Japanese Auto Service

Never again. Took my car in just for a state inspection. Picked it up the next day and the clutch pedal was adjusted so that the car would barely engage in 1^st gear. I was able to limp it home and correct the problem but something shady is going on at this place. Beware and look elsewhere for service.

I have taken my car to Japanese Auto Services for the past three years (specifically summers) to deal with the same AC issue. Though JAS was kind, you can imagine how frustrating it would be to have to take my car back, year after year and have them perform another couple hundred dollar repair to «fix» my AC. I have all the receipts for my visits, each involving new different parts, labor, and a big chunk of my paycheck. Being promised that the issue has been resolved after every departure from JAS is probably the most frustrating part (in addition to not have cold air in my car during the summer!). Though my AC works temporarily directly after my JAS visit for a couple more months of the summer, needless to say, my AC goes unused for another 6 – 8 months until the next summer. JAS has not been very helpful in fixing this issue and/​or admitting to not have dealt with it properly the previous summer. Any recommendations for good car AC mechanics would be very appreciative.

This place is great. They quoted be $ 3000 dollars less than the dealer to do some engine work. Super prompt service. Cannot recommend these guys enough.

The worst place to go ever. Very very very rude people are working there. He told that cleaning of the light glasses will cost me 130 $ and he told that i will not find any other place to do it with this cheap price. After I went to other place and I did it with a cost of 10 $.

I needed the bumper on my 2015 Honda fixed. The process with Japanese Auto Service was totally painless. I was able to drop by any time for an estimate. The estimate was exactly what my insurance appraiser said it would be. We scheduled a repair date — they did the work one afternoon as scheduled and I picked it up the next day. I had to make a partial down payment, but I I thought that was reasonable because they had to order material for the repair.

I was looking to get a safety inspection fast, so I pulled over to the first place I passed. I didn’t read the Unilocal reviews until after I’d handed over my keys. As I was waiting, I got nervous seeing all the problems people have had here. Thankfully, I experienced none of that. There was one car inspection ahead of me, so I was in and out in about 30 minutes. My car passed, as I expected it to. Total cost, $ 16. Nothing special, but nothing awful either. Got the job done without any problems.

We got our Honda repaired here a couple of times. one time, the car had trouble right after we got a bunch of work done at Jiffy Lube. We took it to JAC and they wanted us to replace a bunch of stuff, including the stuff that we just replaced from Jiffy Lube… pretty sketchy. Also, after both times we got work done, something else is wrong with the car within about 2 weeks. Could be a coincidence, but if it is, maybe these guys are just bad luck for our car!

Although my first couple of visits here were pretty great, things have gone downhill. First, I scraped against a pillar and smashed up part of my car. I checked around at a few places and Ed had the best price, but it ended up looking all crazy (you could tell where it had been repainted) and we had to take it back for him to fix up. Now it looks ok but not 100% perfect… probably would have been better to pay a few more bucks somewhere else. And more recently, one of the other guys there told my husband our brakes were so bad that he «could not stop the car» (oddly enough, he had not crashed into anything, so I guess he just managed to coast to a stop?) and we needed hundreds of dollars worth of repairs. Two other mechanics have told us the brakes are completely fine. Plus we haven’t had one single issue getting the car to stop. IDK if that guy is incompetent or a giant liar but I cannot trust this place anymore.

I needed to renew my Virginia State (safety) inspection and so I took my vehicle here. They told me that I needed $ 2,200 worth of repairs and such in order to pass the VA State Inspection. I thought this seemed unreasonable and so I took it to get a 2^nd and 3^rd opinion. The other people I took it to told me that I did not need to spend that money in order to pass at all! They seem to just want to make money here off of unsuspecting victims. Plus, they did not tell me that my tires were bald because they don’t inspect tires here, but in order to pass the inspection, which they claim they will help with, I need to have enough tread on my tires. So even after all that, I still did not pass the inspection/​renewal because of them and their lack of a complete inspection. I highly suggest avoiding this place.

