Yuki Import Service (service Datsun; Honda; Infiniti; Lexus; Mitsubishi; Nissan; Subaru; Suzuki; Toyota) (Los Angeles, CA) Mechanic(s): Victor
2233 Corinth Avenue , Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 914-1603
Features and Specialties:

Please send us any corrections or additions to the above information. If you have experience with this shop, please add your own review!

Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

I have sent five friends and associates to this guy. Four have been highly pleased. One thought he was just so-so, but that guy doesn't like anything

I just called the guys at Yuki Imports based on all of the recommendations on this page, and all I can say is "Amen!" I'm not sure who I spoke to, but I had him on the phone for 15 minutes, running through a litany of issues with my car. In each case, he recommended an inexpensive home solution to try first before bringing it in for service. I have no question that I will turn to these guys first when I have any other problems with my vehicle. Color me impressed!

Max has been great the times I've brought in my car -- quick, efficient, and very honest. And how about the train set in the waiting room! Now, that's class! I love these guys.

I cannot say enough good things about Max and Victor. I won't even consider getting a car that they won't service, because it would be too hard to lose them. They are scrupulously honest, won't let me waste money on unneeded repairs, and I have never once had a problem with their work. They are just the best.

Just to add to the positive comments-we went to Yuki because we thought we might need to change our brake pads. He told us that we still had another 10K miles to go-didn't try to change them early, etc. And by gosh, on the nose, 10K later, the brakes made exactly the noise he told us it would. We brought the car in for a brake job and thought the price $220 for a 2003 Corolla was very fair-he did a great job and we will go to him for life!

These guys are great. I went to them after the dealer quoted me an outrageous price for a simple repair. Max at Yuki Imports gave me an estimate (fully half of what the dealer would have charged) that included parts and labor, and when the parts ended up costing more than he expected, he knocked 25% off the labor charges to stay within the estimate. Plus, they didn't try to sell me any repairs I didn't need, they finished the job in half a day, and they did it right the first time. I would definitely recommend them.

I brought my '89 Accord in because I had read the great reviews on this site. My engine was making a funny sound that I hadn't heard before. I made an appointment with Max and he made sure that he was devoting his attention to my car. His first analysis was uncertain, so when the car was being worked on, they discovered it wasn't the timing belt or water pump after all, and they put everything back together. So when I picked up the car, I expected to pay the standard inspection fee, but they didn't charge me a dime! My car has been working fine, despite the noise. I even made a long trip right after I got the car back, and no problems. I will definately be coming back to Yuki again!

These guys are just terrific. I've taken advantage of their services twice and couldn't be happier with it. They give accurate estimates, have been honest in all their dealings with me and take the time to explain to the customer what they're doing and why. They also took the time to give advice on how to get the most use out of a car that has problems that would be too expensive to bother fixing considering the age and value of the car.

Max and Victor were great. They took a look at my car immediately. Told me not to worry about a minor oil leak problem, which they could repaired and charged me for, referred me to the only non-dealer specialist in the area for an a/c problem which they couldn't fix, and then quoted me $325 to replace the starter (rebuilt) which Toyota quoted me $500 and Lexus $900 (albeit new.) Fixed the car in less than three hours. Don't know if I'll have any problems with the rebuilt starter, but so far so good. They guaranteed the work for 12,000 miles/12 months.

I moved from the area but come here when I visit relatives. A mechanic had previously told me that I should have my brakes repaired because they were wearing out. I took it to Max at Yuki Imports on my next trip to L.A. to have it repaired. He checked it out and said I had plenty of brake left and charged me nothing. My car went another year without any brake problems. P.S. Max also speaks Japanese.

Max runs the best Subaru shop in Los Angeles!

I found Yuki (at this site three years ago) after buying my 1990 Lexus and realizing I couldn't afford the dealership maintance costs. I have not had a single instance of complaint. I even like their holiday calender! Victor is an expert mechanic, thourough and meticulous and always describes the problem and repair. He's generous with his time and remarkable in the extent of his knowlege. Max and he are a throwback to another era. Professionals who take pride in their craft.

