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Japanese Auto Repair in Encinitas, CA
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair maintains and repairs Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda and Acura vehicles; Toyota and Lexus are our two most common makes. ASE-certified technicians follow each maker's schedule and fluid specs, and the written estimate separates what's due now from what can wait. Book online or call (760) 753-1000.
5 out of 5 stars
“Management and mechanics are really professional and experienced…”
$25 off
qualifying repairs of $250 or more before tax
$50 off qualifying repairs of $500 or more before tax
Good through . One coupon per visit; not combined with other offers. Mention or show this coupon when your estimate is written — honored for walk-ins and phone customers too. Many repairs involve additional parts or labor at extra cost; your written estimate shows the total before any work. Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000.
Toyota is the most common make at our Encinitas Blvd shop by a long way, and Lexus is second. Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Mazda, and Acura follow. Between the Prius, RAV4, Outback, Camry, 4Runner, and Lexus RX, these cars fill a big share of our bay on any given day.
They are known for lasting a long time, and the owners who get the most out of them stay on top of maintenance and fix small leaks and noises early. Our ASE-certified technicians follow each maker's schedule and fluid specs and test before replacing parts.
- 4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews
- ASE-certified technicians
- Written estimate before any work
- BAR licensed station #300634
12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor (repairs using our parts)
Common issues on Japanese cars
- Service reminder on the dash → scheduled maintenance is due. We check what your car's schedule calls for at that mileage.
- Oil seeping from the top or front of the engine → valve cover or timing cover gaskets, common on older Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru engines.
- Shudder or whine from a CVT → fluid condition or internal wear in the CVTs used across Nissan, Subaru, Honda, and Toyota.
- Check engine light → an evaporative leak, an oxygen sensor, a misfire, or something else. We test to find out.
- Warm air from the vents → a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor.
- Clunk from the front on bumps → worn sway bar links, struts, or control arm bushings.
How we service Japanese cars
Inspect
We check your car against its maintenance schedule and test any symptom you've noticed.
Explain and estimate
A written estimate shows what's due now, what can wait, and why.
You approve
You decide what gets done.
Repair
We use fluids and parts that meet the maker's spec, including the right coolant and CVT fluid.
Road test
We drive it and reset the service reminder.
If something else turns up while the car is apart, we call before adding it.
Japanese car services
- Scheduled maintenance
- Check engine light diagnosis
- Transmission and CVT repair
- Brake and suspension repair
- Cooling system and A/C repair
- Timing belt service on engines that use one
- Hybrid service for Toyota, Lexus, and Honda hybrids
Driving a Prius or another Toyota or Lexus hybrid? See our hybrid repair page.
Why customers choose us
Toyota and Lexus are our two most common makes.
These cars are what we work on every day.
A technician experienced in transmission work.
For CVT and automatic transmission concerns.
STAR-certified test-and-repair station.
If a fault is keeping the car from passing smog, we can fix and retest it here.
4.9★ · 1,948 Google reviews.
Walk-ins welcome, with a Wi-Fi waiting room.
Makes we service
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Honda
- Subaru
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Acura
- Infiniti
- Scion
Recently in our bay: Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, Lexus RX 350, Honda Accord, Toyota 4Runner, Subaru Impreza, Lexus ES 350.
Mitsubishi or another Japanese make? Call and ask.
What customers say
More reviews of the shop. These are general Google reviews, not about Japanese car repair specifically.
5 out of 5 stars
“Great service. Reliable, quick and honest. Diagnosed some issues in my 4 runner that others missed. Thanks again! Will be back.”
5 out of 5 stars
“I have brought both of my vehicles here. Something different for each one. They always were quick to diagnose the issue. Very professional and always did a great job. Which is why I continue to come back and always will.”
Frequently asked questions
What maintenance does my Toyota or Lexus need at this mileage?
It depends on the model and how it's driven. We look up your car's schedule and tell you what's due.
Does my Subaru need anything special?
Many Subarus have all-wheel drive and a CVT, so using the correct fluids matters. We also check for the gasket leaks common on older Subaru engines.
Do you service hybrids too?
Yes, including hybrid battery testing and replacement. See our hybrid repair page.
Can I bring my own parts?
We can install parts you supply. Customer-supplied parts carry no warranty, parts or labor. We normally install our own high-quality parts.
How can I pay?
Cash, major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are all welcome here. Ask about current coupons.
Location, hours, and service area
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–4 PM |
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair
310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1000
Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000
Holiday hours follow our Google Business Profile.
Toyota and Lexus owners visit from Olivenhain, Village Park, Carlsbad and Solana Beach.
Book your service
Bring your mileage and any reminder showing on the dash.
$25 off
qualifying repairs of $250 or more before tax
$50 off qualifying repairs of $500 or more before tax
Good through . One coupon per visit; not combined with other offers. Mention or show this coupon when your estimate is written — honored for walk-ins and phone customers too. Many repairs involve additional parts or labor at extra cost; your written estimate shows the total before any work. Encinitas STAR Smog & Auto Repair · 310 Encinitas Blvd #B, Encinitas, CA 92024 · BAR license #300634 · (760) 753-1000.