At Askim's Auto Works., you will find an exceptional owner operated shop with over three decades of knowledge working on Subaru's here in Marin. Celebrating our 25th year in 2005, our tiny intimate shop in San Rafael is just the break you need from the hectic dealership atmosphere.
Services
Whether your Subaru automobile needs a routine oil change or a complete engine replacement, Askim's Auto analyzes and quotes you a price that is fair and ensures the job is completed to your satisfaction. We service all Subaru Foresters, Subaru Outbacks, Subaru Legacys, Subaru Imprezas, and Subaru Crosstreks.
Reviews (29)
Timothy J.
Jun 12, 2022
Rachel Real
May 05, 2022
Sherrill C.
Mar 17, 2022
Charles Roberts
Jan 27, 2022
What can I say about Jim Askim. He's been looking after me and my Subarus for about 20 years, is accommodating, does a great job and always seems to be talking me out of spending money on things he considers unnecessary. I choose to have him do my oil changes, rather than go to a discount place, so that he can have a quick check over. I have also bought 4 Subarus from him that he has reconditioned which all worked out well. What I like is that you always talk to Jim, the owner and the guy who does the work. Great guy. End of story.
Stephanie D.
Dec 31, 2021
I need to reiterate once again what an amazing shop this is. The last time I brought my car in for an oil change, Jim actually put a used brake pad in for me to extend the life of my brakes by 10,000 miles. He also cut a hanging plastic piece off of the bottom of my vehicle so it wouldn't scrape the road. I had been zip tying it up and frantically scrounging for the money to cover the expense of getting a new plastic cover and replacing my brake pads.
Especially so close to the holidays. I have never met a mechanic who would do either of these things and certainly if I took my car to an auto body shop, they'd immediately want to replace the cover and up charge me triple or more for the part alone. What I appreciate about Jim is he genuinely cares about your safety on the road. It's so obvious he does what he does because he cares about people and wants to lend a hand.
I will never take my car anywhere else and nor should you. I've been to many mechanics over the years and Jim is the best one out there. Plus, he knows Subaru's like nobodies business and Subaru's are in a league of their own. If you have a Subaru, this is the place.
Especially so close to the holidays. I have never met a mechanic who would do either of these things and certainly if I took my car to an auto body shop, they'd immediately want to replace the cover and up charge me triple or more for the part alone. What I appreciate about Jim is he genuinely cares about your safety on the road. It's so obvious he does what he does because he cares about people and wants to lend a hand.
I will never take my car anywhere else and nor should you. I've been to many mechanics over the years and Jim is the best one out there. Plus, he knows Subaru's like nobodies business and Subaru's are in a league of their own. If you have a Subaru, this is the place.
Nick Fain
Dec 25, 2021
I've been a customer at Askim's for about THIRTY years. Always affordable, personal & impeccable service. I've had a few emergencies that received Thank God fixes. And no, I'm not friend or family, just a customer who believes in honest praise for those that earn it. I would trust WHATEVER Jim Askim says! Services: Oil change, Exhaust, Auto engine tuning, Battery, Electrical, Transmission, Engine repair, Electrical repair, Auto engine diagnostic, General repairs & maintenance
Annie S.
Jul 28, 2021
Nate N.
Apr 22, 2021
Susan Brunn
Apr 18, 2021
It took me years to find a mechanic who didn't try to add additional unneeded services, and whose prices were reasonable. My husband is a gear head and always would check the car out first so I knew exactly what to bring up to the guy. He doesn't have this problem if he brings the car in, but he works constantly so I generally bring cars in. Just as they figure out he knows his stuff fast, theu figure out I do not even faster.
This guy caught something my husband hadn't and was cheaper than we had budgeted. He even sped up his day for me when he realized I had no other way home (we live in Novato.) His receptionist was wonderful company, and he was a kind and honest my an who did not make me feel stupid regarding my car when explaining the problem. We will be their clients as long as he's around.
This guy caught something my husband hadn't and was cheaper than we had budgeted. He even sped up his day for me when he realized I had no other way home (we live in Novato.) His receptionist was wonderful company, and he was a kind and honest my an who did not make me feel stupid regarding my car when explaining the problem. We will be their clients as long as he's around.
Walter M.
Apr 02, 2021
Jaime B.
Feb 07, 2021
Ari L.
Sep 26, 2020
Kathi Ellick
Jun 03, 2020
Matt C.
Jan 24, 2020
A friend recommended this place to us. We had brought our Subaru to the dealership in San Rafael (from which we had bought it a few years ago) previously, but with mixed results. At Askim's, I had an appointment first thing on a Monday morning. He got to it immediately--I had time to take a brisk walk over across the train tracks and over toward the highway, stopping for a couple of burritos.
It took about an hour for an oil change, tail-light replacement, and a couple of other small things. The bill was about what I expected, which wasn't bad. We'll be bringing the car here from now on.
It took about an hour for an oil change, tail-light replacement, and a couple of other small things. The bill was about what I expected, which wasn't bad. We'll be bringing the car here from now on.
B. E.
Dec 06, 2019
Mel M.
Nov 20, 2019
I contacted Askim's to make an appointment and received timely call backs. There were issues with Marin power outages that effected their business. I spoke with Jim and we were able to get me a morning appointment for an routine oil change. I arrived on time and spoke about possibly rotating my tires. My vehicle was quickly serviced and I had a conversation with Jim.