Max and Victor were great! I was greated by both as soon as I arrived. Personable and very friendly. They told me just what the problem was, offered solutions, and even named competiters who could do the repairs at a lower cost. I would highly recommend them, and I never recommend anybody for anything!

After a terrible experience with another mechanic, in an act of desperation, I discovered YUKI MOTORS in 2001 on the CARTALK website. I cannot thank you enough! MAX & VICTOR are great! I have had a number of cars over the years and, subsequently, a variety of mechanics, both dealer & independent. YUKI MOTORS are, by far, the best I have ever dealt with. Their automtive knowledge is unprecedented (they knew the cause of a warning light on my dash when three other mechanics were clueless) and they explain all repairs without condescending or judging. I've had three "emergency" repairs where I had to drop off the car in the morning and in each instance, the car was ready by 5:00pm. Their prices are incredibly reasonable, particularly when you consider they are in the overpriced "Westside" of Los Angeles. I even brought my mother's car (she lives 50 miles away) up to them for a repair. I wholeheartedly recommend them!

I was really glad I took the recommendation from this site. They explained the repairs and the cost of the repairs in detail. I asked about a couple of repairs I thought I needed (belts, hoses, brake pads) but they told me that it wasn't necessary at that time. Any other shop would have done the work whether I needed it or not. The guys are friendly and the shop is clean. They actually called when they said they would too.

Max and Victor are simply the best mechanics for my Honda and Toyota that I could imagine. Max always explains the car's problems in tremendous detail and I NEVER feel ripped off or anywhere close to it. Unbeatable.

Max, Victor, and the crew at Yuki Imports are a class act. I keep putting off buying a new car because of them! My car just hit 214,000miles (and my wife's car 88,000) with NO major problems thanks to these guys! They are HONEST, polite, and have saved us so much money over the past few years. I've taken my car to other places and received estimates for hundreds of dollars (and more) for work deemed uneccesary by Yuki. I have complete confidence in them. Don't waste your vauable time going anywhere else or pricing around. Yuki will give you a very fair rate (especially considering the fact that they use GOOD PARTS!) and not charge you for services you may not need immediately.

I've taken our Prius there a couple of times for oil changes and the likes, and these guys are great. One time I asked about transmission fluid change, and they said looks fine, don't bother. They're quick, thoughtful, and just nice people.

I trust Victor and Max completely. Their bills are always surprisingly reasonable, and they have told me when something is probably under warranty and should be taken to the dealership for repair. Can't overstate my enthusiasm for this shop. (They only work on Japanese cars.)

Max and the gang are a great crew. They are honest and curtieous in all that they do. I have recommended many individuals to Yuki and all have been pleased.

I brought my '85 Subaru there once when the timing belt broke and had a so-so experience. They told me that they don't generally recommend maintaining cars that are as old as mine, even though my car is in good shape and no other mechanic has ever told me that. I also think they could have tried harder to keep the price down. I came away with the impression that it's a good place for folks with newish cars who don't mind plunking down some dough for good service, but for people keeping old cars alive it's the wrong place. Try Kuno's in San Francisco or Brian's in Seattle instead.

I've been going to Max and Victor for years. Max is respectful, personable and excellent at explaining what's going on. Victor REALLY CARES about your car! Even when I've done something stupid, they are never patronising and are as honest as the day is long. I would never buy a car that I couldn't take to them for maintenance.

I came in with a badly leaking oil pan on a Subaru and they looked at the car and gave me an estimate for free. While I didn't end up using Yuki's (their estimate was almost two hundred dollars more than I paid), I have to say that they treated me very politely and Max took the time to explain everything to me. And... when I took it to the Raffi's down in Hawthorne, we put it up on the lift and discovered the mechanic at Yuki's had thrown a little putty or goo or what-have-you on the leak to slow it down before I had left the shop. Without charging me a dime or even mentioning it!

went to yuki based on strength (and multitude) of this site's recommendations. my experience so far has been spot on. max and victor were both very honest and helpful. they completed the work quickly, and i recommend them highly myself. fyi, i had my subaru outback worked on-- a malfunctioning brake warning light sensor.

