Japanese Auto Repair

Nov 30, 2024

Took my car in to fix a water leak that was causing electrical damage. They completely ignored the leak and claimed they fixed the electrical issue only for it to reoccur again a couple days later. They refused to make it right and ultimately claimed “we don’t fix water leaks”. Avoid at all cost.

Nov 16, 2024

I went in about 6 months ago to get a timing belt replacement on my 1987 Nissan 300ZX Z31, and it went amazing. They were extremely friendly and welcoming, and we had a good chat. There was a problem however, in less that 4000 miles, my timing belt was destroyed (picture of that below), and that is a big problem considering that I have an interference engine, so I got it towed home, and looked at all of the visible belts... no damage. Then I took of the timing cover that covers the timing belt, and I saw my timing belt was rubbing on something and had started to burn. I was extremely scared about my car because I love my car more than anything. Last week, I went in and explained my situation to JAR, and they were EXTREMELY kind about it and assured me that if it was their fault, they would fix it. So I towed my cat into the shop and they got to work right away, it took about 1 day (work days) to get my car running again, and before they put everything back on, they had me come to the shop to look at it to make sure that nothing was wrong, and it looked great! So they put everything back on, and I picked up my car the next day. Really helpful and friendly staff, that unlike other shops, actually care about your car and helping you. I had no mode of transportation for a little bit, but that was the least of my worries, and they helped me so much. I will definitely be bringing my car back here if I need a shop, and am going to reccomend it to other people based on the environment of the shop. Thank you JAR for being an amazing shop!

Nov 07, 2024

Customer service was great they went out of their way to make sure I got my car I wanted. Recommend this auto sales to anyone looking for a new vehicle they rock it!

Nov 07, 2024

Experienced and responsive service is what I've come to expect with Japanese Auto Repair over the past 7 years. Indeed, that high integrity, trusted relationship is what I value most with John, Francis and company. Count me a happy and loyal long-time customer!

Nov 07, 2024

Great communication, no surprises.

Oct 07, 2024

I really liked the people, but the overall experience was poor. I took my truck in for a crate rebuilt engine swap and clutch replacement. It took 4 months, but most of the delay was due to the factory having a backlog, so I don't fault JAR for the timeline at all. My problem comes from the fact that there are two possible dipstick locations on this motor, and JAR did not plug the 2nd hole. So almost 400 miles into breakin period I smelled burning oil, popped the hood, and there was oil EVERYWHERE. another $300 to tow it in because the cause wasn't obvious. They didn't bother to clean the engine properly, just plugged the hole and basically said "whoops", leaving misted or puddled oil across the engine compartment, hoses, belts and wiring. On top of that, after over $9k in work the new motor runs rough when cold and lags in low gears (manual). I can't take my rig to these guys anymore, they lacked attention to detail and don't hold themselves accountable, from my perspective.

Sep 07, 2024

Best shop owner ever!!! I love it here.

Sep 07, 2024

They have been honest and fair. They were able to squeeze us in when we had some surprise car trouble. Back on the road in a couple of hours.

Sep 07, 2024

This place is super knowledgeable about all cars. The owners name is John, he is a really good guy. His crew is fast and professional. The prices for repair are fair and good. I really like this place. I trust John and his people.

Aug 07, 2024

Always feel great bringing my car in for service (I’ve been taking my car here for about 5 or 6 years). I’ve never been talked into buying more services than my car needs or wants. If anything, I ask if they’re sure the car doesn’t need anything else. Grateful to have found sincere people who are great at what they do.

Jul 07, 2024

Been a customer for many years. There is a reason. I keep going back. Need I say more?

Jul 07, 2024

Great service! They are very experienced and were able to diagnose my car when another mechanic couldn’t. They are professional and have reasonable prices. I would highly recommend them.

Jul 07, 2024

Highly recommend Japanese Auto Repair. Fast friendly service for an incredibly good price.

Jul 07, 2024

John and his staff at Japanese Auto Repair SAVED us. We only have one car (a 2006 Honda Accord) that our whole family relies on. We first took our car into the dealership to have some things on our car checked out (brakes and muffler) — the quote came back almost $4000!!! To say we were stunned is an understatement. The car's Blue Book value is barely $3k. We immediately told them NOT to do any work and we began looking around for a good, reputable shop to take our car in to. When we saw the stellar reviews all over the web for JAR, we decided to give them a call. John immediately made us feel at ease. We explained our situation and he too, seemed shocked at the pricing. He freely gave us a ballpark quote (sight unseen but let us know this could change once he saw the car, depending on its condition). He was able to get us into the schedule right away. Once he got the car, he called us within a couple hours of drop-off and let us know that the entire muffler was basically rusted off and that it seemed to have been a non-Honda part. He gave us the final quote for the repair (which was pretty much the same as his ballpark) and then said he would try to do all of it (brakes and muffler) in one day. When all was said and done, John and his staff at JAR saved us SO MUCH time and money, doing the job for HALF the price the dealership quoted. His entire staff was kind, personable, and professional. Our car feels like a dream now, running so much smoother and quieter. We are so grateful for the honest, kind, and fairly priced service we received at JAR. They've earned a loyal customer for life!