He told me that there was no need for the tire rotation now and that my brakes were also OK. My bill was $100. This was entirely different than my experience with Marin Subaru service. I am sure it would have been more expensive with additional recommendations. Also the wait would have been much longer. It is also noteworthy that several other Subaru's were being serviced and it was clear to me that they were Subaru specialists. I'll be going back for my 45k service. What more can I say. Likable people, clean shop, knowledgeable and honest service. Just do it!
He told me that there was no need for the tire rotation now and that my brakes were also OK. My bill was $100. This was entirely different than my experience with Marin Subaru service. I am sure it would have been more expensive with additional recommendations. Also the wait would have been much longer. It is also noteworthy that several other Subaru's were being serviced and it was clear to me that they were Subaru specialists. I'll be going back for my 45k service. What more can I say. Likable people, clean shop, knowledgeable and honest service. Just do it!
Mb A.
Jun 13, 2019
My car was making an awful screech on startup. Since cars usually won't misbehave when they're at the mechanic I recorded a video on my phone. But Jim knew exactly what I was talking about, pulled the car in, 5 minutes later charged me $20, and I was out the door. And my car no longer makes horrible sounds! Very thankful that he was so accommodating.
Donna E.
Aug 13, 2018
Outstanding customer service! Jim and I ran into one another at Trader Joe's and he happened to see me exit the parking lot. Unbeknownst to me, I had a tail light out. He got in touch and alerted me so I wouldn't get a ticket. I mean seriously.how many people are wired that way anymore? I highly recommend Jim and Askim's Auto Works!
Brian Auger
Apr 08, 2018
I have been a customer of Jim Askim's for over 20 years, through three Subaru Outback's & one Subaru Forester. Jim has never failed to go the extra mile to provide honest advice, affordable and excellent service. Jim never sacrifices the integrity of the job and always puts his customers first. He makes time to give you attention even on his busiest days which is nearly every day. I am grateful for all of the years he has kept my Subaru's on the road and running efficiently. Subaru should give him a medal for the support he gives their car owners.
Suzie Q.
Nov 17, 2017
June J.
Oct 26, 2017
Jim and the crew at Askim's have kept our three consecutive Subarus running like clocks for 25 years. Their friendly, honest, efficient, reliable and cost-conscious service has been remarkable and consistent over the long haul. Jim always makes time to help when we need him and gives accurate estimates for any expensive repairs up front. You won't find a more knowledgeable repair service for your Subaru anywhere in the Bay Area.
Leland J.
Oct 17, 2017
I have been going to Jim for years with my 2007 Subaru Forester. He has taken very good care of it. A few years ago the alternator began to go out in Berkeley late in the day. I called Jim and he knew what exactly it was and I was able to drive it directly to his garage to get fix over the next day and was I given a loaner. It was on road the next day again with much less hassle that it could have been. My Car continues to run very well and runs very "peppy", He is very knowledgable about Subarus and that is a big plus.
Jennifer S.
Jun 17, 2017
Second experience working with Jim on some more repairs to keep my car in great running shape while I shop for a new one. Jim called me to double check it was OK to move forward on the larger repairs. I ended up paying within a couple of dollars of the quoted price, and he got my car done in under a day. Very happy and would recommend again. If you have a Subaru and need an expert to work on it, Askims is worth the trip even if you don't live close by.
Kendra Stanley
Jun 07, 2017
When I purchased my Subaru I was led to Jim at Askim's and even though I lived in San Francisco it was well worth the drive for his services. This is the shop where you get honesty, fairness and value which is not easily found. I would call Jim when I had problems and he would troubleshoot with me which is also rare. He always made time for me when I was in a dire situation and eventually he sold my car for me. THUMBS UP! These are people you can trust.
John G.
May 17, 2017
I hadn't had a Subaru for a while so when I bought an older Impreza I needed to find a good mechanic. The seller was less than forthcoming about the state of maintenance on the vehicle. Jim recognized this and brought it up to date. He also steered me away from an expensive repair, opting to try a less costly fix first. This is the kind of honest service I was looking for.
I tend to keep my cars for a long time so good service is critical. I feel I have found a good mechanic whose priority is excellent service over profit or expediency. And he's a nice person! My car already feels much better. Thanks Jim!
I tend to keep my cars for a long time so good service is critical. I feel I have found a good mechanic whose priority is excellent service over profit or expediency. And he's a nice person! My car already feels much better. Thanks Jim!
James Norton
Jan 31, 2017
Trust, that's what counts. I need a mechanic I can trust as my own knowledge of car engines is minimal so I need to know the person recommending and providing service is doing right by me and my car. Jim Askim has been doing that for my cars for over 15 years. Go to Askim's, you'll get the service you need and you won't get the service you don't need.
Brian Foster
Dec 25, 2016
Douglas Lawrence
Oct 29, 2016
I think it really makes a big difference to take your car to a garage that is expert in the brand (Subaru) and is owned and operated by one person you can actually talk to. When I took it to the dealer, I could talk only to the "service advisor" and I never felt they were on my side. With Jim, I get an honest assessment of the situation: what needs to be done and what was done. Makes all the difference!
Alex P.
May 22, 2015
Jim was pretty amazing. My 2004 wrx needed some serious TLC that I'd been putting off. Not only did he do an amazing job on all repairs needed and the major tune-up, he also worked on good faith, which is rare these days (of course I was good for it!). Highly recommended for Subaru repairs in Marin!