Albany Auto Repair

These guys were really wonderful, and the owner was extremely friendly and very forthcoming not only about what was wrong with the car, but what was going to be done to fix it. I was at about 59k miles, and noticed the car was starting to feel a little "weird." It was time for an oil change and tuneup anyway, so I took it into these guys fearing the worst (maybe something wrong with the transmission or an axel). Since I was about at the 60k mark, Tom, the owner, offered to do the 60k service package for me, which was essentially all the basics I'd wanted to take care of anyway. Once they got a look at the car, the problem that finally got me up off my butt to take the car in turned out to just be a tire (silly, I know... low profile tires are deceptive!) All together, diagnosing and repairing the problem along with the 60k service package actually ended up being about $100 less than I was anticipating paying, they finished all repairs and service within a single day, and they even cleaned and vacuumed the car before returning it to me! I was extremely impressed, especially having dealt with some rather shady mechanics in the past...

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!

Nippon Motors is absolutely fantastic. For the reviews that are already up on Yelp, it's very telling that the only negative one (at the time of this posting) has absolutely nothing to do with the actual service of the shop. The first car I ever drove was serviced by Nippon and my second, which I proudly own, is also under their care. They always fix any issues or concerns I bring up and carefully explain any repairs I didn't expect to need at the time (e.g. I was leaking brake fluid and, well, they didn't want me to keep leaking brake fluid). Their turn around time is also incredibly fast and accurate. As noted in other posts, they also take extra, completely unmentioned effort to leave the car cleaner than they initially take it in, vacuuming the interior, flapping out floor mats and, in the case of my lazier college days, even organizing my backseat clutter into a neat pile! The mechanics at Nippon are fantastic, reliable, trustworthy and fair. Every repair and service performed is dutifully documented. I would encourage anyone and everyone who has cars that they can service visit them. Give them a call and pay them a visit - you'll have nothing but great things to say in the end!

Really great service. Owner is very careful to always let me know exactly what my car needs, and doesnt, and what he will be doing to fix problems. Very straightforward and NEM always gets the job done right the first time, not lazy like some other car shops I have visited. I drive here all the way from San Jose just for the service and honesty. Also, NEM will never keep your car and prolong/drag the maintenance time for no good reason. Very very reliable. I recommend this shop to all of my friends and family.

Have been coming here for years. Great service, never a song and dance or unnecessary repairs. They vacuum your car and clean it up before returning it too. Very reliable, highly recommended.