Jun 07, 2024

I was very hesitant about leaving this review but I felt this is a good opportunity to bring other consumers awareness and to come here with caution. I left my 1995 4runner 3.0 here over a course of over 2 weeks (originally I did not imagine it taking over a week). I requested an inspection of the overall health of the vehicle. A few days later I hear back and no surprise there is a long list of issues. Some critical and some not so much. I thought I made it very clear to John on the phone AND through email that I only wanted the serious issues done the others can wait unless noted otherwise. I clearly mentioned not to replace the timing belt since it has already been done but he may replace the timing bearing which he said made a lot of noise (I didnt notice). To make a long story short he replaced the timing belt without my permission which racked up the bill to $5,100 which is about the value of the car. He also changed the brakes which he said was a safety hazard and honestly I did not think so. The brakes still arent the strongest. When I came in to pick up I had no idea he did the belt as well so I was SHOCKED especially when everything was clear between us. I mentioned it and he did take $300 but the bill was still $4800. I had to choose between my rent and mothers day gift this year. I imagined the bill to be $3500 max but I was completely wrong. I posted an image of an email clearly stating the work I want done. I would be willing to move on and delete this review if I get a refund for the unexpected service I did not ask for. COME HERE WITH CAUTION!

Jun 07, 2024

Novice level of car knowledge so I was nervous to take our RAV4 in for service for the first time since buying it used. Super friendly diagnosis of the issue with the battery and transparent pricing on the replacement rear light that was broken. The maintenance cost didn’t sting as much because the guys were super nice and provided excellent service.

May 07, 2024

Highly recommended place for repairs and maintenance. I have been taking my acura a few times. John is transparent about the process and pricing. Even though their shop is far away from my place, i have peace of mind when i leave my car at his shop.

May 07, 2024

John and the shop did an absolutely stellar job on an engine swap for my '06 Subaru. Incredible transparency about the work that needs to be done and the pricing. Look forward to bringing it in again and can't recommend enough!

Apr 07, 2024

I just love these guys. Always professional. Willing to help. Honest. Cant say enough good about this company

Mar 07, 2024

I’ve really enjoyed working with this garage. Their prices are normal- and their staff is always friendly. I never feel like I’m getting ripped off; they just seem honest. Would absolutely recommend.

Mar 07, 2024

They always do a great job on any project required on my 1998 4Runner

Feb 07, 2024

Best shop i have ever been to

Feb 07, 2024

Simply the best of the best. I’ve been taking my 1997 Toyota Tacoma to John for years. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, and honest. Always a quick turnaround, reasonably priced, a true gem. The only mechanic I trust with my truck. Thank you for keeping my baby up and running!

Jan 07, 2024

I got an estimate via email for getting timing belt replaced. The job was completed on time. These folks did an excellent job at a fair price and I am very happy with their service!

Dec 07, 2023

I cannot recommend this shop enough! We have a 22 year old sequoia, and it runs like a top thanks to John and all the techs there. They always get me in right away, and go the extra mile for everything. Like many people in Portland, we had both catalytic converters stolen, a hole in the gas tank and a broken window…all fixed! Today we have a window not going up, and they’re going to see me right away to get it up, and diagnosed so we can at least not worry about the rain. Absolutely the best place for your car!

Dec 07, 2023

These guys have wrenched on my Toyota SUV a couple of times now. The most recent round was front and rear brakes complete and a brake fluid change. They use Akebono ceramic pads, a personal favorite of mine. I was pleased to find they'd adjusted the E-brake which should be a part of the procedure but can get forgotten when someone is in a hurry. It's always calm and low pressure when I'm dropping off and discussing the repairs and the next steps. Thanks for great service from someone in the industry!

Dec 07, 2023

Excellent Shop!! I usually do alot of things myself, lol or at least attempt to. I was in a pinch. Couldn't get this one bolt removed because of how rusted and torqued it was. Called them up, they were able to get me in the same day, although I couldn't make it that day. But when I was able to bring my car in they got me in and gave me a call a few hours later stating she was ready to be picked up!!! Fair Pricing and Fast service. I love that. And they seem very honest. I will be using them again!!!

Dec 07, 2023

Fast, communicative, and fair pricing. No pressure to commit to anything more than what you’d like done.

Dec 07, 2023

Had my coils and wheels and alignment done here.

Dec 07, 2023

I love these guys! I went in for an oil change, knowing I had waited too long since I was distracted by my new baby. And I came out only needing an oil change and some fluids topped off. They said my filters looked good. But I love NOT being told that I need hundreds of dollars of extra stuff, which is what always happened at the dealership and other repair shops too. It makes me happy I have a reliable car, and happy I've found these guys. They're also always pleasant to deal with and talk with!

Dec 07, 2023

I took my 2008 Toyota Camry in to Japanese repair for an oil change. They alerted me to the deteriorated suspension in my car. I have been happy with previous maintenance they've completed on my car and so was eager to have them take care of my suspension. I'll be seeing them next week for this repair as well as replacing my brakes.

Dec 07, 2023

I've brought my car in multiple times now. They easily get me in everytime, fast reliable service, and the prices are fair. John is great at explaining everything each time. Would highly recommend to others.

Dec 07, 2023

Incredible experience! I was so pleased with the high level of customer service and competency of this shop. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of repair. My thanks for making a stressful time end in such great relief

Dec 07, 2023

John is knowledgable, reasonable and fast. I highly recommend this conveniently located shop!

Dec 07, 2023

My daughter moved to Portland a few years ago, so I could not work on her car when needed. Found Japanese Auto Repair and John and crew have been the shop I can recommend. I've met John while visiting Portland, and appreciate his shop servicing my daughters car and seeing they have the experience and knowledge to do so.

Dec 07, 2023

They have done great work taking care of my Toyota Tacoma over the last couple years. Always friendly and have a quick turn around. When I knew my brakes needed work they did a great job explaining the logic, cost breakdown and timeline of the services they recommended. I cross checked their recommendations with my previous mechanic from another city, and was able to confirm that it was a wise course of action. They were easy to communicate with and made quick work of it. Everything's been running perfectly since! Also like the vibes of the shop, it’s cool in there.

Dec 07, 2023

They scheduled me by email super easily, made sure my car (2008 Honda Element) was back within the 2 hours as promised, and did a quick check on a few things wrong with an action plan. Honest and friendly, highly recommend and will be back!