Import Auto Tech

Caveat warning: It has been a long time since my service here, so maybe things have changed.
First off, they seem to have reasonable prices and generally I found the people I interacted with to be decent enough – not overly interested in talking to me about details of the repair, but I understand they’re busy and don’t have time to chat with everyone about their cars. Overall, they were willing to provide enough info to me that I felt satisfied with the work.
However, all I was having done was a routine maintenance on a manual transmission 2006 RSX. Everything was performed correctly, with the exception of the transmission fluid. It clearly says in the manual to use only Honda fluid, so I asked about this prior to the work. The mechanic assured me that, although they would use a different non-​Honda fluid, it would be fine and that they used a high quality product. That may be the case in general, but a few hundred miles after this service, I noticed the shifting became stiff and it was difficult to get into gear. After searching some forums online, it turns out this is known to be caused by using non-​Honda MTF. Great. So instead of calling them to see if they would right their mistake (which they might have done if I’d given them the chance, so that’s not a knock against them) I decided to have a Honda dealer replace with the correct stuff. Lo and behold, smooth shifting ever since.
So I give them 3 stars because they are certainly competent and fair in most regards. However, directly ignoring the manual’s specifications for a given fluid seems foolish. Maybe they’re used to doing this because warnings like that in manuals can be BS sometimes, but in my case it was not BS and it cost me. Everything else about my experience was completely fine.

Back in 2014 I had Import Auto Tech do some major work on my 04’Tacoma…remove cylinder heads to pressure test and resurface, water pump, replace timing belt, radiator hoses, drive belts. It is now 2016 and still running like a dream. Reasonably priced and done within two days. Nicely done folks.

We’ve been taking our Acura TL and Honda CRV to them for the 2 years we’ve lived in Calif. Steve and Donna really know their stuff in import car repairs and they’re as honest as the day is long. They don’t try to sell you any service your car doesn’t need. The quality is excellent and their prices are less than a dealer’s service dept. I highly recommend Import Auto Tech.

I have been a regular at Import Auto Tech since my first review back in May 2012.
Earlier this week I took my Civic Si in for oil change, spark plug change, valve adjustment and drive belt replacement. I asked about a noise I was hearing. Rather than making something up and charging me for something that wasn’t needed, Steve explained that this was most likely a common problem (something with the clutch) that happens and it was in a early stage and may never need repair unless it gets worse in the future
They continue to impress with their honesty, reasonable prices and quality service.

Been using them for about a year or so for our two cars and they have been great. Straightforward and honest and good clean work whenever i look at something after. Not a big place, but worth seeking out.

I’ve used Import Auto Tech since I purchased a 1997 Integra GSR. In that time I’ve come to appreciate the honesty of the owner and his wife.
Not only do they charge less than half what the dealership quotes, I’ve even had a few cases in which other businesses were dishonest and he set things straight. One was when Jiffy Lube suggested that my tires were «severely cupping» due to «damaged struts. I had an upcoming service so I took it to IAT. Steve’s answer was «Not only no, but ‘Oh, God no’!» Considering the car had 40k miles I was already suspicious.
Another time was when the dealer quoted me $ 2200 for a «major service» because they are closer to work and have a shuttle there. When I called IAT he informed me that this was a minor service and the NEXT one was the major. That service cost just over $ 200, the «major» was about $ 400…
Even in situations where another business had «tee’d up» the fraud, he refuses to swing. I really appreciate the integrity and can’t recommend this shop highly enough if you have a Honda or Acura. They’ve even done great work on my wife’s Highlander hybrid.
IAT is currently keeping my S2000 running like new. Too bad he doesn’t work on M3s, although there’s a little shop in Pleasanton that I’ve found that has that covered.

Taking my car to get fixed is not something that I look forward to, dishonesty, scams, lots of money, etc. Well, meet Import Auto Tech and that will completely change your opinion about all of that.
I have been taking both cars there for a couple of years and I could not be happier. I mean, who actually charges below what they estimated??? Import Auto Tech does. Great communication, great knowledge and information about what is going on with my cars and very, very fair and reasonable.
Donna is great: friendly, responsive, and very helpful.
The owner is also great and very good at fixing my cars!
I highly recommend Import Auto Tech. They are very trustworthy and honest, and in the car repair industry, that is quite rare.
Greg Q

I’ve been taking my vehicles. 89 Accord, 95 GS300, and 2007 Accord over the span of 9 years. They’ve NEVER forced any unnecessary work on me. Services are always rendered in reasonable time and the labor cost is relatively inexpensive. As long as I have a Toyota or Honda they will get my business.

