year old car's 30k maintenance required a fluid change that cost upward of $2000. Luckily checked other shops and learned this was a complete fabrication. Nice try Marin Subaru, see you never!
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October 2022 by Pete M.
I actually enjoyed my car buying experience at Marin Subaru and specifically with Linnea. She was incredibly helpful, responsive, didn't play games or pressure me at all, and was generally a joy to work with. I live in SF, but I'll be going back to see Linnea in Marin when it's time for my next Subaru.
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September 2022 by Maureen L.
This is my second Forester. We went with the sport model and are so happy! I loved our sales person Irving Chen. I cannot believe I'm using the words "love" and "salesperson" in the same sentence. I can't deal with high pressure sales people. Irving was the opposite. He was easy-going and helpful. Tell him Maureen sent you
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September 2022 by Eugene G.
This used to be the best Subaru dealer in the Bay Area. In my latest experience, the service advisor mixed up the requested services, the tech performed things I didn't ask for and didn't perform all the things I asked for. Of course he charged me for it. They also didn't allow me to talk to the tech to confirm what needs to be done. It's a major shitshow go elsewhere.
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August 2022 by Frank Cooper
This is not the same Marin Subaru as it used to be. The sales person that I worked with was friendly and polite, but when it came to the management and finance, it was a different story. I would suggest, shop around before buying anything from these guys.