I was reffered there by your website, my brake light kept on turning, so I went there to check it out - make sure that it was nothing serious. I figured it was a deffective sensor or something of that nature... Max was very courteuos and professional. He came out looked at all of my wheels ( checking out breaks ) open a hood, checked it out. Said it was probably my break fluid, filled it up, said that should take care of that and if it came back on to see him back (which it didn't). That was that. 5 minutes - done. P.S. Charged me nothing for it!!!

I went to this shop based on this website and was very pleased with the work and the service. I thought I needed some work done on several things, like shocks and brakes and the mechanic checked it out for me and said I didn't need all of the work done that I thought I did.

took my 99 camry to miller toyota in culver city for an OIL CHANGE, and the salesman gave me a $1,500 list of problems with the car. took the car to yuki, where they gave the car its routine 45,000 maintenance ($150) and laughed when i mentioned "problems" from the aforementioned list. they also fixed for free the mysterious rattle that started shortly after the visit to miller. the moral: NEVER go to miller toyota/honda; *ALWAYS* go yuki.

I went to them because of the recommendations on this web site - thanks! 3 months ago the dealership (Santa Monica Subaru) told me that my rear brakes were almost due for a change. I had Yuki check it out and they told me the brakes were at 80-90% and that I had been misinformed. I plan to take my car there for all services - including regular oil changes.

I came across Yuki Imports on cartalk. I bought a 97 Honda Accord from a private party (Oct 04) and took it to them for a prelim.They checked everything and gave me a pretty comprehensive summary of recommended replacements (timeframe).They just charged a nominal fee of $35.Most of the other places I called had ridiculous rates like $80-150. After buying the car, I had to replace the timing belt and front brakes.Their estimate was the best, $700 for timing belt(incl labor) and $140(brakes)....most other places were quoting 760-800 and they ended up charging only $500 odd coz the tensioners didn't have to be replaced. Max explained everything clearly and I think was convinced that my car was in the hands of an honest mechanic. As for the car, she seems to be running fine till now....and I will go them for my oil changes. Spread the good word if u r around Culver city/Westwood!! Best Vivek

Max & Victor are terrific guys! They are very honest and will tell you if work needs to be done on your car or not. One time we took our car into Yuki to have our brake pads changed. Victor took a look at the pads and said that we still had plenty of pad left and a brake job was not necessary. If I took my car to any other shop, they would have gladly changed the pads (even if I didn't need to) and have charged me. I once asked Max why he was so honest with his customers and he answered, "If I wasn't honest, I could not sleep at night. I try to treat my customer as I would like to be treated." This was a refreshing answer in a business where so many repair shops try to charge as much as they can whether work was needed or not. Give Max & Victor a try. A honest repair shops are a rare find. Yuki Import Service is a rare find!!!!!!!!!

Max & Victor are the most knowledgeable and honest people. I highly recommend Yuki Import Service to everyone. They honestly tell you if any work needs to be done to your car or not. I was having my oil changed at another shop and they told me that I need to change my struts (which costs a lot of money). I am not a car guy so I didn't know what to do. I took my car to Victor and he did his inspection. It turns out that my struts were fine and my car was in perfect condition. That was the last time I ever took my car to any other shop. Yuki Import Service is the only place I go now. Everyone should give them a try!

After all the positive posts I had to try them out. These guys are fantastic and have kept my '92 Camry humming on the pot-hole-ridden streets of Los Angeles.

I just took my 2002 Lexus ES in for a 35k service, based on all the good comments and because I'm finally outraged by what the dealership charges. And now I am done with the Lexus dealership! They found a brake fluid pipe that was bent out and scraping a tire. Now, my car was last at the dealership three months ago, and also at a tire place. Don't know if this brake pipe was bent at that time, or if it happened later, but am incredibly thankful that the mechanic at Yuki's spotted this right away. It could have been very dangerous. Max was terrific, explaining things most other places wouldn't tell you about. I am far from being a car pro, and they didn't take advantage. I feel very comfortable that they'll be straight with me, even if I don't understand it all.