This place is a scam. Sorry it is a bit lengthy, but I’m hung over and sitting on the Tarmac To lead up to it. .My fiancé’s BMW check engine light popped on and was running very rough. Being a stubborn man, I said,” I will take care of it”. I bought a diagnostic tool and got the error codes for 5^th and 6^th cylinder misfires. I bought new plugs and coils and went to install them. I found there a specific steps you need to go through to disassemble (and reassemble) the engine compartment to get to these parts in order to swap them out and this is how I was reassured that I was scammed. Longer story long, I ran out of time so I brought it into Japanese Auto whom had worked on it the last time the exact same thing happened a year prior ($ 187). I mentioned that I was in previously with the same issue and wondered what had been wrong the first time. It was damn near impossible to get anything from this guy over the phone before going in, but when there in person I found that their records didn’t mention any work, but said I Decided to complete the work myself. This obviously was NOT the case because I paid them for work done. Their records of work done are completely off further reinforcing this place rips off its customers.
I told them I had just run diagnostic and told them the exact codes that came back, but they told me that they had to run them again for $ 75 fee which I reluctantly paid. They call me back and informed that there are additional codes going off stating misfires in cylinders 1&2 as well and gave me an estimate of $ 650… With optional $ 150 engine flush which they really pushed. After seeing that the spark plugs they tried to sell me for $ 26 a piece were the same exact ones I bought at advanced auto for $ 6 and knowing the engine codes were different than I when I had checked literally two hours prior I told them I would hold off. I paid the $ 75 and took the car home.
I first ran the diagnostic again getting the same fault in the 5^th and 6^th cylinder … NO FAULT for the two additional they had claimed (it did show that those codes had previously been triggered in the diagnostic log) I did the work the next day. When it came to disassembly I found that they had broken a wiring clip attachment and failed to put the rear bolt which holds the engine shroud on. I know this because I systematically dis&assed it step by step right before I brought it in to them and know I had put everything back the exact way it was. I called them about it and they told me that their mechanic had not touched my engine compartment, and I should bring it in to have them check it out. I brought it in two days later only to have the mechanic not there and the owner sitting behind his desk saying he would come check it out after he finished eating his lunch or I could come back again when his mechanic is around. I opted to go head and leave and give up hopes on this place. I had finished the work myself. Replacing the six plugs for just over what they quoted me Per plug, and replacing a faulty coil I spent $ 106 then got a $ 30 gift card rebate from advanced auto parts. Total time it took me was just over an hour with some nosing around. In the end I saved myself nearly $ 550 by NOT LETTING THIS PLACE RIP ME OFF! I also got my man pride back after completing the job myself! This could be my wild imagination but after seeing evidence that the engine Compartment had in fact been tampered with when they said they hadn’t touched it, I believe (could be wrong) they triggered the additional codes by manipulating either the plugs or coils for those additional cylinders. If this is the case, you have to disassemble exactly what I mentioned earlier to be able to get to them in order to make more «work» raising the cost which they could charge for work that they would only need to clear out the diagnostic readings to say they fixed a non-​existing problem.
Done with this place. I would not recommend to anyone!

I have been coming to Japanese Auto Service since 2008, when I first brought my Pathfinder in to get a 2^nd quote. Ed’s quote was $ 1500 cheaper than what I received from the Nissan «Stealership,» and I’ve been coming to him ever since. When I was trying to buy a sports car I would bring them to Ed for an inspection. He saved me a few times, catching damages that were hard to see by a layman, such as myself. I’ve since brought him my Honda S2000, Acura MDX and Subaru Legacy. He and his team have done my inspections, tune-​ups, new tires, maintained my batteries and all my mechanical work. Great work, great service and I always have a great time talking w/​him, his lovely wife and awesome mechanics.
This is an unsolicited comment, but just want to ensure folks know their great work. My 3 brothers sell cars in WA State and they always told me never to get a car fixed at a dealership because their focus is to sell cars. Stand-​alone mechanics’ main focus is to fix your car and get repeat customers, therefore, they work hard to win your business, so I’ve always sought out a mechanic wherever I was stationed. Ed and his team do just that w/​their work and great service!

