San Carlos Auto Repair

I had previously brought my Acura MDX for minor services, and this time came for pretty major work. These guys know what they are doing, and deliver with great customer service. At one point we encountered a problem, but I felt they handled it fairly and added skin in the game.

The plus is that the people working here always seem to keep in contact with you and are good at customer service. It is also a good alternative to going to a car dealer for repairs. Overall a pretty good place to go to get the repairs done right. Some of the bad things are that I agree with one of the other reviews that the prices are high sometimes.I did have a laundry list of items to be taken care of and since I was in need of an oil change and my vehicle uses full synthetic oil only, they said that oil change is around $102.00, and then right away wanted to sell me the $80.00 spring special, which may have saved money, but I'm not really sure because I brought my own 5 quart jug of full synthetic oil for them to use for the oil change, which costs about $35-$40 at Autozone. One thing I wanted done was to change the aftermarket lowering springs back to the original springs, which I provided. So, it turns out that one of the struts on the front had a bunch of play in it, and low and behold all of a sudden I'm told that both front struts need to be replaced, so I say okay because my car is 12 years old and they say they usually replace them in pairs. So, now with alignment I'm all of a sudden up to about $900.00. I'm told they come as an assembly with the spring on it and fully assembled for installation. So, where did my original springs go that I provided? They only use factory parts and they are at retail from the Honda dealer, which is why it seems expensive often.Then, getting to the rear spring replacement. The bolts are seized from the rust because my car was in a salt used state in the winter time. Now, the rear shocks have to be replaced. To sum it up, I had a few other things on the laundry list I could not take care of because it would have brought the total up to way more than I already spent. They did do some things as courtesy like check out my ABS light without charge, and replaced a brake light that wasn't out when I went in. I wanted to get the stuff taken care of so I paid the high dollar amount for mostly replacement of front and rear struts and shocks, alignment, brake and clutch fluid flush and fill, and the discounted spring special.When I left I asked where are all the old parts(since the only ones I received were the aftermarket springs), and he will check with the technician on Monday. I had at least one fully assembled strut with no problem except being worn and at least 2 front strut springs that I provided.Advice is that only do the repairs you want done even if they recommend more stuff to be done. If you want to save more money go somewhere that can use aftermarket parts, not OEM, as an alternative.I was happy with the result and the rep I dealt with on the visit, so I can't give too bad of a review.

Service was excellent. Staff are friendly and attentive.

These guys really go the distance to make car repair a painless experience! Their mechanics are top notch, and the service dept is outstanding! No grey area, this place is great!!!

Someone recommended A+ Japanese Auto Repair to me, as I needed an oil change but bought my car out of the area and always got it serviced at the dealerahip. I'm still waiting for my car to be finished, but I feel totally taken care of. A+ Japanese Auto Repair doesn't just treat you like a number or a problem, they treat you like an appreciated client. I will definitely continue coming here, and will most certainly recommend this place to everyone!

A+ Japanese Auto is the most reliable car repair shop I have encountered in 30+ years of car ownership. When the dealership quoted me expensive prices for the spark plug and gasket cover replacements that my '03 Honda Civic neeeded, my online research led me to A+ Japanese Auto. This shop was well worth the 35-minute drive from my apartment. I was greeted instantly when I arrived for my appointment, and after learning about my driving habits, my service advisor thoroughly explained the work that would be done, the time it would take, and the total all-in cost -- which was 40% less than the dealership quote! The shop's courtesy shuttle dropped me off at a nearby Starbucks, where I barely had enough time to finish my latte when my service advisor called to apprise me that my car was ready -- 40 minutes earlier than promised! When I returned to the shop, my service advisor carefully walked me through the parts and labor costs, pointed out what work I should expect to have done at my next service interval, and patiently answered all my questions about the specific repairs that were made and the general condition of my 11-year-old vehicle. I truly feel that A+ Japanese Auto cares about me -- and my safety -- as a customer. Especially since I am relatively new to the Bay Area, I am thrilled to have found A+ Japanese Auto and to be relieved of any car worries. I will be returning to A+ Japanese Auto soon to replace my worn-down brake shoes, and this shop definitely has earned my exclusive business for the life of my Honda Civic. Jeff M., San Jose, CA

I came in the other day with an oil change and tail light bulb replacement needed and Justin helped me and was so kind and helpful. I was just passing through but if I ever find myself here again I will definitely come! He took the extra time to find me exactly what my car needed considering it is a German car brand. Thanks A+!!

I had the best service here at A+ Japaneses. I especially want to give a big thank you to Justin. He really went above and beyond for my Nissan cube. Great customer service and made me feel that I was not getting a run around and really cared about giving the best customer service you don't see that anymore now a days. I will continue my business here as well as recommend to my friends & family. A Big Thank You to Justin & Team. Rosie

Japanese A + auto repairMany many thanks to Justin Mills customer service AdvisorHe is always been help full above and beyon on any kind of my cars problems . Thank you for good job you are giving me and my family .You are the best !Theodore Tsadick

I recently took my car here based on a friend's recommendation. The service was excellent. Justin was upfront with the pricing and approach for my car's recommended maintenance schedule. Check in was easy and the updates both by e-mail and phone were convenient. Knowing where to park the car is a bit tough given the limited parking space and the busy Industrial Rd. Better than a shop where I had to stand in a parking lot of broken cars, fewer perks than the dealership.In the end, they did less service on the car than the recommended schedule because they told me my car could wait due to its good condition. While they saved me on needed repairs, I do feel the prices are a bit high. The oil change was a "Spring special" but it is still more than I'd pay elsewhere.It was great to have the option to either pick up the car during business hours or after hours. The one thing that left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth was finding my license plate frame on the floor of my car because they'd put an "A+ Japanese Repair" frame on my car. NOT OK. I don't know how they decide who's car gets one of their business license plate frames, but they did not ask my permission. Overall, this shop is a good option to have but maybe not for all situations. My rating is more like a 3.5 but I rounded up.