OK. So, I've got this 2002 Toyota Highlander that my friend has been kind enough to loan me, in…read moreexchange for storing it and keeping it running. We put minimal miles on it, and despite 2 decades on the road, it's a pretty solid SUV. Whenever I borrow something, I always like to return it in better shape than I received it, if I can. So I maintain it, and fix little things as they pop up.
When my friend handed it off to me, she mentioned it was likely due a big service soon, the last one at the end of the maintenance schedule. She had taken it to her own mechanic, but was concerned they were highballing her. Well, figuring "soon" had arrived with the 154K oil change, and with her blessing, I started looking around for local mechanics that specialize in Japanese vehicles. My other car, under warranty, had been dealer maintained for years, so I haven't had a need for a mechanic in over a decade.
I visited with 4 shops, all from Yelp, and all claiming to be Japanese car specialists. Mike's Auto Repair & Body Center wouldn't even really talk to me about the vehicle unless I paid for an estimate, so I passed on that one. Honestly, the other two were really nice and communicated well. They both inspected the vehicle at no charge. Boon at Japanese Car Clinic put it on the lift and he and one of his mechanics both gave it a very thorough once over. The other, J & C Import Care, though they were very busy, took the time to pop the hood and gave it a cursory check. I had a list of things that the owner of the vehicle had been told needed to be done, so I was curious to see what they said. It was interesting how different the prices and their conclusions about what needed service were. But for the most part they both lined up with the majority of the things I'd been told might need to be done.
Now, I'd called Lucky at Japanese Car Service over the phone before anyone else, based on his reviews. But I wouldn't say speaking to him on the phone was his strongest skill. I found it a bit difficult to understand him, and to just say it like I felt, he didn't seem particularly interested in servicing the car. But after visiting the 3 other mechanics, all near each other in the NoHo/Lankershim area, I thought I'd stop by and see him in person.
Lucky was super-nice. His shop was quiet at the time I arrived (after lunch), and he took his time with me. He gave the car a thorough inspection and pointed out all the areas that he felt needed to be addressed, all areas that had been mentioned by my friend, and the previous mechanics. He also identified the other areas my friend had anticipated, but didn't see a need to do them yet, suggesting I revisit them at 200K. I asked him what his schedule was like, thanked him for his time, and told him I'd get back to him once I'd reviewed the estimate with the owner and my wife.
The next day I called him. Again, not the greatest on the phone, but we understood each other. I dropped off the vehicle on a Monday morning, and had it back late Wednesday morning. When I arrived, he showed me all the parts he replaced, stayed true to his estimate, and when it was all said and done, it cost me half of what the most expensive price was from the other mechanics. And most importantly, it seems to be running great. I think I've found a really good mechanic!
