What clients say about Competition Subaru of Smithtown Service Center in St. James (NY)
Was quoted $300 more than competing dealers in the area for spark plugs. The service advisor also fibbed as to the complexity of the service saying it was very complicated (but it’s only removing the battery and plastic air-box). Maybe retraining needed.
I was sent an email from competition Subaru. Telling me, I need to come in for oil change entire rotation. I told them I would do my own oil change. I was informed that I may lose my warranty if I did my own oil change. I don't know if I would recommend this dealership. Because they're forcing me to come to them by threatening me to lose my warranty, because I choose to do my own oil change. Of course using their filter.
Competition Subaru Service Department – Dishonest, Overpriced, and Untrustworthy
I’m writing this review specifically about Competition Subaru’s service department, not the sales team. While I had a good experience buying my car from the dealership, the service department has been nothing but frustrating, dishonest, and—frankly—predatory.
I brought my car in for a routine inspection, which is covered under my warranty. I’ve had the car for under two years and have only put 12,000 miles on it. The inspection was free, but then they gave me a quote for over $3,000. They claimed I needed four new rotors, four new tires, new brake pads, and new wipers.
That immediately seemed off. I told a friend, and they pointed out how ridiculous that was—there’s no way a car with only 12,000 miles should need all of that. So I went to Pep Boys for a second opinion, without giving them any background info. Sure enough, the only real issues were the rotors and brake pads. They did the work for under $1,000.
Even beyond the upselling, here’s the part that really gets me: Why did I even need new rotors and brake pads after just 12,000 miles? This was a Subaru Certified Pre-Owned vehicle that supposedly passed a 120-point inspection. If their service department did their job when certifying this car, there’s absolutely no reason these parts should be failing so soon. Either they didn’t properly inspect the car or they let it slide through with worn-out brakes—which is unacceptable.
And this isn’t my only issue with them. When I first bought the car, the finance guy (also part of the service-related process) added DMV fees into my loan total even after I specifically told him not to. Now I’m paying interest on an extra $200 because he said it “couldn’t be changed”—which I honestly believe was just laziness or an excuse.
The bottom line is this: Competition Subaru’s service department tried to scam me out of thousands of dollars by assuming I didn’t know any better. It felt like they saw a young woman and thought I’d just say yes to whatever they told me. If I hadn’t gotten a second opinion, I would’ve wasted thousands of dollars on repairs I didn’t even need.
If you take your car here, do not blindly trust their recommendations. Always get a second opinion, because they clearly don’t have your best interest in mind.
My parents recently moved to Long Island and needed a new vehicle. After finding this company online, I decided to give them a try. From the moment they arrived for their appointment, the experience was exceptional. The staff was warm, welcoming, and professional, and the store itself was spotless. They were greeted immediately and taken care of without delay. After a seamless test drive, they ended up purchasing not one but two vehicles, thanks to the excellent terms and discounts offered. As a real estate agent at Douglas Elliman, I’m impressed with the service they received, and I’ll definitely be returning here to purchase my next vehicle!
I had my car serviced here through an extended warranty and they were amazing to deal with. The service department is amazing and kind. Super helpful and knowledgeable team and great turnaround time. Transmission was fixed within 2 and a half days. Will definitely be buying my next car from them!!!
John O'Donnel and Lovelle Fenico were amazing. They really helped out and got me a good deal on a used car. I highly recommend using Competition Subaru.
Bought a car and it was a great experience.Rodney was a fantastic salesman. Very helpful and helped us to set up our phones and our garage door openers.
Great atmosphere, cool people. Amazing cars. The prices of cars & rebates nowadays are ridiculous, but that's the market, so you can't do much about it there.
I purchased my first Subaru from here a month ago. Kirk, my salesman, was wonderful. Knowledgeable, very helpful.
I would highly recommend this dealership and a Subaru vehicle.
Competition Subaru is, by far, the best Subaru dealership on Long Island. After purchasing my 2019 Crosstrek with the expert help of my sales professional, Bob, I have had nothing but good experiences with Competition Subaru. Their staff, at every level, is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. I always know exactly what currently needs to be addressed with my Crosstrek. The service managers never try to sell me on services I don’t need. That definitely inspires me with confidence! Also, I love their Express Service where I can drive up, even without an appointment, and get my Crosstrek taken care of. A big shoutout to service manager extraordinaire, Joyce, who works so hard to insure my vehicle is always taken care of correctly, proficiently and on time.
Excellent service, efficient & quick, worth the drive from the Bronx! Why 4 stars, well no one called as promised. There was no availability of the part needed and the rep. said they had placed an order. He said someone would call as soon as it was received it. That did not happen. Three weeks later I called and the part had been there all along. Not cool!
Brought an used 2017 cross tree from Jay Liardi the salesman from competition Subaru. Jay very professional and very knowledgeable. Got a good deal on our trade in and on the car we brought. This is our second cross trek we brought from Competition and are very happy with our experience with Jay and Competition Subaru. We recommend Jay to our family and friends , thank you again Jay for all your help Rich and Jackie
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