After some bad experiences at other shops, I took my '97 Subaru Legacy (85K miles) to Yuki. I had a bad oil leak, and the car would shimmy when I put on the brakes. Based on what others had told me, I was pretty sure I needed the oil seals replaced and four new rotors and pads, and my oil change place had quoted me $500-700 for the former and $450 for the latter. Victor lifted the car up, diagnosed a worn out seal behind the timing belt and, when I told him the dealer had replaced the timing belt recently, suggested I take it back to the dealer and have him replace the seals since he had obviously screwed up the job when he replaced the timing belt. He didn't charge me anything for the diagnosis. I was about to leave when I realized that I hadn't had the timing belt replaced yet (yeah, I know, I'm clueless), so he then suggested some StopLeak. I had tried that already, so he finally agreed to take my money. Say what you will, the guy is honest. He suggested replacing the timing belt and the water pump at the same time as the oil seals, and quoted me $850 for the repair. When I returned the next weekday, he had done the job, replaced the AC belt and a few other doodads, and only billed me $680. Furthermore, he had looked at the brakes and opined that if the shimmy wasn't bothering me, they were safe for another 5000 miles, so no need to get them fixed just yet. Furthermore, he didn't think the back rotors needed replacing at all. I'm not qualified to judge their competency or whether their repair price was reasonable; it was a little higher than the other quotes I got, but the others may not have replaced my timing belt, water pump, or AC belt. But since he could have billed me $850 for the oil seals and $5-600 more for the brakes, I'm counting myself lucky and am thrilled to find an honest mechanic.

I recently went to Yuki based on the reviews I read on this site. I was having trouble starting my car and thought I needed a battery. I left the car with Victor and went to grab a cup of coffee. He called me about 10 minutes later and said that the battery that I had in the car needed replacing and also told me that it was still under warranty from Lexus and I would probably save some money by taking it to the dealer. (The basic warranty on the vehicle had expired but the battery is covered under a separate warranty). I thanked him for his honesty and took it to the dealer where, in fact, I paid about half of what Yuki would have charged for a new battery. He could have easily replaced the battery without telling me anything about a warranty and I would have been none the wiser. I was impressed by the way he treated me and I'll go back to Victor when I need service.

I had previously brought my 1994 Infiniti to the dealer for service, but with 125K miles on the odometer I can no longer justify the expense. Fortunately, I?ve found this guy. I can only speak from my limited experience with him. He is very competent on small jobs and routine maintenance. Moreover, he is very honest.

we have been to yuki several times, although, no major work has been done, we feel confident they are a capable shop and honest enough for mechanics. we will continue to go to this shop and build a relationship with yuki. they are always very pleasant. oh, yes, we know friends who have had major work performed at yuki and were satisfied.

I've been to Yuki's a few times and every time they have provided excellent service. I always get the sense that they are interesting in solving your problem the best possible way, rather than creating problems or pushing questionable repairs. Additionally, Max is great. He takes the time to explain things and is always helpful. I would highly recommend using Yuki's.

I came here after my dealer recommeded $1,500 worth of repairs. I felt like I was getting screwed, and I was right. I brought it here, and had it checked out. They confirmed that the big ticket problem that the dealer said I "needed" didn't exist (rear upper link)). I got out of there with one minor repair, at a price 20% below the dealer's price.

Max has treated me more than fairly on a number of occassions. These guys are real busy, but if you're willing to work with their schedule, you'll be more than satisfied. Their prices are fair and they've always done a great job.

The check engine light in my Toyota 4Runner came on, so I took it to the local dealership to diagnose...but when they told me it was going to cost me $100 for them to simply hook up their computer to my car to tell me what the problem was, I decided to hold off (this may be normal at dealerships, but a $100 fee just to tell me what the computer tells them when I already know I'm going to pay them a premium to fix whatever the problem is?). Ouch. Anyway, while my car was there, I also got an oil change. After the oil change, the dealership gave me a list of about $1,000 worth of service they recommended for my vehicle (various "fluid flushing", replace brakes, timing belt, etc). I felt like they were trying to push this stuff on me which caused me to lose trust, so I decided to look into an alternative shop and came across the cartalk web site and then Yuki Import Service. After reading all the great comments about this shop, I decided to take my 4Runner there. To make a long story short, all the positive things I read about this shop are true and I got a really good feeling from my visit. They diagnosed my "check engine" problem for free (for which I now have an appt. to get fixed) and then they systematically went down the list of items the dealership had listed and explained the importance of each, when maintenance should be done, and which items were unnecessary in my case. Although some of the dealer's recommendations will be required in the near future (and some not-at-all), none were imperative for me to fix immediately and they even suggested the best time for me to get such things taken care of. During the inspection, they noticed my coolant was abnormally low and suggested it may be something I should watch for a bit, as there could be a leak, but they topped it off (for free) before I left. While admittedly I have not yet had the service performed (my appt is tomorrow), I left feeling like any issues my vehicle has will be in good (and honest) hands and I have a lot of respect for any shop that 1. comes across as friendly and genuine, without feeling "fake", 2. makes you feel important while you're there, 3. doesn't try to sell you more than you need (in fact, they talked me out of some dealer-recommended service suggestions), and 4. comes across as being an expert in their area, but is also able to explain complicated things in laymen's terms.

