Japan Auto Repair

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Zoe Kessler
a month ago
I ve been lucky enough to call Josh my mechanic for over a decade now. He is kind, thorough, and honest. I trust his recommendations completely he s never tried to upsell or over charge, always clearly explaining the pros and cons of any services that could be deemed optional.It s such a relief to be able to trust a mechanic fully. My car (and yours!) are in great hands here.

  Sarah Duvon
5 months ago
I took my car into Japan Auto Repair and I have finally found a great Mom and Pop shop that is worth going to! The people there were professional yet friendly and communicated very well. When I asked about the repairs that my car needed they where honest and explained everything. I have been looking for a long time to find a small shop I can rely on to fix my car. I hate going to dealerships for repairs...no one seems to care and I always feel like I am getting ripped off. These guys took the time with me and genuinely showed they care about the quality of their work. Thanks! I will be back!Services: Tires, Tire rotations, Vehicle Inspection, Brakes, Oil change

  Auric Kantz
2 months ago
Great friendly service and honest communication. Had a 2011 Subaru burning oil, and a new engine was built in a cost effective way replacing components that were to far gone on a 200,000 mile car. I couldn t be happier!

  Clodagh Hamilton
5 months ago
Japan Auto has been a wonderful experience having our truck fixed. Josh and his crew did incredible work and very efficient. They clearly are knowledgeable and get the job done. Thank youService: Auto windshield repairService: Auto windshield repair

  Janine
4 months ago
Imho, still the best/only option for one to take a Japanese car in the North Bay. Ray, Dario, Josh and others who work here are communicative and professional.If you're looking to support a small, local-owned business where people have integrity and care for the quality of work-this is the place to go.

  Sherry Jacobs
7 months ago
I have been a customer of Japan Auto Repair for 5+ years because they are experts at auto repair, they always provide knowledgeable advice and go above and beyond for their customers. For example, the tire pressure light came on in my Toyota Prius, on a Friday afternoon. I called David at Japan Auto and he said to bring the car in and they would check it that afternoon, and they did, right away! Their prices are very reasonable, too. I highly recommend Japan Auto Repair for any auto repair needs.

  Jessica Olivera
5 months ago
My car was ready faster than expected. I paid much less than the dealer told me it would cost to repair my vehicle. Excellent customer service!Services: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenanceServices: Electrical repair, General repairs & maintenance

  Doris Liu
8 months ago
Amazing crew at Japan Auto Repair. They really look out for their customers.I did a pre-purchase inspection at Japan Auto Repair. They did a thorough job with the inspection, and found a few problems including a screw in the tire! They showed me all the issues one by one and suggested that I take pictures to make a compelling case for my negotiation with the seller. As a result, I was able to get new tires from the seller on top of an already pretty sweet deal. If it weren't for their great work, I would've driven home with a leaky tire and pay to get it patched, and I'd pay $$$ shortly after that to get the other nearly worn tires replaced. Thank you!

  jonathan gray
8 months ago
Anyone can make a mistake once in awhile, so after 15 years of excellent service I wasn't too upset when they screwed up once. Or should I say, they forgot to put one screw in. New suspension rattled and clunked on uneven road surface. I brought it back to the shop and the next morning by 10 am my truck was dropped off at my house driving perfectly again with a big apology. Truly an outstanding shop! Thanks Josh, David and Ray!Service: Steering & suspension repair

  Kieran Culligan
5 months ago
I brought my cars here for many years, but no more. Prices have risen to dealership levels for many services ($50+ for a tire rotation) and the customer service has declined noticeably. I heard there was a change in ownership.

  Sid Malak
11 months ago
I really appreciate this mechanic shop because they helped me out on a late Friday afternoon. Service was fast, thorough, and they were polite. The price was reasonable and transparent. I can't speak to how well they do large repairs, since I didn't need that, but they did a good job for what I needed. I will consider coming back here again.

  John Visconti
7 months ago
They charge me $980 for an alternator and then charge another $980 to install it which only has 3 bolts. Complete rip off... Shame on them! They change the old gasket that didn't need to be changed , driv in the total cost up.$2174... He told me on the telephone that the whole thing would be 2100 including a change of the spark plugs I told them no on the spark plug trying to get the price down around 1500 instead he came in at the same price.... with out the plugs.. They have you sign a blank workorder so they can basically charge whatever.

