Top Japanese-Auto Service

I took my 2013 Highlander to the Toyota dealership for the 35,000 mile service a couple of weeks ago. They called me to let me know that I needed to replace all of my break pads — front and rear — and their associated parts and that all four rotors needed to be machined, plus other ancillary repairs. The estimated cost was $ 1,200.00. I took it to Mr. Kim who confirmed that the pads did need to be replaced but told me that that the rotors did not need to be turned. He recommended cleaning the rotors and all of the other brake parts and that would keep the car safe. Mr. Kim’s cost was much, much less than what Ourisman, Fairfax would have charged. When I took my wife to pick up the Highlander I asked Mr. Kim if he could re-​charge the a/​c on my ’99 MB E320. He checked the system, re-​charged it fwhile I waited for a VERY very reasonable cost.
Don’t let the look of building throw you off. The service is terrific, the costs are way below the dealerships. The parts and labor warranties are the best and the mechanics know what they are doing.

Unfortunately, had to bring my rating down. They’re good if you tell them what to fix and the prices are good. But, I had an oil change there recently and about two weeks later I had a headlight burn out (not related and not their fault). I was going to change it myself but I couldn’t get the hood open. When I brought it in they said I would have to have a part replaced that they replaced 2 – 3 years ago. The cost would have been less than $ 100 but my last few times there, I’m inevitably back within a week due to some other problem and spending more money. Not only that, but there was a part near the hood latch that was broken that was not previously (not an important part).
I’m pretty frustrated with the place so I just left and took the car to another shop I trust nearby just to get the bulb changed and the car evaluated to check it’s overall condition. Turned out, the hood cable was detached and they fixed it for free (and changed the bulb for free) – I’m not accusing Top Japanese of purposely detaching the hood cable but they were the last ones that had the hood open and it’s pretty hard for something like that to randomly detach so they inadvertently did something. I also paid less to have the whole car checked out at the other place for what I would have spent to change a part that didn’t need changed. I’m just kind of done with Top Japanese so I don’t see myself going back unless I know exactly know the work I want completed.

Mr. Kim is one of the most trust-​worthy mechanics in town. I drive a Lexus so you know I will be particular. After a week and half at the Pohanka Lexus and $ 800 later for work that I did NOT need, my original problem was still unadressed. I took it to Mr. Kim and the problem was repaired the next day at a reasonable cost.
I would highly recommend to all my clients :))
Ps Be very clear what you want done, due to slight language barriers — there is a possibility for misunderstanding.

When reviewing an auto shop it’s important to address that you have to be clear in what service you’re requiring.
As such, Mr. Kim and his shop is exactly what you would expect from what it looks like. There is a close team of ¾ employees that have lots of hands on experience. The facility is not the prettiest or most accommodating but it does get the job done.
My advice for high end cars with lots of special needs… this is not the shop for you. Going to a dealership or a particular body shop with specific know how is prolly better.
However with that being said if you are looking for broader needs (oil change, tire rotation, break pad replacement, etc.) then this shop will do much cheaper than most shops.
Mr Kim has many years under his belt and in the end I trust his work.

Okay, this will be long but well worth reading.
I went to this auto shop twice because it is within walking distance of my work. During my first visit, I explained what was wrong with my car and asked him to check if there is anything else the car needs. He called me several hours later and told me about some extra work that needed to be done. The price was reasonable, so I agreed.
When I went to pick up my car, he spent around 20 minutes (no exaggeration) preaching to me about religion because I had a «coexist» bumper sticker on my car. I listened politely, nodded, paid for my service, and left.
The second time, I needed to get the airbag light checked in my husband’s car. He said checking the light would cost $ 30, as opposed to $ 120 at the dealership– which he was sure to mention. I agreed and left. A few hours later, he called me back listing all the things that need to be fixed, which would total $ 400. I asked «Well what about the air bag light?» He said there wasn’t an airbag light on, but that he will check. He didn’t call me back that day, so I follow up with him the next day at which point he said the airbag sensor needs to be replaced completely. He said this would cost $ 700 (in addition to the $ 400 he mentioned earlier). I told him not to move forward with anything yet as I will need to confirm with my husband first.
I went by this afternoon to pay my $ 30 and take the car to a dealership just to get a second opinion — because $ 1100 is a bit pricey for me. When I told him I was not going to get the extra services, he said «well, um, it took us four hours to look at the car. It will be more than $ 30.» I said that isn’t fair because that’s not what we agreed upon. He then says that he charges $ 30 for the Check Engine light and not the SRS light, and blamed it on a misunderstanding. I told him that if there was going to be a difference in price, he should call and confirm before moving forward.
I had the keys to the car and could have very well walked out without paying… but I didn’t. I told him he cannot consider himself a good Christian when he tries to rip-​off people.
It’s not that the amount of money was high, it’s the principle. You just can’t quote a price then change it once the person is there to pick up the car. That’s very immoral and just plain wrong.
I will NEVER go back again.

Beware of the proselytizing at this establishment. It was one of more unprofessional things that I have ever seen. I won’t get into too many details, but Mr. Kim took it upon himself to force all sorts of pamphlets – complete with an unwelcome lecture – on me because apparently I appeared to not be a believer in the way that he sees fit. And, please bear in mind that this occurred after he had already jacked my car up and started repairs, so there was no way to kindly ask for my car back.
If you’re an educated person with strong values yourself, spare yourself the trouble of seeking repairs from a guy who works under the guise of being a mechanic. His pamphlets can be found to the left of his desk area where he corners people before they know what hit them.
I weighed whether to make this post for a while, but figured I should go ahead with it so that others don’t fall into the same trap. You’re better off going to another mechanic, unless you don’t mind being flagged as a heathen. Best of luck.

Last weekend I dropped off my 2012 Outback with Mr. Kim to fix some scratches, on the recommendation of my dad who has been a customer of Mr. Kim’s for years.
I picked up the car today and not only did Mr. Kim do a fantastic job but he only charged me 30% of what some other body shop was going to charge me.

I’ve lived in the DC Metro area for 12 years, moving from Falls Church, VA to Washington DC. Mr. Kim is the ONLY person I trust with my vehicle and I’d refer him to ANYONE. I just got my Catalytic Converter replaced yesterday and it was worth the wait.

Great Service, with the exception of one time when oil filter was not properly tightened down and dumped all my oil on the street I have had nothing but exceptional service. After the oil mishap Mr. Kim paid the towing, fixed the problem and gave me a free oil change. Honest repairman at a reasonable price!

Kim is a great mechanic and will work on more than just Japanese cars. Honest Christian and definitely does great work at low prices. Don’t be fooled by the shack-​like building that is in desperate need of Mr. Clean, your car will be happy you took it there. He did wonders for my rare, weekend driver 1978 FJ40.
Plasma TV, cable and a lazy boy would have gotten a fifth star.