Joy Auto Service

This place has an honest mechanic. I stopped by since my check engine light came on and I wasn’t sure what the problem was, he checked the code out for me let me know it was a catalytic convertor code and gave me proper advice on what needed to be done. Hard to find honest mechanics who are willing to help. Thank you for your help.

I called Koji to get work done on a Mercedes Benz and he told me straight up that he could probably do the work, but that he is not a specialist in that car, so he recommended I take my car elsewhere. Five stars for frank honesty and not wasting my time. Three stars for not doing German cars.

My friend’s car stereo stopped working and we took her car to Nara-​san and he spent a good amount of time checking the fuses both under the steering wheel and near the battery and said that all the fuses were fine and we had to take it to a specialist. He didn’t have the right tools to check behind the stereo and suggested a few places. He is extremely pleasant and he didn’t charge any money for the good 10 to 15 minutes he spent for us.

Koji is definitely THE most honest mechanic I’ve ever met. I do not hesitate to take my car to his shop. Completely stress FREE! One time my car broke down in the east bay. I insisted to have my car towed to SF despite the extra cost because I did not want anyone working on my car except Koji. I recommend Joy Auto 110%!!

well now — how can i roll all these great reviews into one? i and 2 friends have benefitted from his expertise for 6 – 7 years now. the best — he has done my toyota, pontiac, and geo prism right!

After 6 to 7 years coming here for all my car maintenance needs, I still think Nara-​san is the best mechanics around.
Not only he is a good and reliable mechanic but also he is really honest. I never have to worry about him recommending anything my car doesn’t need.
I am so glad I found him.

Call them on Tuesday at 8am. He told me to bring it on it. got it there by 8:45. I explained the problem I was having of which was banging noise at the back of my car, but would then suddenly go quiet after the car was running for more than 20mins. I also needed an oil change. So the he said he’d take a look and that I should have my car ready by noon.
30 mins later I receive a call «car is done». The kind gentleman explained that my muffler was squished and kept hitting the frame of my car, but once the car started to heat up, it would either get stuck to the car or move into a different place and thats why the sound went away. He bent the muffler back into place — and he DIDN“T CHARGE ME any $$$. He only charged me for the oil change and filter.
Although he doesn’t offer Tire Service (doesn’t install, repair or sell tires) He also kindly notified me that my tires need to be changed pretty soon.
A very very kind man, super nice and helpful. I have been looking for a mechanic since moved to Hayes Vally over 2 years now. I am happy to have found one I can go to.

Honest and reliable. Highly recommended.

Koji is the most honest mechanic I know and his shop is the only place I take my car.

Finding a mechanic you can trust… PRICELESS!

I heard about this place through the Japanese grapevine to which I am only barely, but thankfully, connected.
Since then I have taken the Red Car, the aptly named red Toyota from ancient times, to Joy Auto Service twice. Once for some terrible problem with the steering and the other for a leaking oil problem. Each time I was struck by the owner’s honesty, ability, and just damn good service.
The prices are more than fair and he never seems to be looking for things to fix (that don’t need fixing) the way other shops are likely to do.
Will go here until the ancient Red Car shakes itself into atoms.

Best mechanic ever. Was introduced to Koji by my parents. He is an amazing, well skilled mechanic who strives hard to give you the best product at an affordable rate.
He’s replaced my brakes, rotors, batteries and air filters and I’ve never had a problem. I’m usually in and out within a couple minutes. He has a small shop but he’s very efficient.
I plan on going to him for all my future car needs and I hope he stays in business forever (which is a little selfish of me.).

After taking my 72 Chevy to another place and getting charged $ 65 for the guy just to look at the broken locking mechanism for my sliding door, only to tell me I needed to find the parts myself, I decided I needed a change. Over the phone the owner told me it was a old car so there was no guarantee but he would look at it anyway. He did it for $ 50 and fixed the jam in the door.
I’m going to have my whole car overhauled there.

My dad has gone to Mr Nara forever. He’s a great guy knows what he’s doing and gets the job done in a timely matter. Labor isn’t expensive at all too. I will continue to get all my repairs and services done at his shop. Great guy to have your car worked on.

in my 25+ years of owning cars, koji is the most honest, trustworthy & best mechanic i have ever had (and ive had some shitty cars !)…

I have been going to Nara for years. I refer all my friends to him. My Volvo, 1995 850 mas making some noise within the front end. Nara-​San explained to me it needed two new front shocks and one new strut mount. After a trip to Lassen National park, driving in third gear up 6,500 ft at 60 MPH and 15 miles of off road driving, driving back to SF the car started making noise again. Nara-​San explained that it needed another strut mount and would not charge me for the labor because he should have explained it to me earlier.
Nara-​San continues to be honest and exude excellent Karma. He’s possibly the most honest mechanic I have ever encountered and earns my continued praise along with my word-​of-​mouth recommendations. His prices are spot on, his shop is immaculate, he’s clear, to the point, and definitely cares about his clients. I cannot say enough about Mr. Nara-​San.