Japanese Automotive — Local services in Phoenix

I’ve been dealing with issues on my Honda for months now. We originally took it to Honda, and they claimed it was just the spark plugs—so we replaced them. Unfortunately, the issue came back not long after.

We then brought the car here based on the good reviews, hoping for a real solution. The mechanic said he inspected the car and couldn’t find anything wrong except that I needed an oil change and “Honda-specific” spark plugs. He also cleared the dashboard settings, which we found extremely frustrating because that doesn't solve the issue—it just masks it temporarily. At that point, it was already done, and we couldn’t reverse it.

We went ahead and bought the spark plugs directly from Honda and had them replaced, even though the original ones weren’t aftermarket or low quality. Surprise—same issue came back again. Whether it’s “higher-end” spark plugs or not, my car continues to have the exact same problems. Honestly, I don't understand why that recommendation was made in the first place. We even spoke to friends who work at dealerships and Honda, and they confirmed that advice was completely inaccurate.

The car might be running slightly better, but it's like comparing Pepsi to Coke—it’s still the same drink. At the end of the day, nothing was truly resolved.

At this point, it feels like this is just one of those issues no mechanic seems able to figure out. Disappointing experience all around.

Update: 09/16/25 Not surprised by your response. Deflection? However, I did visit your shop on July 10, 2025 early in the morning. I’m happy to provide proof of this visit, including a credit or debit card receipt. At the top of the picture dates are included of the signs you have in your shop, is the date. This is indeed the correct business. I encourage you to double-check your records. I will not be removing my review, as it accurately reflects my experience. This is the closest “japanese automotive” location to my house. Check out the one star yelp review 5 months ago! It describes almost the exact same issue I experienced. It's really unfortunate. I see no reason to reach out directly, as I prefer not to do business with people who are dishonest and then try to claim I left my review by mistake and ask me to remove it. I clearly remember the employee involved, including his name, and I recognize him in your posted photos/Yelp. I'm simply sharing my experience so others know what to expect before bringing...

I've been here twice for service, the first time was great, the second was so bad that I no longer trust this shop or the owner. This is gonna be long so if you want the short it's the owner gaslit me twice, sent me home with a dangerous car, and ended up costing me hundreds more.

I'll only talk about the second. I brought in my older Tacoma for a full check up and the follow up service needed, it ended up needing new brakes, struts and other suspension components, and a few small things. I left it there for all the suspension work and then planned on coming back for the rest when I could afford it.

When I picked it up I immediately noticed the wheel was pulling wildly, to the point where if I let go I would be in another lane in 1 second and off the road in 2. Of course I bring it right back and talk to the owner again and tell him how it's pulling dangerously, and he insists that it's fine and that it's just my off road tires and because I'm driving below highway speeds, the same tires it's had for years with no issue at any speed.

I'm not feeling super convinced but he insists so I take it back out, and after nearly being sent into a curb after a tiny bump I decide no this is absolutely not normal. I bring it back and this time no smile, he immediately takes the keys and says they'll check it. So I wait again and he brings the keys back and tells me they realigned it and that it's definitely good now.

So I take it out and it's not violently fighting me anymore but still seems quite a bit jumpier and still pulls to the side, but I can drive it and I'm tired so I accept what he told me and chalk it up to new components.

Cut to a few months later and I noticed my front tires have a massive uneven wear pattern, and sure enough I brought it to the previous mechanic and they immediately clock it as being 2 inches out of alignment, so far out of alignment that the mechanic is amazed they let me leave like that.

So to summarize I was gaslit twice that my truck was fine actually when it was initially given to me incredibly dangerous and replaced with slightly dangerous, and now I'm looking at a couple hundred extra on the new alignment and some used llantera replacement tires.

I can forgive a mistake being made, but twice in a row and insisting that "no actually you clearly don't know how your own truck should feel'' is...

I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Don, the masterful mechanic who performed nothing short of a miracle on my 1999 Honda Accord. To say that the car was in dire straits would be an understatement; it seemed more like a candidate for a junkyard than a roadworthy vehicle. However, Don worked his magic and completely restored my beloved Accord to a state that exceeded my wildest expectations.

From the moment I brought the car to Don's garage, his professionalism and expertise were evident. He conducted a thorough inspection, explaining every detail of the issues plaguing the vehicle and outlining a comprehensive plan for restoration. His passion for his craft shone through, reassuring me that my car was in capable hands.

What truly sets Don apart is his commitment to excellence. He tackled each problem methodically, leaving no stone unturned. Whether it was the engine, transmission, or the myriad of smaller issues, Don approached the restoration with meticulous care. The result was nothing short of astounding — my 1999 Accord not only runs like new, but it looks and feels as if it just rolled off the assembly line.

Moreover, Don's honesty and transparency throughout the process were truly refreshing. He provided regular updates on the progress, promptly addressed any concerns I had, and ensured that there were no surprises when it came time to settle the bill. His pricing was fair and reasonable, considering the extensive work he undertook to breathe new life into my aging vehicle.

In addition to his technical prowess, Don's customer service is unparalleled. He took the time to explain the intricacies of the repairs, offering valuable insights on maintenance to keep my Accord in peak condition. It's clear that he values the satisfaction and trust of his customers, and that dedication is reflected in the remarkable results he delivers.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Don for any automotive needs. His skill, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed my 1999 Honda Accord from a near-junkyard resident to a reliable, rejuvenated masterpiece. If you're looking for a mechanic who goes above and beyond, Don is the person to trust with your vehicle. I am beyond grateful for his outstanding work and am now a customer for life....