STAY AWAY! This was a nightmare scenario. I went here to get a safety inspection. (It took them 40 minutes). They claimed my headlights were broken, even though they turned on fine, and said it would take over $ 600 to repair. I couldn’t believe it and was convinced they were trying to scam me. I made a fuss, so the owner said that if I went somewhere else and got a pass, they would give me my $ 16 back for the inspection. Which is exactly what I did.
When I came with the pass sticker, the owner demanded he call a state trooper to resolve the issue and refused to give me my money back. Finally, I convinced him to live up to his word and left with the $ 16. But I should never have gone back.
This is now two weeks later, and I just had a state trooper calling me, demanding I come to the station so he could look at my car because the owner called him about me! Outrageous. These people have no integrity.
Update: the trooper stopped calling, no thanks to Japanese Auto.

I took my Toyota matrix here to get it repaired. The brakes were wasting away. This was two years ago. Now I find out from my new repair man at the real Japanese auto clinic on Lee Highway in Arlington that these guys had put on extremely cheap brakes and rotors that have worn out after only being driven less than 5000 miles. They may be cheaper, but they are that way for a reason. Do not recommend. Worth spending more money at more quality places in Arlington.

Do not get your car inspected here!
So long story but I went to a local gas station in Falls Church where I usually have my inspection and the mechanic saw that I had some damage to one of my tires (must of hit a curb) and just said to return once the car had a new tire. We go there a lot so he did not put the rejection sticker on, just said to come back once the tire was fixed. I was at Arlington Tire and the guy working said he didn’t think the tire was that bad and to just go to Japanese Auto across the street and get it inspected quickly and if he didnt pass the tire then we would order new tires. I recently purchased an older volvo only a month ago and brought it for a complete inspection at the dealership that listed every issue the car could possibly have, and it was checked at my gas station who told me about the tire so I knew there were no other issues I should worry about. Anyhow drop my car off and it’s taking longer than it should so I start to read Unilocal and see the one star reviews. I just had a feeling it would be the same for me. I then see Ed walking toward me with a notebook and a list of problems and repair costs next to it. None of these even include the tire, which is the one thing that maybe the car should of failed on. I had him put on the reject sticker, went back to my normal gas station (and yes I did still need to get a new tire) and imagine that, the car passed.
I would like to think that maybe this gas station is just super overly cautious on the inspection issues, but I think it’s more likely just a super shady spot where they are trying to take advantage of people.

Do not take your car here to get repaired! Went here on a Saturday to get a simple emissions test and ended up getting held up for a repair I needed… which was probably necessary… but did it need to be $ 340? And I was without my car for over 5 hours.
I also felt like the staff was very unprofessional — it was like they just wanted to overcharge you because they could.

Quick, reasonable, honest and professional!
I will only take my car to Japanese Auto Service for any and all of my car needs! I had my car towed here when it died not knowing the issue. The owner was in the office working on some paperwork late and let me in the drop off the keys and my information, even though they were already closed!
When I came by early the next morning, they told me it was just an issue with a wire, quickly ordered it and had my car up and running very quickly and efficiently. They were truly honest because the issue could have been any number of costly issues but they told me what it really was and charged me a very reasonable price. The owner and all of the associates are very friendly and professional. I really appreciate everything they did and highly recommend them for any car issues!

Generally the cheapest gas in the Arlington area. So if you are nearby stop in and get some gas. I know that they are great with safety inspections and also are cost effective when it comes to vehicle repairs. Consider it an alternative. They also plug tires!

This place is a joke or the reviews are all fakes. I have now, against my own better judgement, gone here 3 times. The first time I went to get an inspection, the extremely rude Russian guy working there basically told me they are too busy and don’t need my business.
The second time a year later, I went go get an estimate for a front brake pad only job on a Honda Civic, these guys quoted me $ 280. I laughed and told them that I wasn’t asking for new tires, wheels, and pads. I changed them myself for $ 40 and 30 minutes.
Once again, I went back this month to get a bodywork estimate. After waiting for 30 minutes, I left after witnessing them trash another customer; quoting the woman that works at the front desk: «What is he going to do, his car is up on our jacks– we will charge the old man and he will pay, he has no choice.» They were referring to a very old man who they were over charging for brakes. He was second guessing their price and the woman at the front chastised him because «she is the expert.»
I left as did two other customers.
Never again, I hope you go out of business.

