What I was hoping to be a 5 star experience; turned out to be a no for me. It started off as a 5 star service apt; got quoted $160 for a suspension diagnostic, had a squeaking noise driving me nuts. (And grateful they said yes to my Nissan Xterra with a custom lift). That's why I was excited to pick and start a new Nissan mechanic. - 1 star Arrived, and instantly told they need more time for the potential repair/fix. Switching out four bolts: two for the lower shock mount and 2 for control to knuckle mount. That's fine, I was given noticed and made aware. What wasn't fine, being called that it was all done, ready for pick up, but additional time was charged. No heads up, no courtesy call, no noticed, just a higher bill. - 1 star I'm order to find the squeaking noise, they had to "secure" one of my fog lights. This is what made me make this review and not give a four star, please see the photo of how they secured the light and what they used. In a time where used cars will be kept longer because the price of a new car is ridiculous; one expensive visit to a local mechanic is worth it I guess. Maybe I'm asking for too much read more

Z Expert - A piece a foam was added to "secure" the fog light. Only found it because I needed to change my bulbs - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I've been taking my 79 280ZX and 94 300ZX to the Z Expert for years and they have been consistently reliable. They've brought my $500 ratty S130 back to life several times with work including but not limited to: differential, wildwood brake calipers install, radiator/cooling system overhaul, fan clutch, major tune ups, struts, control arms, every damn bushing, etc. For my 300ZX, they've installed rotors, all my crazy suspension upgrades, and recently the 120k timing belt service along with other "while you're there" services. I wouldn't be a Z owner if I didnt have this specialty shop. Worth the trip and a dream if you're local to the area. Their team will walk you through the process and keep you updated before any work is done. read more

They found the cure for a very hard to diagnose issue that is the subject of much internet chatter of owners and mechanics of Nissan Hardbody pick up trucks form 1986.5. Very down to earth, and reasonable prices, the cost was less than the estimate. I loved my experience here and highly recommend them. read more

It's hard to find a shop that knows what these old Datsuns need. I made the drive all the way across town and was left with a positive experience. Richard who runs the shop has been around for decades and knows what's up. Despite the drive, I'd come back again for bigger projects or at least for piece of mind. read more

Z Expert - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I was looking for a new mechanic for my Nissan, and when a tire pressure sensor came on, I thought it worlds be a good opportunity to check out this independent specialist. (Edit) I had some issues with personality and pricing, but the owner of the shop gave me a call, and I appreciate that. Mike at the front desk was very good and very professional. read more

I unfortunately wouldn't recommend The Z Expert at all based off of my experience. I have a 3 speed manual 1983 Datsun 280ZX Turbo that's in considerably good cosmetic condition and has less than 70,000 miles on it. I had an awful experience with a previous shop when they completely botched a suspension overhaul / install job with around $1,500 of performance parts that I purchased from The Z Store / Motorsport Auto. I know a fair amount about Z's and have a pretty good idea of how things work mechanically, despite not being a mechanic by trade. I've done a lot of my own research and have done some mechanical work before on a few other vehicles that I own. Anyways, after having a really negative experience with a previous shop working on my Datsun and making the vehicle nearly unsafe to drive, I scoured the online forums along with Yelp and reached out to the Z Expert via phone and explained what was going on. Richard seemed knowledgable, albeit a bit old school, but that was okay. I put together a really compressive written list of everything I wanted to have corrected and fixed on my vehicle and after talking to Richard, drove 50 miles one direction from my home in Ontario, California to the Santa Monica area where they're located have them work on my car. They had my vehicle for about a month and a half and I kind of felt like I was getting the run around. I knew my list was a big undertaking, but I was trying to be patient. After about a month and a half, I randomly dropped by the shop when I was in the area for another reason and was told "Oh yeah, the car is finished!" Richard told me the performance aftermarket front sway bar I purchased didn't fit the vehicle, when I had confirmed it fit with The Z Store prior to purchasing. They then installed an old stock sway bar for $100.00, that also didn't fit and didn't return the other sway bar that was already in the vehicle. I was charged $185.00 for a replacement audible warning phonograph player, otherwise known as the talking lady, when these units generally for between $40.00 - $80.00 used on eBay in good working condition. I was $300.00 to remove part of the dash to solder some wires to fix an electrical issue where the dashboard gauge cluster (clock, oil boost, and oil temp) backlight didn't work and the second I drove the vehicle home, they still didn't work and Richard said "Oh, just take the battery cable off and put it back on." which didn't work or help the situation. The rear shock assemblies were supposedly completely removed and then reinstalled properly, but when I drove the vehicle home the entire vehicle and rear strut assemblies rattled even on perfectly smooth roads. All in all, I spent just under $4,000.00 and I unfortunately had to take the vehicle to another Datsun shop to basically redo everything. I have no problem spending money since I'm very particular about things and wanted things done a certain way. I even told Richard: "Anything wrong with this vehicle that I missed, go ahead and fix it and just charge me for it. I want thing this to run perfectly." I realize I am one of the only people leaving a bad review here and I'm not doubting anyone else's experience with the Z Expert. Just giving an honest review of mine. Maybe my expectations were too high of what they are capable of or something happened and I just was one of the unlucky few. I recently spent another $3,500.00 with another Datsun mechanic in Orange County to redo all of the work that Z Expert did. It took about a week and a half instead of a month and a half and I was given all of the old parts. I did have to repurchase another performance front sway bar since I didn't get mine back when Z Expert removed it from my car and installed an incorrect vintage sway bar. And the rear shock assemblies both had loose bolts and no bushings / washers and it was straight metal on metal contact from Z Expert when they claimed to have redone the suspension. Anyways, now my vehicle runs the way it should and there are zero issues, I just had to go through negative experiences and spend around $6k between 2 shops before finding a Datsun mechanic that met my expectations and did what truly needed to be done to get the vehicle back in safe driving and perfect working condition. read more

