TLC Independent Toyota Lexus Repair

This shop only fixes pre-1990's Land Cruisers. But they do it with gusto, are unbelievably honest, patient and friendly, and explain all repairs so that even a complete nincompoop can understand what's being done. I actually enjoy going to this garage.

The first time I went to TLC I'd come from a dealer who scared me into thinking I needed to replace my brakes. On the work order at the dealers (Toyota of El Cajon) they wrote that I'd said my brakes were dragging, which I never said! So I decide to find a new shop and went on this website and found TLC. When I arrived, they listened carefully to my description of the problem then checked the brakes and found them to be adequate for another 5000 miles. The brake light was only coming on because the brake fluid was low. TLC filled the brake fluid and sent me home FREE OF CHARGE. The second time I went to TLC I called to ask if I could make an appointment for tire alignment. They said yes but that they refer out and that if I wanted the work to be done in an hour instead of all day, I should take my truck to the shop they refer to myself. So, they saved me from them keeping my truck for a day to only 1 hour! And most recently, after a 60K tune up, I wasn't sure if I could get to the shop before they closed so they offered to stay late so that I could pick up my truck the same day!

Everyone I have talked to at TLC has been knowledable and polite. These people are never condescending, and will explain your car's problems in as much detail as you desire. I have never felt like I was ripped off by TLC, something I cannot say about many other repair shops. A guy who was fixing my windshield also spoke very highly of the people who run TLC. Of the 4 cities I have lived in (Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, San Diego), this is the best shop I have been to.

They did a great job at a fraction of the dealer cost and they treated me with respect and kindness. I'd recommend them anytime.

They were very reasonable and timely in replacing the electric antenna on my 4Runner.

Jim is the owner. He is the most honest mechanic I have ever met. I have a toyota camry. When it was about to reach 50,000 miles, I asked Jim whether I should replace the timing belt. He told me not to worry about it till 90,000 miles.

I took my 1993 Geo Prizm (essentially a Toyota Corolla) to TLC for a problem which could not be diagnosed by two other establishments (one of them a Toyota dealership). The problem used to occurr intermittently and manifested itself as a loss of power in short successions, especially on hot sunny days, when the car would be parked in the sun. TLC correctly diagnosed this problem and traced it to the faulty iginition wire. Based on my experience with TLC, I would describe them as: (1) technically very competent (2) very courteous and professional in dealing with the customer (3) they actually listen to you when you describe the problem to them Needless to say, I would recommend them wholeheartedly.

Pam and Jim are 2 of the nicest people you'll ever meet. They are friendly, honest and do good work. Jim explains the problem and fixes very well. He takes time with each customer. And their prices are less than the Toyota and Lexus dealers near by. If you have a Lexus or Toyota and work or live in the Kearny Mesa area, do yourself a big favor and give them a try.

They are very honest, good at diagnosing the problem and making the repair.