I am a car dealer, and one of our customers brought a vehicle here for a pre-purchase inspection today. The customer scheduled an appointment for 10:00 AM. I clearly informed them we could arrive at least 10:30, and the customer confirmed that was fine. However, when I arrived at 10:40, Mike told us that because we were "late," the inspection could not be done until the afternoon and would be finished sometime before 5 PM. I asked if a written inspection report would be provided, and Mike said it would require customer approval. I told him I would have the customer confirm this directly. Later in the day, I called to check on the status. Mike's wife answered and said he had stepped out for a test drive and would be back in about 15 minutes. She mentioned the vehicle had already been lifted and checked underneath, but she was unsure whether any further inspection would be performed. I asked if Mike could call me back to clarify. I never received a call. About an hour later, the customer called me and said the inspection was "done." According to the customer, Mike verbally mentioned two issues that I had already fully disclosed to the customer the day before. However, Mike also stated that the undercarriage rust was "very bad," using the word "worse," and went as far as telling the customer not to buy the vehicle. When I went to pick up the car, Mike was again not present. His wife told me he had stepped out once more. There was no written inspection report, and the customer also confirmed that no report was given to him either. When I asked about the report, Mike's wife said she did not know what inspection the customer had requested and therefore could not provide anything. This vehicle is a 2015 Lexus that previously spent time on the East Coast. Some surface rust is normal for a vehicle of this age and history. I personally inspected the undercarriage afterward, and the condition is well within normal range. It is absolutely not as severe as described using words like "worse," and certainly not a reason to advise a customer to walk away without documentation. In my opinion, the inspection lacked professionalism, transparency, and proper documentation. Exaggerated verbal statements without a written report are not acceptable, especially when influencing a customer's purchasing decision. I would not recommend this shop for pre-purchase inspections, particularly for dealers or serious buyers who expect clear communication and written reports. read more

Mike and his team are wonderful - always efficient, friendly, honest about what's really needed or not needed, and thorough. He's kept our 2-decade old Highlander Hybrid running well, and now that it's time for a new vehicle, we want to stay with Toyota in large part so we can keep relying on LEX Mastertech for service. read more

Great experience here with my Toyota 4Runner fixing some mechanical damage after an accident.

If you drive a Lexus or Toyota in the San Gabriel Valley, Lex Mastertech is a no brainer. I'm an untrusting person by nature. It took me two years of second opinions and my own research to independently verify every one of Mike's recommendations. I never had a single reason to doubt his recommendations. After 6 years with Mike, I question nothing. If a repair is out of my budget, he gives options and potential consequences in a fair and clear way. (e.g. you could save money by not replacing bearings while we're doing the suspension, but it will cost more in total labor to go back in there in 6 months). Mike's background as a mechanic at a Lexus dealership is a huge reason to see him, he knows these cars inside and out. He recently inspected a used GX that I was considering buying and had me take it back the dealership after I bought it for a leaking water pump (that the dealer missed) Lexus paid for the repair and Mike didn't make a money for the repair. Long story short: Mike is detailed to an extreme, knows Toyotas and Lexus', and is completely trust worthy. I'd have my car towed across the state before I went anywhere else. read more

Mike always takes care of our vehicles at a great honest price and in a timely manner.

Took my car in for maintenance on 9/19. Mike was super helpful and explained in details all the work that was done. He was very professional and knowledgeable. The waiting area was very clean. I highly recommend this place and would come back for future maintenance. read more

2nd review! It's been 4 years and the service continues to be excellent. Highly recommend! read more

I should have gone to LEX Mastertech from the start. My 2004 Lexus IS300 with 150k miles that has been well maintained just randomly started stalling out - didn't matter speed, AC on/off, etc. Took it to a gas station mechanic in the area and over the course of 3 carless weeks I was towed back 3 times to replace battery, engine igniter (plus wiring), and an engine coil. Last tow in I was told that the only way to fix was take car apart... Telling you all this because I finally got wise and took it to the guys at LEX Mastertech. They quickly diagnosed the issue and gave me a totally reasonable estimate by end of the first day. My car was fixed by the next day, and I've had zero issues since. Really appreciated the time they took to explain the issue in terms I could understand when I came to pick it up, and noted a few things to be addressed that willl keep me in this ride for another 150k. These guys know Lexus cars. Save yourself the trouble, and ultimately money, go here first to get help for your Lexus. Top notch service, communication, reasonably priced and nice people. read more

