I've been taking mine and my wife's cars here for years for repairs, maintenance, and check ups. He is a very honest mechanic and will let you know if something is crucial or if it is something you can put off or even ignore because it's not worth the cost. My first experience started at different shop that wanted to charge me over $100 and wanted me to leave my car there for the whole day to diagnose an AC problem I was having before even talking about the cost of the repair. I went to Tho for a quick check 2nd opinion on the recommendation from a friend and he figured it out in 10 minutes right in front of me and told me the fix was a $4 relay and charged me $50 for the diagnostic. That is experience and time I think is well worth it. I've had other things pop up over the years and he doesn't try to over push things on you. He only tells you his honest opinions and recommendations and lets you make the choice without any salesman tactics pressure. read more

I highly recommend SouthBay Autoworks. No job is too big or too small. They're upfront and honest - will tell you when a repair is needed or if you can hold off which is quite refreshing! Awesome service, professional and great communication. I can't say enough good things about SouthBay Autoworks. read more

SouthBay Autoworks - Auto Repair Near Me - San Jose, California

I brought my Landcruiser to Tho for a oil change and 40k mile service. Normally I have the Toyota dealer service my car but noticed they might not actually check everything you'd hope for during the regular services. When Tho had my car. He saw that I go off roading time to time so he checked a lot of the car's components that could be affected by that type of driving. He found some bolts that have come loose. Also found some suspension parts that are starting to fail prematurely and covered under the manufacturers warranty. This is all stuff the dealer never checked. My car feels so much better. The steering and suspension feels tight and more solid. I didn't notice how sloppy it had gotten. I highly recommend Tho. He went above and beyond. I'll be bringing my truck here from now on and definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a good, honest shop. read more

I don't know where to begin, but had my 2015 Hyundai Elantra towed a couple of weeks ago to get it repaired due to acceleration issues but after having my car for a day, he replaced a broken wire and a mapping sensor. Picked up my car the next day, got two blocks down the road & it was having the same issue & it seemed worse. He claimed that it was fine when I left. He charged me over $600, plus he also forgot to change my oil per my request. Wanted to give him a second chance, but he wasn't willing to work with me & help this single woman out in getting her car repaired. This is REALLY bad business practice. So, I wouldn't recommend doing business with him. read more

Tho is a friendly guy and a reliable mechanic. We always go here for oil change and repairs and he never disappoints. Sometimes he would even take you in for emergencies when he's fully booked His price is very reasonable and he never pushes for any repairs that you don't need. Honest mechanics are hard to come by, but Tho is one of them read more

This is probably one of the best shops I've been too. No it's not a huge shop with a fancy waiting room but the service is best to none and Tho is a honest and fair technician. I brought my civic in since my wheels were making a lot of noise. He drove it with me around the block and knew exactly what it was right away. He told me how much it would be and I was shocked. I visited 5 other shops in the area and they were double to triple his price. He said it might need additional parts depending on how bad the damage was but he wasn't too worried. He just wanted to let me know the possibilities. He called me a few hours later to let me know it was finished and no additional parts were required. No issues with the repair at all. read more

Company post product on there website they dokt currently have in stock. As well as they lie about shipping the items out. Had to make 2 seperate disputes with my card Company because of this. read more

10/10 great service even put my fender all nice in my car and hood perfect fit

Went in for a oil change with my Toyota Tacoma and came out with an oil change and so much more. They checked my tires made sure all of them were at the correct Air pressure.... put extra fluid in my power steering ...cleaned my air filters..:did additional inspections on my fuses and made sure my steering was aligned. Fair pricing but most importantly great work! Told all my family and friends about South Bay auto works and they are happy customers as well! read more

Disclaimer: This review is solely based on my conversation with Tho over the phone. I haven't gotten work done yet. After a terrible experience with Midas in Sunnyvale where they wrongly diagnosed my 2002 Honda CR-V as needing a $700 Fuel Pump. I had my suspicions so I got on the phone with Toe (Southbay Autoworks is a few blocks from me) , who told me in his honest opinion that it's very rare that a CR-V needs a fuel pump replaced. He's never had to do one. Long story short, I pumped 3 gallons of gas into the CRV while it was at Midas and it started right up. I had a bad gas gauge reading. I called Tho back and he told me don't waste any money for now, just fill up the tank and sometimes it will "unstuck" the needle. I did as he told me, and the gas needle is now working again!! I love how Tho is not after making a quick buck off you but rather building a long term relationship with his customers and offers great advice like a trusted friend. It's rare for an automotive business to think about the customer first, instead of their own short term gains and profits. (I worked in Auto Sales, Rental, and Repair) When my gas needle gets stuck again, or if I ever have any car troubles, guess who I'm going to bring my car to? :) read more

Good, fast and cheap + friendly service! The owner/mechanic, Tho (pronounced "toe") completes the services at a super competitive price and in a timely manner. These are the services I've had done: - Regular 5k maintenance including oil change, tire rotations, etc. - Brake pads replacement - Transmission fluid replacement PRICE: 5 Can't beat it! QUALITY OF WORK: 5 No problems SPEED OF WORK: 5 Done! SERVICE: 5 Friendly! LOCATION: 5 Near Japantown, SJ REC LUNCH SPOT: While waiting for your car to be serviced, have lunch at a sandwich spot nearby! Freshly Baked Eatery is yumm! read more