I have a 2000 Honda, and lately the engine's been shutting down seconds after I turn the ignition on. The Honda dealer said the main computer and fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced, at a cost of more than $1k. Needless to say, I wanted to get a second opinion and took my car to Max. He explained thoroughly what could be wrong with my car and said the problem was not easily diagnosable and that replacing the computer would be one solution, but not THE solution. AND I wasn't charged for that second opinion... I am so glad I can trust Max and his staff! They will not rip you off or try to pass off half-baked diagnoses as the real ones!

Max has to be the most gracious man I have ever met. Recommended by a coworker, yuki imports was everything I expected and a little bit more in terms of timeliness, quality, professionalism, and most important of all, honesty. A truly unparalleled find.

I found Yuki on this website several years ago and would bring my Nissan Sentra in when needed. I live in Hollywood and they are on the Westside which is inconvenient as hell for me but completely worth it. I can't say enough good things about Max and Victor and I would highly recommend them for your Japanese import.

i found yuki by chance, and later found out that two co- workers had been taking their vehicles to yuki for years. very happy with the service.

I have been a customer of Yuki Import Service for almost 15 years. It's because of Max and Victor that I continue to buy Japanese cars - their service is that good. I trust them 100% - I can always feel confident that they'll honestly assess the options for any car problems I'm having, carefully weighing the pros and cons of delaying service. I've recommended many people to them, and have never had a complaint.

While driving, I heard what I thought was bearing noise coming from the front. My Honda dealer diagnosed the noise as a worn automatic transmission, needing replacement (2 months outside of warranty). I got a second opinion at Yuki, and I didn't tell them about the first diagnosis. Yuki had the car for three hours and test drove it 2 miles. They ruled out everything else and diagnosed that the tires were wearing unevenly, which caused the humming, low-roar noise. They suggested I just turn up my stereo until it's time to replace the tires. Months later, I got new tires, and the noise disappeared. Honda was ready to do a $2400 repair. Yuki's cost to diagnose it? Zero. They just told me to come back when I have a real problem. Awesome!

They are absolutely the greatest. We found them via this site. They have treated our college age/student daughter who knows little about cars, extremely fairly, respectfully and make her car repair experience non sressful. They are more intersted in continued and fair business than a quick buck and not taking advantage of her and explaining her car issues to her. This is especially comforting becauce her parents, us, live in Minnesota.

Max is great! He always takes the time to explain things, and I always feel like he is looking out for my best interests. One time I had gone to another mechanic and they had recommended extra work. I decided that if I was going to get a lot of work done, I wanted Max's crew to do it. So I took my car there and told them that I wanted some fairly major repairs. Money in the bank for him, right? He told me that the repairs were unnecessary and that the other mechanic had been trying to swindle me. He is always honest and never ever tries to push unnecessary repairs. He was also really helpful when I totaled my car bc of hydroplaning in the rain and helped me choose what kind of new car to get. I recommend Max and his shop 100%