Z-expert has been my mechanic for 20 years now and I can't imagine letting anyone else touch my car. Yes, they work on everything, not just Zs. They do everything for my Mazda now and husband's Toyota. Richard and his team are all super sweet, high-integrity, experts who keep prices low and service high. Richard rebuilt my Z engine in 2003 when I first moved here and had a massive engine failure. I've never looked back. If you need someone you can trust for your car, even just an oil change, go here. They won't take on work if they can't make it perfect and the really go the extra mile to make sure everything is perfect. read more

While Richard and his team are legit experts (Z or otherwise), that's not why I'm another loyal customer. All things aside, good mechanics and auto shops exist everywhere nowadays. The difference with this shop is the amount of care and attention they put into every case. Not sure what the other negative reviews are on about, but my Z's been treated like royalty whenever it needs to come in. Similarly, everything's explained clearly with no nonsense, and no pushy sales crap: Here's what's wrong, here's what we recommend, here's how much it'll cost, let us know how you want to run it. The communication is also on point: quick responses to any questions you have, status updates as the work is being done, timeframe estimates and adjustments as needed. Yes, they're closed on weekends. Aren't you? Yes, things can't be fixed overnight. Probably a good sign that they've got a line of cars to work on. Lastly, people who are complaining about the pricing are probably in the line of "I'm no expert but I kinda know cars." Can't speak for most, but I go out of my way to get my car to this place specifically because I know my car will be well taken care of. Prices are absolutely fair for market (especially today). Can't speak for others but I haven't been overcharged for unnecessary labor or otherwise. TL;DR: If you want jiffy lube pricing and timing, this ain't the place. If you value the job getting done right, this place is hard to beat. read more

Issues were resolved and extra attention was given to detail. The door needed adjustment. Attention appreciated.

Very quick response and service, Richard and staff are very honest and professional, I can very recommend this place and will be back for next service again. Thanks read more

These guys are excellent mechanics . Went the extra mile to find a discontinued part for my fx35 . Highly recommend

First impressions were solid: plenty of older Z cars in evidence. Shop looked like many independent mechanics that I've been acquainted with over the years and a crew of several mechanics were busy at work. I've been to Z Expert twice today story follows). I have an old Datsun (260Z) so I'm appreciative that Richard and his mechanics are keeping them running. My Z needed a good amount of repairs due to deferred maintenance and Z expert took care of shocks, transmission, carburation, and a few other items. It felt like a new car driving away! Unfortunately, only a few miles down the road the throttle stuck somehow. I called Richard and I limped it back to Z Expert later that day. I had the pleasure meeting Dan, one of Richard's mechanics who immediately took charge of trouble shooting my car. I left it there again that night. You might think that this is a tale of woe, but to the contrary; I realize this is an old car with its unique peculiarities, Richard took it back to fix the carburation without hesitation, and I made the acquaintance of Dan, one of the mechanics who work at the shop. I'm giving four stars instead of five because I don't have enough experience with Z Expert to tip into the 5's but it's been good so far. read more

Z Expert - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This company is very well organized and provides plenty of information.My recommendation for this company is considerably high, they have plenty of resources to help you get everything fixed. They are fast and efficient, the mechanics are very independent and make sure to get the job done read more

I cannot believe I have never written a review of Z Expert. I found Richard and the shop back in 1992 where they fixed my brakes quickly and without paying them a dime. Over the past years they have done everything to my 84' 300ZX which runs great. They also worked on my Maxima that I had for many years. I don't even live in LA anymore but take it down every few years to get the gremlins out or to get timing belt done. They know more about Z Cars than nearly any shop on earth and can fix other nissan products as well. Super highly recommended. read more

this place sucks, waste of money and time here. Don't come here worse place ever super unprofessional. Not only that but rude workers.

