Apex Specialized Automotive

I went there because my backup car was stolen and I needed wheels in a hurry. I have a 2006 Mazdaspeed6 project car. I have aprox $ 15 000 worth of performance parts installed into it. I know thats a drop in the bucket in comparison to other tuners, but its a considerable amount for me. I had read many good reviews and I figured they were decent. I needed a few things done.
I asked for a compression test, a smoke/​leak test to find a boost leak, fix the ebay down pipe as it was rubbing against the driveshaft, weld up a broken support rod on the flange of my exhaust headers, install the Guardian Angel Overboost protection, and change the direction of a check valve that ran between the PCV plate and the oil catch can. I was pleased when they said it was all done however they couldn’t wait to go over the car with me as I work 12hr days. This concerned me a little to be honest.
When I picked it up, the car was throwing new codes. We narrowed it down to a busted sensor that magically broke while in their care.
They didn’t do the compression test as asked either. I promptly brought the car back to get the test done. I was there for about an hr while they did the test. I was told the compression was 175, 175, 175, 180. He didn’t tell me which cylinder was 180psi. I was suspicious that they didn’t do the test as instructed so I did the test again the next day. I got totally different numbers. The numbers I got were 170, 170, 175, 165. Ive done the test several times since.
The exhaust headers that was repaired on the work order says that they removed the headers to repair and reweld. I was suspicious that they didn’t remove the headers but couldn’t really prove it until I removed them myself. I got my opportunity when a stud fell out from the headers/​turbo flange connection and blew the gasket between them. I removed the turbo and headers to discover that the weld that they claimed they had fixed was simply a tack weld put on the top. It was plain as day to see that they didn’t weld the bottom side which indicated that they didn’t remove the headers at all. I was charged $ 224.93 for their spot weld on top. I re-​welded the support rod myself with stainless rod. Also, they used mild steel welding wire on a stainless steel header. Metallurgy fail 101.
The check valve that needed to be changed direction was removed from the oil catch can location and left out. However on the work order, they charged me $ 599.88 for the removal of my intake manifold which clearly hadn’t been removed.
The Overboost Protection Guardian Angel that I wanted inatalled was a complete fail. Not only did they install the control module right above the drivers side wheel well vent. So it naturally immediately got coated in mud, slush, and water. It was glitching out the module because the plug in was completely soaked every time there was the least amount of moisture on the road. I moved it to the ECU box side. Second fail was the fact that they installed the warning/​indicator light under the steering wheel… making it impossible to see if the light is on unless you look under the steering wheel. Fail!
The fix of the downpipe consisted of smashing the side of the pipe to make it fit and glopping mild steel filler weld on the pipe. It works… Metallurgy fail 101 again but at least it works.
The total bill was $ 1960.72
Was I happy with the work? Not at all considering I had to rip the headers out again after a stud fell out of the flange that they said they removed to repair the headers and move the Guardian Angel.
Customer service ⁵⁄₁₀
Quality of work ²⁄₁₀
Knowledgable about the car ³⁄₁₀
Speed of work ⁸⁄₁₀
Reliability of the work ¹⁄₁₀
Would I recommend anyone going there for work to be done? NO, unless all you need is your oil changed.
Will I go back? NO
In response to Chris’s response to my review: Im not certain how an investigation from one man that didn’t even come and look at the car could properly be investigated. Unless he’s the telepathic type that knows all simply from one party explaining it. Super-​thourough investigation… yup.

The starter on my Subaru was starting to go and I only had one day off to get it fixed. Booked it in as early as I could stand, I was driving the car after lunch. Everyone who dropped off a vehicle was offered a ride to wherever, nice touch.
It’s a smaller shop, but the mechanics are top notch as is the equipment. These guys are passionate about cars and it shows. Highly recommended, I’ll be back for sure.

I heard about the shop a few years ago when I bought a deal site voucher.
They’ve been very helpful when I’ve come for service. I have fair mechanical background (yes, girls can fix cars too), and the mechanic spoke to me without speaking down to me as many in the past have.
You can book appointments online, or call. They are an all-​makes shop, and my little Hyundai keeps on ticking with some loving care. Had my struts replaced last year, a little battery trouble this year, and they pointed out my A/​C compressor is likely failing slowly.
Their system will send out auto-​reminders for service based on approximate mileage. It’s a great system… if you drive your car! :D Since I put less than 3,000kms on the car every year. It’s not entirely accurate, but you can modify the mileage in the system yourself, so it won’t keep telling your your service is overdue. Just look for the update button near the bottom of the reminder email you receive!
I find it a bit challenging to get all the way up to the shop since they’re only open weekdays, but it isn’t horribly far from the train station, (except when it’s –30C out), and they will drop you at the train.

I heard about this shop from my dad’s friend. WAYYY out of the way as I live SW, but I thought why not.
My brakes desperately needed to be done and I asked them to check it out. Turns out I needed a new cylinder and got my rear brakes done for my Mazda.
The shop was clean and nice, the guy I spoke to was very professional and friendly (and cute too!).
Turns out my car wasn’t going to be finished so they were nice enough to come drop off a courtesy car where I work.
The next day I went to pick up my car and they cleaned the interior! It was very nice of them, and they noticed my rear caliper was leaking and they fixed/​replaced that for free!
I am VERY impressed with this place and will definately tell my friends about it.

I was looking for an alternative shop to take my Subaru to, rather than one of the dealers in town. I heard about Apex Specialized on the radio and through word of mouth that they specialize in Subarus. I needed a clutch and my o2 sensors changed. I also had a rattle that I thought was my exhaust. They did a great job with the clutch and replaced my sensors while they were in there. They also fixed the rusted out exhaust bolts for me.
I live close so after I dropped my car off, they drove me back home and they picked me up when it was ready, which was very much appreciated. My car also came back very clean inside and out, which is a nice touch. It was a little pricier than I anticipated, but it was cheaper than the dealer and they do good work, so I really can’t complain.