  S P
a year ago
I found this place after getting screwed and disrespected by the local San Rafael Toyota Dealership.To the others that have complained here:Go to the dealership! I am sure you will be happy somewhere corporate that really could give a shizzm less about you or your car. When you complain there, they won't even respect your concerns with a response. They will also charge you 3-4 times as much. So quit complaining about cost. If cost is an issue, go to the Grocery Outlet parking lot and find a mechanic there. Quit complaining about stoopid stuff and be better support for local small businesses.I will forever be a customer here for all my service needs for my truck. They have gone above and beyond every expectation I would ever have about a shop of this caliber and have taken care of me and my truck when over a dozen there would not even attempt the work I needed done.Thank you for all the commitment and effort in your profession and thank you for the exceptional customer service experiences that I have had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of.I will forever be a customer service of establishments like this one. Thank you for being amazing!Cheers -Services: Steering & suspension repair, General repairs & maintenance, Tire rotations, Auto maintenance, Oil change

  Chad
4 years ago
I brought my Tacoma in for servicing. I needed break inspections. The young gentlemen said no problem and away we went. He noticed the mileage of my vehicle and asked some questions on my maintenance history. I had not changed most of my fluids since having the truck. He gave me a recommendation with cause and effects of not changing fluids could Potentially cause harm my vehicle. With the most detailed information I received. I made a accurate decision to preserve the life of my truck and change the fluids. I asked if I could stay and learn a little about what he was doing and he had no problem with me watching and asking questions. He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I highly recommend this shop to everyone.

  Angela Gott
a year ago
I have been a customer at Japan Auto Repair since 1989. I would not go anywhere else but to Japan Auto Repair. I feel lucky that I found Japan Auto Repair as early as I did. I feel my car is still on the road today precisely because of their expert diagnostic skills and ability to make the repairs on my car in a timely fashion and with very fair pricing. I have always received excellent treatment and my car has been the beneficiary of their excellent automotive skills. Everyone whom I meet who goes to Japan Auto Repair feels the same way about taking their cars there. Everyone knows they have the knowledge, mechanical and electrical competence, all the skills, abilities and they also have the friendly interaction and provide top customer service with their customers. They are truly the best in Marin.

  Frank
3 years ago
I have had all my Honda Accord sedans serviced at Japan Auto since they opened in 1988. These services have included oil changes, replacement of brake and transmission fluids, new brakes, tire rotations, and timing belt changes. The costs of these services have always been fair/competitive, and initial work/cost estimates were reasonable and never inflated. Over the years, the training certificates on the office wall informed customers that the work crew was keeping their skill sets current with Honda approved training. Their work never gave reason to complain, and always gave confidence that the service given was sound. They have always been personable in their regard and eager to answer any questions about their work. Kenzo, the original owner has retired, and has personally picked the new owner, Josh, from his work crew to continue his legacy of offering first rate service for a fair price. I have had my Honda Accord serviced by the new management several times now and can attest that Josh is indeed carrying on Kenzo s legacy. I whole heartily recommend Japan Auto.Services: Transmission, Air & cabin filter replacement, General repairs & maintenance, Auto engine diagnostic, Auto engine tuning, Brakes, Battery, Oil change

  Eric Chipps
8 years ago
Have been a client of Japan Auto Repair for some 25 years, now and have great confidence in their work. Prices are reasonable, everyone from the owner, Kenzo, down is helpful and attentive, and they stand by their work, even beyond reasonableguarantee time. We intend to keep our two Japanese cars under their care for as long as Japan Auto is in business. Strongly recommended.

  Nicholas Greenwood
3 years ago
They are always the best, they are always the least expensive, and they are always on the ball. I've been bringing my car here for years and have never regretted it once. They've saved me thousands of dollars that other mechanics and dealerships would love to gobble up. These guys are no joke.

  Jaleesa Johnston
4 years ago
The folks that work at Japan Auto Repair are extremely helpful, kind, informative and they do good work. About a week ago, my aunt was in a pinch over her back window that came off the track and fell completely in. Someone by the name of Joshua helped us with our last-minute ordeal. My aunt has been coming to this auto shop for a while and I see why it is her go to: great service and awesome people.

  Brian Roth
4 years ago
Best shop I've been to, hands down. VERY reasonable prices, and exceptional service. Wouldn't take my car anywhere else. Josh is a great new owner of the place. HIGHLY recommend Japan Auto Repair!