The Z expert came through again! I drove my Mustang from Venice to West Hollywood for a visit with my girlfriend and her mom. It worked fine driving there. After having dinner, a couple of hours later I started it in park and had the roughest idle I'd ever experienced, to the point where it felt as if I'd tear off an engine mount. I didn't dare put it in gear, so I turned it off. I started it a second time and got the same result. I turned it off again and couldn't start it a third time. My girlfriend drove me back to her place, where I spent two nights, then tried to start it again. It started easily. When I backed out, my girlfriend noticed a small puddle of what she thought was water under the car. I drove it straight home. A couple of days later, it started up so I drove it to the Z Expert, hoping I wasn't at the point where I needed to replace my 20 year old car. It turned out to be the fuel pump, not a cheap repair but one that has kept my car alive. Thank you Richard, Shawn and Luis! read more

Z Expert - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Love this place! Fast, efficient, and always reasonably priced with no bull shit. Richard, the owner is super helpful and kind. Great at diagnosing and resolving the issue. read more

I must have met Richard, the owner. What a standup guy, and what a great place. I drove down from the Bay Area to help my daughter with a move. She was supposed to have everything out on the 1st, and I had a hectic day of running around the day before. Out of nowhere, my check engine light came on. I panicked and then pulled over and looked some places up. This one mentioned nissan, so I just drove over instead of calling - even though they were closing in 40 minutes. I pulled up and was slightly panicked, and Richard had someone check out my car. They couldn't find anything wrong with it, and the icon eventually went away. So we agreed there was no work to be done, and told me it's no charge even though they did a diagnostic. I just came back from the drive back, and was able to sit in traffic and floor it, lol, knowing that my car was ok. Was a huge relief. I would absolutely go here in a heartbeat if I lived in the area. Thank you so much, Richard! read more

Richard and the team here were able to solve problems with my Infiniti others couldn't - and multiple other mechanics referred me here to begin with which tells you a lot. He was the only shop that when I called knew exactly what I was talking about in terms of the issue with my car. They helped fix a super hard problem and got it done in a timely and safe manner and were communicative the whole time. I clearly will be bringing this car back for future work and it's a great suggestion for infinities that are older because they work on so many sister company Nissan vehicles that have similar issues. Not 100% certain if they do work on the other brands but I know I have at least found a place I can reliably take this car to read more

Took my 07' G35 6MT over to Z Expert for some standard maintenance. They guys at Z Expert were absolutely great and took great care of my car. 100% would recommend and will be back. read more

Been bringing my 300ZX here for years. Reliably quick turnaround times. Fair pricing on quality parts. Experienced mechanics. Highly recommend. read more

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Richard and his team are honest, which we all know is the most important quality in a mechanic. Definitely going back to them for EVERYTHING from now on! I messaged Richard in a panic after the Nissan dealership quoted me $3500 for repairs on my 350Z when I brought it in for service. I gave him the list of items which he quoted me $1500 for and said he would need to check the car to see why they wanted to replace some other parts. Brought the car in, he called me back the same day and let me know there was no need to replace the part that the dealership told me about and the car just needed a regular service. So, I let him keep the car overnight and was able to pick it up the next day. He also let me know that the oil change I paid for at the dealership wasn't even done and there was very little oil left in the car, even though they charged me for it. So he took care of that also. I'm so glad I found Z Expert and I know I can trust them to tell me what's really going on with my car from now on. read more

So I am in the process of doing a restoration on a 1976 280Z and I had called Richard to get advice on the rebuild. He answer the phone and explained the process to me of the engine and how certain things had to be done. Nice guy with years of valuable experience that you do not see anymore. With my project he saw that I had done some of the work and recommend me to someone else to finish it up because it would be more cost effective for me. He is really a nice person whom I felt was looking out for the customer interest rather than himself. Would definitely send my business to him. read more

Luis and Shawn were very accommodating, good attitude, and provided fast service with a smile. What else could you ask for? Service providers like them are rare. Thank you guys, really appreciate it. - Ramon read more

I recently took my '72 240z in for a full service and inspection since I had just purchased the car a week prior, and all I can say is that I can't thank the guys at Z Expert enough. They were quick, knowledgeable, and talked me through all the issues they found with my Z. Plus the price wasn't too bad either. Even when they ran into some issues getting the drain plugs off, they managed to solve the issue and replace it with a newer plug. Shawn and Richard were both very communicative throughout the process and had a great attitude about the whole job, even though I probably was annoying calling every other hour. This is my first Z car, and I just wanted to make sure it was well taken care of. I'm definitely going back for my future jobs on the car. Plus I'm pumped that they do modifications too. Coilovers are coming real soon! I've definitely found my go-to shop. And thanks for the plate frame! Take care guys! read more

Very quick reply, very professional and helpful. Thank you.