I found these guys from this website 1.5 years ago, when I needed a mechanic to work on my recently acquired '99 Subaru Forester. They have been great every step of the way. I usually take my car in on Saturday (they are open every other Saturday from 9-2). Just make sure to call early in the week to guarantee yourself a spot. They've always finished in a reasonable amount of time and their pricing has always been very fair (oil change, brakes, rotors, 75/90K services). My story: Recently, my rotors were warped. They reground them. The problem came back by the next oil change and they replaced them with new rotors, charging only the difference between the reground and new rotor prices (I think the labor was zero, as well -- at most it was minimal). Then the problem came back again. It turns out the rotors had been heating up too much (they were green and blue). Max assumed, and I concurred, that this was due to braking for too long, and the rotors didn't have enough time to cool down (stop and go traffic in L.A. makes me use my brakes a lot and slow very gradually to save gas and prevent too much jerking). In other words, the problem was my fault and I admitted it. He reground the rotors for no charge -- a complete surprise! I'm moving to the Bay Area very shortly and will certainly miss this place. There's nothing like having a mechanic you can trust. Luckily, I know about this website, so I won't have too hard of a time finding another honest mechanic.

After reading all these reviews, I decided to give them a try. The first was when I was checking out a secondhand Acura for possible purchase. Max checked it out for me, gave it the thumbs up, and then WOULDN'T TAKE ANY MONEY for the service. You don't see that every day! Got some brake work done later on, they explained that only the rear brakes needed work. Very honest. Finally got the timing belt and water pump replaced on his recommendation, a big job which they finished quickly and well. This was when the motor was at 100,000 miles. Proceeded to drive the car all the way to Texas in the summer heat and it ran like a spinning top. Great guys. There's a reason they have so many good reviews. Super nice guys as well as very professional.

These guys are the best! Courteous, honest, professional and friendly. I have 100% trust in Max. As long as I'm in the area, I will always bring my Japanese cars to him, and recommend them to my friends. I cannot recommend them highly enough!

If only I could find a life coach and primary physician with their skills . . . I called this morning because my 2000 Camry was stalling on start-up. Victor diagnosed the issue over the phone after two questions, and quoted me $160 to fix the problem. The dealer would have charged me $500.

I know enough about auto mechanics to know when someone is trying to take advantage. The people at Yuki's have never tired (never would) and have only recommend what I actually needed for the repair and to keep the car reliable.

I have been going to Yuki for at least 16 years. (I can remember when Max had long, very long hair; that's how long I've been going to Yuki. Ask Max about his long hair?) Whatever Victor tells me to do, I do it. I live 20 miles away, and I drive my car there so Victor will take care of it. I will tell you that the best feeling in the world is knowing that you have an honest mechanic. I NEVER worry about my car.

Max and Victor are fantastic! I have a 1998 Toyota 4Runner that I take to Yuki whenever I need something done. So far, they've replaced a starter (rebuilt) and refinished my front rotors. They're friendly, honest, and reasonable. I wouldn't take my car anywhere else. Call ahead - they're normally very busy!

I went to Yuki for the first time today after reading the recommendations off this site. I have been nervous about finding a new repair guy since I moved to Westwood. This is especially true since I am a 20-something year old woman with little knowledge about cars. I feel like I can be a prime target for untruthful car repairmen. This was not my experience with Yuki. I told Max that I knew the car needed an oil change and that he should check the car and let me know if anything else needed to be done. For other repair shops, they would find a million things that "needed" to be done, but Max informed me that I only needed an oil change and filter. What a relief! They were quick and reasonably priced. I am so happy to have a auto repair shop near by.

Yuki Imports (Max and Victor) are a real neighborhood gem! Always honest upfront regarding repairs needed vs. suggested and ALWAYS come in at their estimated price! They complete the work authorized in the time estimated and have always taken the time to explain in detail the problems with our car and what it will take to complete the repair.

Excellent mechanic on the westside. I brought my old Infiniti there for years with nothing but great service. When I was buying a new used Infiniti, I brought a few potential candidates in for Max to inspect. He did it for no charge and even found problems with the first car I brought to him, saving me many nightmares down the road. I highly recommend Yuki Import Service.

I am eternally grateful to have found this place! Max is wonderful: polite, respectful, knowledgeable, friendly. Honestly, I can't help but have a tiny crush on this guy, he's so great. You know you're dealing with a stand-up mechanic when he tells you, "Oh no, you don't need that," regarding a questionable suggestion made to you by another shop. And just today I had my battery replaced and the oil changed, and I asked, "Does the car need any additional work?" Max's answer was, "No. Nothing at all." He's an honest guy.

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