Mike is the best! Look, when you find a great and reasonable mechanic... you cherish them! My brakes were done...I mean worn out ...making crazy noises. I called Mike last minute and he says because it's about safety , he would see me first thing next morning ! That was amazing! Brakes were fixed and done same day. Picked up my car and running good as new! Trustworthy and professional 5 stars! read more

Called in asking to do an oil change and transmission fluid drain and fill. I always take my own fluids when I service my vehicle but they declined here. Also they kept pushing a complete transmission flush even when I mentioned that the vehicles service history is unknown and I prefer a drain a fill (I planned to do at least two or three drain and fills). But nope they didn't want to do the job. Sounds like they are trying to just make a profit by pushing their own fluids and services. read more

Brought in a Lexus with "brake power low" on dashboard. And a Christmas tree of other lights came on. We brought the car in right when they opened. The man said he will give us a call. He gave us a paper with the charge of the diagnostic fee. I specifically asked him if that diagnostic fee would be included in the total price and wouldn't be an extra charge if we fixed anything with him. He reassured me it would be. Well 30 minutes before they close, we still haven't received a call to give us an update on what the problem is. We ended up calling ourselves and were told that it's something with the brake booster and it's covered under warranty. He also informed us that we need to change brakes. I said okay and asked him if the total price for brakes would be including the diagnostic fee since we are doing service there. The man told me no. He said we originally didn't bring the car for brakes so it's not covered. Ridiculous because he didn't mention that to me. And quick tip to the business reading this(I'm sure you will read this), the customer does not know when the car is ready, it should be your job to call the customer to inform them that the car is ready. I'm sure we would've received no call that day if it wasn't for us not calling at the end of the day. read more

We've been taking our Lexus to Mike for quite a few years now. He has never disappointed us. He is super knowledgeable and always manages to get us in even though he has plenty of customers and is always busy. He is always friendly and takes the time to explain everything you might need to know. I feel like he treats my car like one of his own and that he really loves his work and loves our cars. I can't compare prices other than his are less than a dealership and his quality of work is the same or better. My old SC430 is like a new car thanks to him. read more

Very professional and personable Lexus/Toyota mechanic. We were in desperate need of repairs on a road trip and they fixed us up in a very timely manner. I highly recommend this shop for all Lexus/Toyota repairs and maintenance. read more

Took my 2007 Lexus RX400h Hybrid AWD here towed it here. This was about 3 years ago. I just have to make sure the public knows. They said it needed a throttle body clean because the car wasn't starting anymore I thought it was the battery. They charged me $250 to do this simple job and then the same day I drove home the check engine light came off. These guys mickey moused and didn't doing it properly and shit went into my catalytic converter and destroyed it. Fuck you. read more

Originally discovered Mastertech in a short list of preferred installers of an after-market (Vais Tech) satellite radio interface kits for my new Subaru. After an initial assessment Mastertech owner Mike made me feel at ease with his knowledge and experience with the products. So much that I added speaker, lighting and USB upgrades at the same time. From the start Mastertech owner Mike was personally involved in planning the installation and showed a level of commitment, resourcefulness and care rarely seen in the automotive world. They advised me on various installation options, kept me apprised throughout the process and was able to deliver a first rate product installation, which involved both careful assembly of components and tech programming. My new car was cared for beautifully throughout the process. Would highly recommend Mike and his team for any after market upgrades. read more

LEX Mastertech - Vais Tech Sirius XM kit - showing seamless integration with my car's interface. - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