Richard has taken care of my cars for 30 years. Z Experts would check my cars before any road trip and I've never had a problem. Services always done on time and always to specs. Highly recommended. read more

This place is great. From the standard oil change, to the carb tune, to electrical fixes, they have run the gambit on my 1974 260z. I have been a customer from 2018 to 2020 (time of this review), and each time the service has been top notch, timely, and affordable. I would recommend them to anyone with a nissan product, although as the name implies, their most common car to work on appears to be Zs of all vintages, their Infiniti cousins, and Datsuns. read more

This is a long overdue review. Huge thank you to Shawn and Luis for saving my car. My low miles 2012 370z was misdiagnosed at Nissan of Torrance, and these two awesome guys really came through for me. They really are the Z Experts! read more

Top notch. I've been A vintage Z owner for 20 years. Richard and his team did a great job with the car, saving it from future trouble while not overcharging. And they handled it immediately, just as scheduled. Will definitely be back. read more

Z Expert - Auto Repair Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Recently I experienced some problems with my power steering, I called a couple places to get the best quote and all the places gave me this ridiculous number without even identifying my cars problem. I called Z Expert and what the owner told me was direct and honest. He didn't know what was wrong with my car so he couldn't give me a price. I took my car without an appointment and when I arrived I was greeted by the owner Richard, really chill dude. The whole staff is chill including Shawn who helped me check out. He told me that he'd give me a call when my car was ready, when he called me he did a free diagnosis and got my wheel sensor on my car fixed free of charge. I highly recommend this place. read more

I prefer to work on my own car since it's rare anyone else will put the attention to detail as I do.. but Shawn at z expert is the exception, he's the only other person I trust when I can't do my own work read more

I give the business a 5 star rating, Richard the owner was straight forward and right to the point. Thanks to him my 2004 350z is driving amazing after sitting in the driveway for 4 years, this shop will definitely be my go to place moving forward. read more

Revived a junkyard 280zx and made it one of a kind. Will definitely be coming back for more.

They fixed and did extra work on my car. Straight to the point. I trust them. I have a 300zx and I plan on taking my car to them for everything. read more

Super friendly guys working here! And they keep my Mini Cooper running good!! Richard is good about giving you options and choices about what he can do for your car! I can always count on them to be honest...and they're pretty quick too! Thanks guys! read more

This is probably a pretty common story: for years I took my G35 directly to an Infiniti dealer for service, mostly without much incident and while figuring I was paying a bit more for those regular oil changes and general inspections, I figured it was worth some convenience and honoring their warranty terms. Once my car hit a certain age, though (coincidentally once my warranty expired? well, I'm not *that* cynical), they seemed to find some "little" issue every time I went in for that oil change. And after 3 successive service visits with $1000+ bills over 15 months, I got hit with a $2200 estimate at my most recent service and I decided I'd had enough. I found Z Expert here (thanks Yelpers!) and they sounded like the place for me to turn to for an independent opinion. And what a doozie it was: Richard & crew had a hard look at the problem I told him my dealer had found and .. he laughed it off. It was a non-issue and not worth doing anything about. I can't express how shocked and refreshing his candor were. Now, again, I try not to be too cynical - the dealership may have a tighter view on "acceptable" and have to abide by recall- and lawsuit-averse policies Corporate sends down. I don't know. My car is 10 years old now, though, and I think I found some place new to take care of it for the rest of its life with me. read more

I'm sure there is some analogy for finding a good mechanic but I don't know what it is - but I do know Richard is it! Friendly, honest, quality work, reasonable prices its all there! For example - I had my check engine light go on - took him to check it - he gave me free consultation - went to Midas earlier for some work (its across the street from my work) they wanted to charge me $80 just to check it! Highly recommended! read more

Hands down to Shawn for putting the center console for my boyfriend 260Z. Also they fixed the door alignment too. Will be my boyfriend go to place for his 260z! Honest shop, friendly and knowledgeable employee. Worth the $$$ read more

Richard is a friendly trustworthy mechanic with reasonable rates and a great turnaround time. And he'll drive you home if he needs to keep your car. Everyone, especially girl-types, should have a steady mechanic that knows their car on a first-name basis. Richard's good for that. Don't pet his cat though, unless you want your hand scratched raw. Oh and your car doesn't have to be a classic Z or anything. I have a little Toyota. read more