IAT has been servicing my Honda vehicles for about 20 years. The work is completed on time, if not before. They use genuine Honda parts. They are honest and knowledgeable. Their prices are reasonable. I wholeheartedly recommend them. Whether it has been a scheduled service or an unexpected need, I have depended on them. I live about 20 miles away, and although inconvenient, I continue to use them. If you have a Honda, this is where you should have it serviced. They’re professional, timely and cost-​effective. I would not go anywhere else.

I have been taking my Toyota to Import Auto Tech for years. My car is nearing 190,000 miles and thanks to this shop I rarely have to do more than routine oil changes! Donna is so nice and accommodating with my tight schedule (they get work done fast!) and Steve does such great work — minor fixes to things and I’m good to go! Their prices are great and I’ve never had to return with the same problem, everything gets fixed the first time. I love this shop and will trust my old (but sentimental) Toyota to them forever and any new cars I get along the way. Thanks Import Auto Tech!

As others who have reviewed Import Auto Tech, I am a longtime client. I started taking Hondas to them over 20 years ago, in their old location. I have serviced my Civic S, Accord EX (240,000 miles !), Acura Legend, Odyssey, and my beloved 2001 S2000 there. I have only had warranty work done at dealers. Steve and Donna are knowledgeable, honest, and reasonable. I completely trust Import Auto Tech to do quality work, on time, and within estimate. Best automotive shop I have ever used, and they are a big reason I continue to buy Hondas. Quality product to begin with, and service with no comparison at Import Auto Tech.

Yesterday I got my car back from Import Auto Tech. I have been taking my Acura and Honda to them for years. Since I recently moved, I had gone to another shop. The other shop wanted to do $ 3900.00 of work on my Honda Van.
Steve (Import Auto Tech owner) and I talked about it and identified the real reasons for my Van’s shimmy. They also replaced the timing belt (a requirement for cars of a certain age). All the work was completed for just over $ 1500 and now my Van drives better than ever.
Import Auto Tech is the only place I feel I can trust to give me fair assessments of vehicle problems and promptly fix problems at a reasonable price.
I highly recommend them.
Very hard to find a better repair shop!

My husband and I have been taking our cars (Honda Civics and Acura Integras) to Import Auto Tech for nearly 15 years now.
They do our standard maintenance and oil changes. I make an appointment and they do it while I wait and they are super fast… I don’t even finish my coffee.
Recently, my car was making a loud noise but I thought it was my tires. I got new tires, but the noise persisted. My husband took it to them, Steve (the owner) drove it for a minute and figured it was a worn wheel bearing. I’m so relieved that it cost only $ 250 to fix because I thought my whole car was going to fall apart.
It’s so nice to know that over 15 years, I could always trust them. They are extremely knowledgeable and honest. That is so rare in that industry. I could trust them to tell me the right thing, even if it didn’t result in a repair with them.
If you have a Honda or Acura, they are your best bet to help you make that car last forever!

We have been going there for years now. They are much cheaper than the dealers, but they charge the market price for parts (as they have to buy them just like us and they don’t mind if you brought the parts yourself). They have never given us bad service! If the car required service, they serviced it very well and if it required fixing, they fixed it.
The lady at the front office is not just a receptionist, she is the owner and has been around cars enough to know a lot. She always gives me tips on how to prolong the life of things and this way I wouldn’t have to fix much.
I trust their judgment and I recommend them. They are by appointment only and this only speeds up the process.

$ 200 rear brake job and doesn’t include grinding the rotor. Ever since the brake job I’m hearing screaching noise from both rear brakes. I tried to go back, but I only have time on Sat, I guess they only open on Sat. only and only if they got enough money making services to work on.
Before you service your car check out other places and compare the prices, even dealers might be compatiable and they are open on Sat regularly.