So happy I found LEX Mastertech. I hit a huge rock on the highway and noticed that my alignment was off. When I spoke to Linda on the phone, she made an appointment for me the very next day because she realized it was a big issue. I'm so grateful that LEX was able to squeeze me in. They took my safety seriously! The mechanics found that the subframe was damaged along with several other parts. Linda helped me navigate the whole process including how to deal with my insurance company and where to rent a car. Most car shops don't do this! Linda and Mike are extremely accessible which I appreciate. At other car shops, the phone goes unanswered and it's impossible to get a hold of the staff. Linda and Mike are always happy and available to answer my questions. I drive a hybrid, and it's very difficult to find a place that knows how to work with hybrids. In fact, if you go to the wrong shop, they can really mess up your car. LEX Mastertech has experienced mechanics that know how to fix hybrids--a rare skill! They washed and vacuumed my car as well! My car has never looked better! Even the tires are shiny. :) Love this place! read more

LEX Mastertech - Auto Repair Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Mike is great! I have going to Mike for 10 years. Always a good experience. He is knowledgeable and honest.

This guy knows his 'shit'. Solved my Lexus problems that the dealers couldn't at half the price. (VSC and traction with engine light) , chronic problems with this model (2003 RX300). Thanks Mike! read more

Late review from August 2020. Took a while because I do not really post at all but am pretty fed up and disenchanted with turning my cheek. Took my 2007 Prius in as one of the dashboard lights came on. I had used their services a few times before for maintenance issues and always found that they were helpful and honest. However on this particular visit Mike told me that the catalytic converter was bad and needed to be replaced. This part is important. Keep in mind that the catalytic converter was not stolen and was still attached to my car at this point. The cost was around $3000 for the part and for labor. So I went with it and had him service it. Knowing that the part was being stolen on the Prius and being sold and is still sold on the black market for a lot of money. When I went back to pay and pick up my car I asked to have my catalytic converter back. The one that was previously attached to my car and taken off at his shop. Mike told me that I had to pay him to have my own catalytic converter back. I asked him why and he looked at me and said that I would have to pay him $125 for the part. I was in his office and his wife was also in there and asked him why I needed to pay him for my own part back. His response was that it cost a lot of money. Mind you was I already paying around $3000 for a new catalytic converter and labor. I told him that does not make any sense and he looked at me with a blank stare. I did not want to cause a scene in front of his wife and took the L and decided that I would never return to this place. Take the review for what it is. read more

Where I take my car and happy with the work every time .Would definitely recommend for your Lexus needs

I'm almost hesitant to post this stellar review and not because he and his wife don't deserve it but I want to keep this hidden gem of a service center to myself! I'd almost hate to see them get so busy that I'd have to wait to get in the door! But they deserve to experience that level of prosperity as I've been coming here for years now and brought all my cars for service. I've even purchased a car from Mike that I'm quite pleased with. The list of amenities and care that they offer are too numerous to list here, but if you want to have the "smile experience" yourself, make a commitment to test them out first. Take your car here and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed. I haven't been disappointed, not once, in my many years of coming here for service. I found Mike when I had first bought my Lexus SC 430 and I was having mad nightmares with the "run-flat" tires. Every other month a 400.00 replacement bill (the LA freeways are a minefield!) and the dealer was swearing up and down that I could not get rid of the run flat tires without dire consequences. Well many years later, I have had maybe like one flat tire on that car and my car rides soooo smoothly, thanks to Mike! So if you are tired of the greedy repair sites...there is an alternative at Lex MasterTech. read more

I have a 2007 Lexus RX350 that had a glithchy infotainment system that limited my AC function. Mike worked on my car and figured out the problem. He made sure everything was working properly. I highly recommend Mike and his team. read more

Mike figured out what was wrong with my Prius V after some hokey shop quoted me extravagantly for a guesstimate. This other place charged me for fake diagnostic fees too. Did not have reservations towing my car to Mike's shop to have someone really knowledgeable to take a peek under the hood. My car was up an running in 2 days. No crazy exorbitant fees. Awesome job!!! read more

I'm the type that knows very close to zero about anything under the hood of any car, including my own. So when I moved to Pasadena in 2018, I was on a search for a skilled independent repair shop who wouldn't take advantage of my automotive ignorance! I went on a certain app which has lots of local neighborhood advice, explained my search, and said: "Who's the best independent with highest possible ratings for honest and integrity?" I got about 70 responses, *lots* of places got a vote or two, but Mike at LEX Mastertech was the runaway winner. So I gave him a try, that was 5 years ago, and I haven't looked back. Outstanding service, always happy to explain the what's and why's, easy to understand why Mike has earned the trust of so many. read more

