You guys are probably already familiar with them but I didn't see the company listed here so thought I'd post something.

Mach V sells and installs parts for Subarus (WRXs and Legacys), Evos, Minis, and the DSMs. Employees are really nice, prices are good. I've always had a good experience with them. And I hear that they host a lot of track day events.

They're worth checking out if you haven't before.

http://www.fastwrx.com/
http://www.machevo.com/
http://www.machv.com/

45690 Elmwood Court, Suite 170
Sterling, Virginia, 20166
(571) 434-8333 voice
(571) 434-8334 fax

Yes, they have some great people working there. Mike is a great mechanic who goes out of his way...one of a very limited few I will let work on my car.

Are they a good shop for suspension related installs (springs/coilovers, sway bars etc.)?

yep....excellent for suspension too. Mach V is the only shop I trust these days. They've done suspension, alignments, oil changes, tire mounting (huge! deal since they know WTF they're doing), etc.

They even swapped the cylinder head (twice) on my MINI. Dan, Mike and Darren are good people. And, Matt running the counter now is nice too....he's a super nice guy

^^What they said. Dan has always been a stand up guy. The prices are not necessarily always the lowest but I try and buy as much as I can to help support our "local" guys. I will always reccomend them to anyone looking for a great shop.
Dan has helped me out quite a few times in a pinch and I will always have his back for this.

Sadly, I have heard mixed reviews of the shop. A LOT of people seem very hesitant to talk badly about the shop since it endears itself to a lot of NASIOC'ers. It's an unspoken rule that shall never be broken!

Dan seems more interested in the bottom line than actually providing parts at a price to enthusiasts. I've heard very mixed reviews of his installation of various parts as well. Tire mounting and sway bars I would trust him with, but nothing else.

That being said, I have spent some time out on the track with the guy and he's very nice and knowledgeable. I get along great with him and his coworkers and it's always pleasant to see him out there.

keep in mind its not Dan who's installing the parts. I always ask for Mike or Evan to do the work...I know they'll do it right. If something's not right, I've never seen Dan NOT try to make it so.

As for parts, he's up front about not being the cheapest guy in town. Parts is a whored business....he holds the line which he's entitled to do after being in business for a decade.

As for labor, I think its high compared to IAG for example. If its way out of whack, I'll talk to Mike and he nearly always tries to make it work. They don't want to lose business to another shop but also keep in mind, Mike's a level above the average tech so you've got to pay to play.

Let me also spell out.....all my kudos come after Dan moved to his current location. I had serious issues with things before....but, Dan wasn't employing his own techs; he was relying on Ultimate Motorsports to do it and you paid a premium rate and got second slot treatment. Ever since Dan moved out on his own and brought Mike along from Ultimate, they've both been focused on customer service on the labor side of the house and it shows.

Well, here is to hoping that a location change fixes any of their ills.

Many a year ago I gave them three separate chances, and none turned out with a successful service or purchase result. This was with counter kids or on the phone. Not with Dan, Mike, or Darren.

Seems like if you deal with one of the three people mentioned by name, things go well. Stick with what works the best, I guess.

a big +1. personally Dan is a fantastic guy, but I've heard a few horror stories that I believe 100%. however none of the "victims" will come forward in public because of the HUGE following he has.