I’m sure the people that left positive reviews here had good experiences. I mean, the place can’t rip off EVERY customer, or else they would be shut down pretty fast.
But if you are one of the few that these guys decide to take for a ride, then be sure you do your homework and don’t agree to anything that you are not comfortable with.
I went to this place last week after work to get my state inspection done. It was a few days expired so I didn’t want to wait and they were the only place around that was still open. Better to prey on people under the cover of nightfall? I don’t know.
The guy that took my car in seemed nice enough, carried out the inspection, but at the end told me he couldn’t pass it and had me come into the garage. He and the other guy put on a smoke and mirrors show moving my front tires back and forth up on the lift saying that the wheel bearings were too worn and needed to be replaced.
I agreed there was a little bit of play in it, but I hadn’t had any noise and the car seemed to steer fine so I was suspicious.
They also said my rear brake pads were too worn down, which was weird since the «squeal» indicator hadn’t yet alerted me to this condition.
I got a quote for the front end work, and it would have been $ 600 or so (I told them I would replace the brake pads myself), told them I would consider it, they put on the Rejected sticker, and I went on my way.
Next day I took it to another place to get reinspected to see if they found the same problems. The mechanic told me there was a little bit of play in the wheel bearings, but it was up-​down, not left-​right (or the opposite, I don’t remember) but it met the criteria to be passed. although it would probably need replaced in the next year or two. He also said the brake pads were absolutely fine. He slapped on the inspection sticker and I went on my way, happy that I didn’t pay $ 600 to these bozos. It cost me an extra $ 16 to get it reinspected but I guess I came out ahead.
I would have given them 1.5 stars if that was an option because the price of the wheel bearings was actually reasonable (though who knows what other «conditions» they may have found after starting the work and what my final bill might have been). But 2 stars is way too generous for guys that obviously are just out to make a buck at the expense of integrity.
So folks, use your common sense. If a place looks shady, and feels shady, well gosh darnit, it might just be shady!

Slow and shady. Don’t give them business. (Read on for honest take.)
I came here for 2 reasons: emissions test and vehicle inspection. Went on a Thursday morning at 10am. Not exactly prime time. Drop my car off with Ed, who *seemed* friendly enough. Says they’ll get right to work on my car, will be done by 11:00. Right on. I head to Starbucks to kill some time…
Come back, my car is still parked outside. Two vehicles, now elevated in the garage, had magically skipped ahead of me. I walk in and inquire with Ed — «Oh, you’re next, you’re next» he assures me. I wait inside. Thankfully I had a book. A full hour later, 12:00 now, he invites me into the garage. Emissions passed, but he failed me in inspection over a brake pad issue. I disagree, as I’ve had yearly brake pad cleanings done since 2008. He asks me to produce proof. I don’t have documents on me. Tough, he says – «I’ve been doing this for 23 years.» (Slaps REJECTION sticker on my windshield)
On to the real business. Ed wanted to charge me $ 160 for new front brake pads, $ 110 for a new torque mount, $ 195 for a front engine mount and $ 150 in labor for all of the work, which they would happily do for me on the spot. THEN my car could conceivably pass inspection. Would I like to take care of these issues today? $ 615, please. Cash register is inside.
I called BS. I sarcastically thanked him, paid for the two tests, pulled down the «Rejection» sticker from my windshield and went home frustrated. The next morning, I had my car inspected at an Exxon garage for a second opinion, to be safe. It passed. I explained my previous inspection at Japanese Auto Service, and the Exxon guy laughed. My brake pads need to be bled and cleaned, not replaced. My torque mount and engine mounts are in fine shape for another year. Ed was fixin’ for some good old ripping off and up-​selling.
***Bottom line: a 30-​minute job took 2 hours. I was kept waiting without explanation, then assumed to be a sucker, ripe for ripping off. Take your business elsewhere.***