Tho initially contacted me regarding service and I'm so glad he did. I don't like random dudes working on my car, so I'm more than pleased to have Tho personally do the work. He's also a really nice guy. We chatted while he swapped out my brake rotors, pads, performed a brake fluid flush and coolant service. He knows his parts and uses quality brands or OEM. I saved about $150 and didn't have to leave my car and wait all day like if you take it to a stealership. I've started recommending friends and family to Southbay Autoworks. read more

I am so glad I found Tho on Yelp. I have only worked with him twice, but both times, I had a great experience. The first was when my timing belt broke and I needed to get some estimates. He was very nice on the phone and was able to tell me what was going on before I even brought it in. I got it towed there for him to take a look and it was exactly what he had thought it was. It was a pretty pricey job, but that is typical for that type of repair. Most recently, I had finally decided to get my AC/heater looked at after a year of no air. I explained to him on the phone what the problem was and he said he thought it was the fan and to bring it in. I took my car to the shop around noon on Friday, he took a look and, sure enough, all it was was the fan. I came back later the SAME day and he replaced it in about 5 minutes. It was way less expensive than I was expecting too! Certainly a plus. Amazing customer service with Tho. This is for sure my go to mechanic from here on out and I will refer him to my friends and family as well. In fact, I have a co-worker who has the same AC/heater issue and she plans to call him shortly. Thanks Tho! read more

I've gone to Tho for several issues over the years. Great work and trustworthy mechanic. Nice guy too. What more could you ask for? Was recommended by a friend and have recommended him to others. read more

Good mechanics these days are hard to find. Especially independent Vietnamese-owned shops. You never know if you're gonna get ripped off or not. That all changed when I met Tho the first time back in 2013 to get my 1993 Accord front brakes changed. All the other shops and places were charging astronomical prices due to how Honda designed those front brakes. Tho was charging the most reasonable price. He was upfront about what he was going to do and was not trying to sell any other services. Long story short, he is the only Vietnamese mechanic that will not rip you off, try and upsell you anything, and is very truthful about fixes he going to do on your car. read more

So I'm an avid car owner. Currently (after down sizing) I have four. Before meeting Tho (through friends) it was always touch and go. Never really knew if I was getting taken for a ride because I know nothing about maintenance. But since then, work that cost an arm and a leg and always became something else was dealt with professionally and for a fair price. Not just pricing and turn time. Tho took his time to explain what the issues were, what were immediate attention items and those that could wait. Even recommended batching some things for the next visit to be more efficient. I need look no more. Tho knows his stuff, he's fast and fair! Since then I've referred three people to him. All positive feedback. I will continue to refer Tho and so should you! read more

Tho knows his stuff. I've taken a few different types of cars to him over the past few years and every time he doesn't disappoint. He takes the time to diagnose the issue and comes up with a solution. read more

This is my new GO TO automotive spot. After reading all the awesome YELP reviews, I dialed and got a same day appointment to change the fluids in my Civic. Tho is very welcoming, he checked my 2007 Civic out and asked about any other concerns. Checked my brakes, literally took the tires off, and advised that I was still good to go. He was quick, friendly, never pushy and beyond reasonable. I've already referred two people and they said the same thing. No need to go anywhere else and get gouged, I've found my local honest mechanic, you will too!" TIP: Tho is the middle bay in the building. read more

Got a ton of carbon fiber stuff for my car. They do expedited shipping on all orders. Definitely recommend this place for carbon fiber. Not no cheap stuff from eBay read more

Accidentally ordered the wrong part they were able to help me very fast and get my order fixed before it was sent

This shop is owned by one guy, Tho. He's a great mechanic! I take my baby to him whenever I have a problem, or think I have a problem. He will tell me straight up if I need something fixed or replaced, or simply that my car is ok and what I need to do to keep it in tip top shape. He won't be one of those mechanics telling me I need this or that replaced even though its fine. I once thought my brakes were worn down because it was squeeking sometimes, but it was simply diirty. That's all! he cleaned it and it's fine. Other places would say I need my brakes replaced because they are worn down. Tho's work is great and done in a timely matter. He will contact you if more time is needed and if there is indeed an issue or more and will tell you the price before he actually does it. Other places will just to all this crap and slap you with a bill that's in the thousands.. Not Tho, he's very trustworthy.. I will take my baby to him until he retires... =) Thanks Thoski! read more

Tho does an amazing job at auto repairs. My car isn't considered one of the easier cars to work on (Swedish), but Tho still manages to pull through with hard and honest work. Everything is explained and articulated well, appointments times are splendid and Tho is a pretty awesome and sociable guy. Usually when taking my car in for repairs, I couldn't shake the feeling off of not knowing if I'm getting ripped off or what is being done to my car. Evaluations done here are pretty transparent, and it's hard to miss what Tho is diagnosing your car for. I'm pretty glad that I've found a place I can get honest repairs and a piece of mind alongside with it. Thanks again Tho! read more

