Kondo Motors

I have been using this mechanic for over 10 years and have never had a bad experience. They are usually able to perform the necessary repairs in one day and are always reasonably priced.

If you have a Japanese car and want a great, honest shop to have it fixed, call either Kondo or Wilfredo at Kondo Motors. These guys are gems -- you won't find more honest folks who do great work. The only reason I still have my 1988 Isuzu Trooper is because of the dependability of Kondo Motors' work. If you're a jerk, don't use these guys, you don't deserve them!!!

When my mechanic couldn't find the problem caused by the mysterious "CHECK ENGINE" light because they don't have the necessary diagnostic equipment, I reluctantly took my Quest to the Nissan dealer. Their estimate: $1471. Happily I found Kondo on the Car Talk site and they were able to able to find the problem (hose had burst). They repaired it very quickly for a whopping $40. They are great!

They have worked on my car for years, and I have always been pleased with their competence and their prices. When my car was stolen in 2004, they put it back together, going out of their way to find repalcements for the radio, the tires and hubcaps, helped me to find a detailer to get the car cleaned up and smelling like a car, not an oilspill. I can't say enough about Wilfredo and Mr. Kondo. You will not find a more ethical garage in los angeles. Also, when my car's tailight burned out, Wilfredo replaced it at no charge.

The owner, a Japanese man in his late 50's / early 60's, is very friendly and personable. My engine needed repair / replacement and he explained the differences in cost between the two (I chose to have my engine replaced). He keeps a few "beater" cars around for customers to use while their cars are undergoing major service. I brought my car in on Monday morning for a new engine; my car was ready by 2:00 pm Tuesday afternoon.

I've taken my car to them a few times over the years. I have found the prices on many repairs to be VERY expensive. This I found out after the fact from Internet sources and from several other mechanics. My main complaint is questionable repairs and repairs done that were not mentioned beforehand or approved by me (even though they assured me that nothing would be done without my approval. About the second time I dropped off my car there for a specific reason, they called me back with a laundry list of things I needed to take care of right now. Some of the things I expected, but a couple I just felt funny about, and not being a mechanic, I said go ahead, and a $600 bill turned into over $2000. About 2 years later, I went to them again, and the same thing happened; they called me to tell me I needed a whole list of repairs done. This time I got a second and third opinion and found out that 3 of the 6 repairs I "needed right away" I didn't need. It seems they mix in legitimate repairs with not so legit repairs. If you choose Kondo, get a second opinion on questionable repairs and check prices! I'll bet you're going to find you've been paying too much. **Note: I never dealt with Mr. Kondo himself; it was always his two office guys.