Santa Rosa Auto Repair

I received a call from the shop and they seemed very concerned about my displeasure with my experience with the work done on my car. I was asked by Cindy (I hope the spelling of the name is correct) if I would be willing to meet with the owner of the shop to discuss my car. I agreed and went down there this last Monday. The owner met me at the shop and I expected him to jump right into asking me about my car and why I brought it. Instead he was very patient with me. He gave me all his time and let me tell the whole story about my car and why I brought it. He told me that he wanted to refund me my original fee and start from scratch. He also apologized for the shop not dealing with my original issues. I was astounded to say the least. Vaughn, the owner, listened to my concerns and afterwords said that he would like to start over and see if he could resolve my problem. He was very genuine and I felt like I was truly being taken care of from a customer service standpoint. I have to admit, as in my previous post, that my car is rare, and not one their shop will normally see. He addressed that and was very honest with me. He has my vehicle and is going to see if he can address my concerns with my car. I am hopeful the problem will be solved but more importantly I am completly satisfied with the efforts of the shop at this point. I am aware that not every car issue can be taken care of by every shop. Some cars are rare enough that it may take someone who acutally has seen and worked on the car to fix it. However, the efforts made by Auto Japan have far and away exceeded my expectations after what I orignially went through. I worked in the car repair industry for 6 years as a service writer and I always went the extra mile for my customers, even if it didn;t turn out for the best. Sometimes, cars need major repairs, or things get complicated. It's not always straight forward and as a service writer it can get complicated dealing with customers. Still, I expect the fair treatment I used to give, as a customer now, and I feel that this shop has gone above and beyond for me. I never worried about spending money to fix my car. Getting repairs for a low price is not what I'm about. I want value and honesty and integrity, and I'm willing to pay to have my car fixed if it needs it and it's done right. I feel that Vaughn and his team has made me feel like it was just a bad day when I came in originally and they are going to do what it takes to make things right. Thank You! No matter the outcome with my repair, I am greatful and impressed that they took the time to make things right.

I recently wrote this letter to Vaughn and crew at Auto Japan:

Well, this review is over 1 years overdue, but here goes my story. I live in the South Bay and drive all over northern California for what I do. So, it's 7:30am when I arrive to my destination and smoke starts coming from my engine! I panicked, but through my panic I YELPED a mechanic around the area and AUTO JAPAN popped up.I called and Peter was very helpful in scheduling my car and giving constant updates on my car since I had it towed there. When I arrived there a nice elderly man was there and brewed a nice cup of coffee on their machine. I was going to need this pick me up for the long drive back to the South Bay.Vaughn gave me the news that the repairs to my car were going to take more than 1 day and this it would be better to find a shop near my residence to take on this project. The car was driveable, but due to the overheating I would need to pull over every couple of miles to let the car cool and add coolant. Since I was from out of town he gave me 2 gallons of coolant!!!! He also advised considering the age of the car 1996 that I just sell it, so that's what I did.Anyhow, I was very pleased with the level of service and professionalism from everyone here and if I ever have car problems in Santa Rosa this will be my spot. This is one honest and steady shop...definitely 5 STARS!

Peter at the front desk was very nice and helpful. We have an older Lexus that had an engine light come on. They were able to get the car in quickly to diagnose. I appreciated Vaughn Young's candor with us. He sat down with us and went through the problem in easy to understand language and gave us realistic estimate for the time and expense to do the fixes. Ultimately, when we went through all of the fix list, it was his recommendation to scrap the car and buy something newer. He even gave us his buying advice and what criteria he has for used cars-- so helpful.I would highly recommend this business. There customer service was excellent. I felt comfortable and confident that I was in good, capable and honest hands. The facility is clean and professional.

Vaughn and staff have serviced my Honda and Toyota the past three years. I know it's tough to find a good, honest and trustworthy mechanic. Vaughn is straightforward and will let you know what needs to get done now and what will need to get done within the next few months, won't upsell you on stuff you do not need, and is patient in answering any and all questions. They have loaner cars if you need to have major work done too! If you need a lift to work, Vaughn's dad will drive you there and pick you up later if need be. There really aren't too many places that will do that for their customers these days.

All i have to say is that i've been in the auto biz for over 25 yrs and auto Japan. Vaughn and his crew are the most honest and fair priced i have ever seen. Simply the best.....Joe

I was told about Auto Japan by a friend. I asked around and several more people suggested that I take my car to Auto Japan. My initial trouble was that water was getting into the rear spare storage area inside the car. Vaughan took a look with the car on the lift and discovered that there were much more serious problems with a leaking gas tank. The staff were able to locate a used tank and replaced it quickly and efficiently. I appreciated how all the staff that I interacted with were courteous and didn't talk down to me. They were sensitive about finances and worked on important priorities first. The staff helped me figure out a course of action to take over the next months to get my car in great shape without breaking the bank.There are 2 other awesome things about Auto Japan - Vaughan's father, I wish I knew his name, hangs out in the lounge and is very sweet. I waited there for an hour or so while they worked on my car and he was delightful company. I also loved the shop dogs - so friendly and nice to pet. I will definitely be taking my car back to Auto Japan.

Vaughn has been working on my car for a couple years now and they truly do an amazing job. A few weeks ago my power steering column went out on my Lexus and I was left to try and drive without power steering for a week. So horrible. I took it to Vaughn and he said that it would probably be about 2-3K if he had to pull the whole steering column apart but he did some research online, found a recall issue, scheduled the appt with Freeman Lexus in Santa Rosa and they fixed it for free. (Yeah, they were great as well)Bottom line- Vaughn could have charged me and he didn't. He's a great guy and as someone who doesn't trust very easily, I can honestly say . . . I trust him.Thanks again, Vaughn.

Absolutely THE MOST skilled, honest, diligent repair shop I have encountered in my 60 years. My old Buick had big problems (my wife has a Lexus, hence my entry there). Vaughn read the codes and fixed what they suggested. When the repair did not "take," Vaughn gave me a brand new loaner and left me alone with it for three weeks while he drove my Buick daily home and back to further diagnose. It turned out to be a wiring repair more costly than the car's value. In addition to the three-week gift of a loaner, Vaughn "comped" me with additional services well in excess of the cost of the original repair. So if they can't fix IT, they will fix YOU! All other work on our cars timely, excellent, and about half what dealers charge for same services. These guys definitely walk the extra mile ... and it's a long mile! Forget the rest. go to the best: Auto Japan.

Fair and fast service buy friendly staff.