  Rick Sanchez
4 years ago
After giving Japan Auto a poor review for work that was not done properly the owner, Josh, became hostile and began lying about me and my experience with his shop. He also badgered me on Yelp s private messaging which I have since had to block him on. I will be reaching out to the Bureau of Automotive Repair in regards to the work I paid for that was never done. I recommend you don t trust this man. - Calvin

  Michael McNamara
5 years ago
Very honest and trustworthy shop. Many years ago my Landcruiser had a repair needed that was going to be $7,500 at the dealership. We took it into Japan Auto and they repaired it for $350. That was over 200,000 miles ago and it's still going strong. We just hit 300,000 miles and I contribute much of that to the great service and care at Japan Auto.

  Catherine Hill
4 years ago
Japan Auto Repair is AMAZING!!! I brought my 2007 Volvo V50 to them to originally fix my air conditioner. I later found out I was having fuse issues that were interfering with all the electrical components of my car as well. Despite primarily working on Asian brand vehicles, they graciously fixed my car at a very reasonable price. Josh walked me through all of the repairs he made to my car including showing me the old fuses he replaced and which parts of the electric system they correlated to. Thank you so much, Japan Auto Repair, for helping a college student out!!!

  erik knutson
9 months ago
Very awesome, my mechanic , Ray fixed my truck and made so it passed smog. I recommend this auto repair facility to anyone looking for a good mechanic.

  Mark Yuan
5 years ago
We ve been going to Japan Auto Repair for at least a decade. We ve always had a great experience with the repairs, the advice, and just the nice people. We ve recommended this place to anyone owning a Japanese car. The last vehicle I bought was a Toyota, and the deciding factor was that I could trust Kenzo s team to work on it, whereas I would have to find another mechanic for a GMC vehicle. It Is always great when the owner of a business gives you advice that goes counter to his making more money off of you in the short run. As long as he has our interests in mind, he ll have our business. Oh, and it s not just Kenzo - everyone in his shop that we ve come to know has been great!

  Loc D.
2 years ago
Tried to jip me off by saying that I needed a new engine on my 2003 acura rsx. Trying to charge me $3,000-$6,000 to replace my whole engine. But I went to my own mechanic and he changed out the camshafts and my car runs great now. Saved a lot of money. I've got the Receipts and Estimates right here.Service: Auto engine diagnosticService: Auto engine diagnostic

  Joseph Blanchard
5 years ago
I grew up with a Father who was a mechanic, but Dad was/is multi talented, the type of man who could fix a car , almost any broken appliance , rewire the house , fix the plumbing, etc. So I was emediately comfortable when walking into Japan Auto almost too comfortable I found myself almost walking under one of the cars that was up on a lift , and had to remind myself that I wasn't at my Dad's shop and to do so would be in bad form on my part. I felt very well taken care of by Kenzo as well as the other mechanics on duty. When I came back to pick up my car I was barely there 10 seconds when one of the men stopped what he was doing to alert the owner that I was there . Kenzo had given me a rough estimate when I dropped my car off and was only a little over the estimate when I came to pick up , which was totally fine as he took care of everything I had asked about. I felt what I payed was very fair , and I will be back in the future . Thank you so much for taking such good care of my car !

  Lou Shehi
8 years ago
I always unconditionally recommend Japan Auto Repair. I believe they are the best auto repair shop in Marin. All repairs are made on-time and totally correctly. Very importantly, they are always available to us when we are traveling and something "goes weird" in one our autos. We have a friend in the auto repair business!

  Kyle
5 years ago
I bring all my vehicles here anytime there's anything wrong, for diagnosis or repair. They are thorough and they do things the right way so I leave with peace of mind. They're not struggling so they don't try to up-sell you, and are up-front about what your options are. I've shopped around and yes there are some cheaper options, but you get what you pay for. I have no dog in this race, just wanted to support a quality shop by saying so.

  Paul Von Wiedenfield
8 years ago
I've been using Japan Auto for servicing three different cars I have owned over the past several years. Not once have I been dissatisfied with the work performed. On one occasion a major 60,000 mile service was done by a Lexus dealership. Shortly thereafter i took the car to Japan Auto where it was discovered that several maintenance items had been overlooked. Subsequently I have only used Japan Auto for all my car repairs and servicing even though I live in the East Bay..