Smukall Automotive Services

Smukall has been taking great care of my 2014 Crosstrek ‘Charlie’ for years now. Everyone here is so kind and patient and awesome. Donny is awesome. Thank you! : )

Mr. Smukall (Don Sr.) was the Lead Mechanic at the largest Subaru dealership in Buffalo, for 40 years. He and his son (Don Jr.) started their own company. All the reviews here on Google, are spot-on. Integrity; competency; friendliness; customer service. I dealt only with Don Jr. and Ursie (front desk). They were fantastic: helpful, honest, professional, and welcoming... also, shockingly efficient. By the way, one of the things I appreciated, is that I could email Ursie. Another FYI: they give access to the following amenities: bathroom, TV, tables, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker (see photos). There was a one week wait to get the car in, but on the day of my appointment, they had it on the lift in minutes > phoned me an hour later to explain everything to me (in detail) > gladly answered ALL my questions (I had a lot) > and they had the car back to me in just five hours. I bought a used Subaru, and it didn't have any maintenance history for the last 30,000 miles. So I wanted about 20 things checked (all items from the Subaru Severe Maintenance Schedule). Smukall could have taken-me-to-the-cleaners, but with a pleasant surprise... came back with only 5 items, that I 'could' do -- but didn't necessarily 'need' to do. They were things that either weren't really possible to check, or weren't yet urgent. For example, in order to check the spark plugs, I might as well pay the money for parts and just replace them. So there were 5 things I decided to do: Air Filter (engine), Air Filter (cabin), Brake Fluid Flush, Front & Rear Differential Oil, Spark Plug Change. They had a new guy in training, and he made two mistakes: 1) He changed my Oil & Filter (I didn't yet need that and didn't request it) 2) He failed to flush my brakes When I came to pick the car up, they thoroughly went over everything that was completed, and mentioned an oil change (and didn't mention the brake flush which I did order). I explained -- and Ursie immediately took care of the problem, right on the spot, and with a friendly, can-do, and helpful attitude (THANK YOU URSIE!). She immediately apologized, and told me that 1) The Oil Change was going to be FREE this time, and: 2) I can bring the car back anytime, and receive the $160 brake flush for FREE. Fantastic. Mistakes happen; it's a part of life, and we all do it (even heart surgeons). It's not about life's errors, it's about the handling of mistakes that matters. TOP NOTCH. I highly recommend that you trust all the reviews on Google. It's no wonder that Smukall has more work than they can shake-a-stick-at. ;o) In one of my photos you'll see a gorgeous, used, silver Subaru Forester. The Smukalls attend auctions, and purchase Subarus that are great cars, they fix them up even better, and resell them (they flip cars). They have many Subarus in the $7k - $18k range (just below the price point that dealerships often sell at). I believe they have a separate listing on Google for their Used Car Sales location (it's on South Ogden St. vs. the repair shop which is on South Park Ave.). There's no way to do a review (there's no reviews on Google for the sales location, nor an ability to leave a review). I had gone there a couple months ago, determined to purchase two Subarus; but the salesman was not great. I do think the cars there are likely worth buying (reliable and fairly priced) -- but the salesman was manipulative and unhelpful -- we bought two Subarus elsewhere. I would recommend the cars there, but I hope you get a different sales person (I do however think there may be only one). But, we all have bad days, weeks, and months. It could have just been a bad time in his life. Regardless, I'm not going to let the sales location, influence my review of the service and repair location. The staff is entirely separate. Not only that, but I will still consider Smukall for a used Subaru in the future -- especially if there's a different sales person. Just honest and Objective Reviews.

Do not patronize Smukall automotive. We got my son a “reliable, sound Subaru” w 100k for 12k (14 w warranty). It has been back in 3x and still not right with less than 10k miles added since purchase! Needed brakes within 2 months, but were supposedly done before purchase. Whole car gone over yet needed 5k in work? Excuses and a terrible attitude is all we encountered. Steer clear!

We were looking for a used Subaru for our sons first car. Prices right now are crazy. I saw an ad for a 2009 Forrester with 93k miles at a good price. I called and Don Jr. was really honest and told me exactly what was wrong with the car and what they would fix prior to sale. Went over to test drive and Don Sr was honest as well. Didnt try to push a sale on us. A week later, all the repairs are done and extras. We are so happy with our purchase. Hopefully this car will last a long time.

Always taking my car here! I’ve seen Donny and co. a few times for various things from maintenance to repairs. They’re great at keeping you in the loop with timelines and very transparent. The woman who works the front is very sweet and friendly as well! The prices are very fair and the work is always impeccable.