Albany Auto Repair

I can't understand why anyone would give Tom a bad review. My mom and I have been taking our cars to him for the last 20 years, literally. I live in SF now but I wouldn't take a car to anyone else. As I type this he just fixed my breaks and did a tune-up, AND took my car to a shop down the block to get it smog certified. I told him I could only afford $500 this time, but get more work done in two weeks, so even though the work came to $650 he's going to let me pay the lesser amount now and the rest the next time I get work done. I mean, c'mon. Who else would do that? He's thorough, does good work, works with clients well and is always honest and up front. In short, he's pure awesome. I feel pretty lucky to have a mechanic I can trust!

After roughly 30 years working with Tom at Nippon European Motors, I think it is time to write a review! Tom's shop currently services my Toyota Camry and previously serviced my Honda Accord. The shop's work is excellent and the pricing is, I think, fair, though not cheap. The work itself is always first right. Tom, the owner, goes out of his way to be informative and helpful as does Ron, the office manager. I now see that there are some negative reviews. I simply cannot understand why. For 30 years I drove back and forth twice a week to Sacramento State where I taught and Tom always made sure my car was in good working order. If I have even a slight problem that does not require a service, I simply call, bring the car by and it gets fixed with little or no charge. To adapt what I have said in recommendations for excellent students: "I recommend Nippon European Motors without qualification."

Thank you Nippon for taking care of my Toyota. They are always upfront and transparent with their work and make sure I understand what and why things need to be fixed. Hard to find dependable and trustworthy people like Ron and Tom.

Tom and his crew are absolutely the best. We had a starter problem on both of our cars which they were able to diagnose and repair. The moment we walked in the door Ron treated us like long time customers. They did such a good job I had to write my first review! This the type of shop that gives local businesses a good name. Thank you Tom and Ron.

This is the only body shop I trust in the Bay Area. I've taken my car handful of times and left with a fixed car, great rates and first class service. You would normally find a very personal group of staff members who are quick to assist you. The golf clubs are a little random in the shop but guess they practice when they don't have cars to fix! When you pick up your car they don't just take your money and say bye but always make sure there is no problem after the fix, customer service is important to them! I highly recommend this shop especially if you aren't a mechanic yourself (the owner took the time to explain dummy terms about my car to make sure I understood) Ps. The green tea and coffee is a cherry on top

These guys are honest! My smart car is a challange. They know what they can and cant do and always tell me the cheapest way to fix my problem. Three cheers!!!

I had my car towed here on a Friday morning after breaking down. I picked them in a state of chaos as I was on an overpass with a dead car and AAA was telling me names of garages nearby. On my way in the tow truck I read reviews and was a little nervous. I made that known when I got there that I wanted to be treated fairly and suggested that the car had run out of gas even though my gauge said I had gas. I went with serviceman to nearby gas station and car still wouldn't start. They ran diagnostics and while I was waiting the man at counter suggested it may be my hybrid battery that costs $2000. I was very concerned at that point and told them it was not a common issue for a hybrid for that big battery to die. Then the owner came out and said the diagnostics said I just ran out of gas. So instead of $150 diagnostics he charged me $50 for the time and trouble. I was very grateful and feel the owner was honest and helpful and even reduced the diagnostics bill by $100. So overall a great experience!!

Dropped an older Honda off for repair. Was a little nervous at first, since it was my first car, and I hear all kinds of thing about mechanics. The up front experience was very pleasant, Ronnie never seemed exasperated for as little as I knew about the car's insides. Gave an up-front quote for the full inspection & oil change, and said he'd call for any further repairs deemed necessary. Did just that later in the same day. They showed me in-person the parts they replaced, and cost seemed fair from online comparisons. Would definitely go back.

If you are in the market for a new mechanic you should check out Nippon European Motors. We have had both our vehicles serviced there (older Tacoma and a Mazda 3). Recently the Tacoma needed a tune up for an upcoming smog test. Tom did the tuneup AND took it for the smog test. Passed! Now that is good service - not to mention 38 years in business! We'll be back. Thanks Tom.

I've been having my FIAT serviced at Nippon European Motors since I purchased it a couple of years ago. I'd had an old used car many years ago that they worked on and I remembered how much I'd liked them then. I still find them to be one of the best "car doctors" I've worked with (over 40 years of car ownership). The shop is comfortable and professional. Tom is clear and honest about the work needed and manages an efficient operation. I like the mechanics and assistants I've met there. The trust and confidence level is high. I'm so relieved that I have car care that is reliable.