Found Mike by word of mouth several years ago because I needed a trustworthy shop to service my customized Lexus IS300. I'm very particular about my car, so I was relieved when I first came by here for a major service and every procedure was itemized and gone over in detail. The prices are unbeatable, and as a Mastertech he knows the car better than I do (and I've done my research). All the techs are super friendly, the waiting lounge is clean with free WiFi and coffee, TV, restroom, and if needed they can provide a ride within a short radius for longer services. Bottom line is, you will be treated well and not be ripped off here like at other places. And if you are picky about your car like I am, you can't go wrong with Mike and his team! read more

What a great mechanic a true master. Mike got down to the bottom of things and gave me options. Fantastic option to dealers! read more

My husband and I have been going to Mike's place for years. There is absolutely no one else we would trust with our cars. Mike, his wife and everyone who works there treats you like family. They go out of their way to explain things, keep your car in top shape so that keeps the expenses down in the long run. Friendly, experienced, professional, and respectful...all the qualities that should make this your go to place to keep your car running smoothly for years. read more

Dropped my Lexus RC off in the morning at LEX Mastertech for a 20,000 mile service and was able to pick it up later that day. Prices were a lot better than going to a dealership. read more

My 2004 Toyota Highlander needed some serious help when i brought it here and was feeling like trading it in would be the better option. Mike has been able to breathe 'new life' back into my workhorse and it wasn't as costly as i thought it would be and didn't take as long as i expected. I take the highlander in for the regular oil changes now and am actually looking forward to taking it in for the services coming up. Mike and his team were focused on my vehicle, found the time to touch up a couple of things that were cosmetic underneath the vehicle (no extra cost) while they were under there. That went a long way for me. It showed they cared enough to pay attention and if it was minor, didn't even bother to mention it. Fair. Accurate. Reliable. Modest. read more

Great folks - they are honest, competent and deliver as promised. Top quality service, reasonable prices. Will continue taking the Solara there for service for as long as we own it! read more

Mike performed the notoriously difficult replacement of the transfer case switches on my Toyota FJ Cruiser. Certain features of the vehicle's four-wheel-drive capability, such as the locking rear differential and "Active TRAction Control" (A-TRAC) ,require a couple of sensor switches on the transfer case to detect when the driver manually shifts into 4x4 low range. These switches are known to fail after 7 to 10 years, and replacing them requires a special tool and deft mechanical skills. Mike has both! Mike also observed that the Low Tire indicator light on my dashboard was on. I know from experience that tire stores and Toyota dealers either cannot find the bad Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor (TPMS) or want to replace all 5 (including the one in the spare) in order to get the light to go off. Mike also has the tools and skills to locate and replace only the bad or failing sensor and reset the monitoring system. I'm super grateful for Mike's integrity and competence!! read more

Decided to find a place to handle my Lexus instead of going to the dealer and I'm so glad i did. I lost my key fob, and took the car in, they programmed me a new key in under 30 minutes. Also, the mechanic fixed my trunk for free (wasn't opening) If you want a good and honest mechanic this is the right place. Looking forward to bringing my Lexus here for any future needs. read more

I drove down from Sacramento for a meeting and was only in Pasadena for three days. On the way down, the rear wheel bearings were really humming away. I checked around and no one could take me in on such a short notice. I looked on Yelp and found this guys. I took in my 2008 IS 250 with possible failing wheel bearings and also need of front brakes. Mike worked a miracle for me and replaced the driver side bearing and front brakes in two days. Mike was honest and said that the passenger side was still good and didn't need replacement and the shafts were good and showed no damage. Maybe another shop would have made me get both done plus get the shafts replaced. It might be a small shop but it's clean, everyone is friendly and very responsive to questions. read more

I have been brining my Lexus here for regular service and the service has always been great. Recently I was headed to the mountains right after Christmas and needed to take the Subaru. I did not have the chance to check the brakes with my Subaru mechanic so I stopped in LEX Mastertech since I was driving by and the gate was open. Turns out they were only there to do some paperwork but I asked if Mike could take a quick look at the brakes as I was a bit concerned about coming down the mountain. Mike spent the time to thoroughly check all 4 brakes and gave me the green light; no charge, just a recommendation to pump the tires up a bit. This is type of service you receive at LEX Mastertech and this is why I am glad to give them my business and recommend them. read more

I wanted to install OEM mudflaps, roof rail crossbars, and running boards on my 2022 Lexus RX 350 and Mike beat what the dealers charged. He did an amazing job on the installation. Mike and Nayri provide excellent customer service. I highly recommended this business. read more

My husband and I have been taking our cars (Toyota and Lexus') to Mike at Lex Mastertech for years. They are always very helpful, reliable, fast and know their business. I give them five stars out of five. They are not the cheapest but you can be sure your car is in good hands. We will always take our cars there! read more

How do I put this lightly without going overboard. First a little history about the car I own. If you've read my reviews before about where I get my oil changed at and where I've got my exhaust change that you would know that I own a 1995 Toyota Supra twin turbo. I know many of you would be saying here oh that is a very sought-after car. That is true however what many do not know is that it is not just any Toyota it is a high-performance road going version of the race cars that Toyota drove in 24-hour LeMans as well as other races. In other words this car it's not only a classic and high performance it requires someone who really knows the 2jzgte engine as well as the Dynamics of the car itself. sadly Toyota dealerships of today do not know how to properly care for this car when it comes to Major maintenance or anything other than basic maintenance such a jet changing oil or tires. My car would sit in the garage our friends while I'm in Austria. And it came time for some major service after I found out that it was leaking severely and the steering was horrible. I was recommended this place by my brother who also owns a 1997 Toyota Supra twin turbo limited edition 6-speed. I was a little hesitant to send the car to Mike and Eddy because they weren't open on weekends which is when I would usually go to places like this when I was in town or when my friend or any other family member who is in the US could take their time to do this. I took the leap and placed my beloved Supra in the hands of Mike and Eddie. I told them to take their time and they're really just work their magic. Boy howdy did they.!!! My Supra has not been this good since I bought her back in 2002. Mike and Eddie are not only good for modern Jay Toyotas and Lexus they are basically the last known old school Toyota mechanics who really know how to work on a 2JZ GTE and other high performance Toyota engines. I've read here that sometimes prices can be high or low depending on what you get however for the quality and service that cannot even be matched by dealerships or other places sans high performance shops like FSR Motorsports, Mike and Eddie's prices are well worth it. he does not want you to have a horrible experience and really takes the time to make sure your car is babied. If you want to get ripped off go to the dealership, you want a mechanic who knows what they're doing and will not rip you off and we'll truly go out of their way to make you happy so that your car is good as new then go to Lex MasterTech. read more

I only write Yelp reviews when I really mean it. Mike has been so consistent with providing great service that I feel compelled to comment on it. He has done exceptional work. He has been exceptionally generous with his time. He has been very conscientious about finding the best solution for the best price. I highly recommend this business. read more

The best! I trust their prices, their work, and their customer service is great. I need to buy a new car,but because I love their service I am finding a hard time considering a make other than a Toyota or Lexus! read more

I found LEX Mastertech online because I needed an oil service on my '15 IS250 right away, and the dealership was booked over two weeks out. So I decided to give this place a try. The customer service is really good here, the man and woman who helped me were very kind to me, however I will not be returning here. The reason I'm giving two stars is because, I pretty much paid the same price as I would at the dealership for an oil change. I apparently got a "discount". I looked at previous paper work to see what I was paying at Longo and it was pretty close. At Longo, they check everything for your AND even wash your car for free. AND they shuttle me to and from work (12 miles away each trip). So if you do the math, in the grand scheme of things, you actually get a better deal at the dealership. I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm really happy with the service at Longo albeit it's costly. The customer service is beyond superb. Everyone says that the dealerships are crazy expensive but I honestly don't mind because they are certified technicians and I don't have to feel doubtful about trying an independent shop. I still thank LEX Mastertech for their kind service to me, I just didn't feel like I was "saving" money by coming here. read more