My husband had his engine check light come on so I called around trying to find a place to get it inspected. Most places charge you upwards of $35 or more just to check the issue. When i called here however, he told me that he would check it for me for free! When I got there, he checked it and said that he would have to do a more thorough test to find the specific problem which would cost money, but he was really nice about it and told me that it might not be necessary to do it. He just turn off the engine check light and told me to wait to see if it came on again. If not, then it's probably nothing. I really appreciated his honesty and would definitely come back here again. read more

Hit my dude Tho last minute, had a code come up on my car which stated I needed a air control valve ($450) he told me to bring the car in to make sure I needed that part. I brought the car in he looked under the hood and was able to find the problem right away. Luckily he's an honest guy unlike most mechanics out for the paper fixed a hose that had collapsed and and me back running in no time. On top of saving 350 bucks. Will definitely be back and refer friends here. read more

Spent 4 hours on car. Cleaned IAC (intake air control) valve. Cost: $90/hour...total cost was $300 for diagnostics and a cleaned valve. read more

I was recommended here by a friend to get work done on my CRX. Tho is very personable and knowledgeable. He's an all around mechanic and I would highly recommend his services to anyone. Definitely coming back here the future. All I can say is if you stumble upon this place don't think twice getting work done here! read more

The service is fast + the price is reasonable. I once brought in a prius 2015 for an oil change. I brought in my own oil so i just paid for the oil change service, oil filter, and other minor regular maintainance (tire air pressure, etc.). I paid $25 in total. (Pro tip: buy your car oil at costco!) Tho is also very helpful. I find it hard to make the time for car maintanance within my schedule so I usually call ahead to see if i can just drop by when there is a time slot that opens up. Tho is so helpful to help fit me in his busy schedule. I really appreciate him for that. A bonus point for me is Tho is very friendly. I enjoy talking to him while he works on my car :) Would highly recommend this business! read more

If there's one thing that I absolutely hate doing, it is taking my car in for service. Its the most uncomfortable feeling knowing you may possibly be getting robbed right in front of you because you don't know shit about cars --- well, that feeling has disappeared since I've been taking my car here! Tho, the mechanic/owner of Southbay Autoworks is AWESOME. I've been coming here for years and I trust him so much that I drive over an hour for my car repairs and maintenance needs. I've brought in a Ford Expedition, a Honda Accord, and an Acura TSX and they all have been repaired with no problems. His work is consistent, prices are reasonable, and he is honest on what is needed for your car. I appreciate how he explains the alternatives, talks to you as a friend and explains it to you as a "non mechanic" so you can fully understand what is going on. If you're tired of pushy mechanics trying to make an extra buck, high prices, and rude service . . . THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO! You can expect fantastic service here! *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED* read more

Excellent service, great prices and honest technician. Rare to find at an independent shop. wouldnt take my car anywhere else.

I just took it here to resurface my rotors while I get my brakes done somewhere else. The owner, Tho, seems knowledgeable and was nice enough to explain everything to me (I know nothing about cars). Didn't seem cocky or trying to push me to do anything extra, but he gave me a heads up on pricing of parts and he says he services lowered cars. The driveway seems kind of deep, so idk if he has a board to get the car in the driveway or able to get on the rack since the only cars on the rack was a Lexus SUV and BMW. But nice guy with reasonable prices at least for rotor resurfacing (I was quoted $40/rotor at the other shop) while he did it for about half the price. I just had to bring the rotor in, off the car. read more

FINALLY! A car mechanic that I COMPLETELY TRUST 110%! Thank you SouthBay Autoworks for taking care of my baby in a TIMELY, EFFICIENT, and reasonably AFFORDABLE manner. My 2005 Acura RSX was due for 90k service and the front brakes were going bad. I know a ton of people who work on cars, but I needed my car back ASAP! I cannot live a day without my baby and I am so GLAD I took it to Tho at SouthBay Autoworks. I got my car back the NEXT DAY and everything from customer service to pricing was so much better than other competing car shops. I felt very secure and satisfied with my car being there. After receiving tip to take my baby here by a friend who works on cars, the mechanic gave me a call right away to tell me that the valve needed to be adjusted, also. However, he did NOT put pressure on me at all. Instead, he told me that he recommended it, BUT it is up to me. I liked that because I hate phony car mechanics that make me feel like they're just trying to make an extra buck. After I told him to go ahead and replace it, he proceeded to tell me everything that was still good with the car. What a relief because mechanics always tell you the bad things. For the first time, ever, someone is telling me all the good things. It is always great to be reassured that your car is up-to-date in service and you don't have to worry about bringing it back to the shop for a while. P.S. The last time I got my brakes done, I took it to Pep Boys and it cost me nearly $200!!! Ugh, I felt so jipped. SouthBay Autoworks replaced them for $120, including resurfacing the rotors and pads. I like affordable prices, but I value customer service more, any day. This place actually gives BOTH!! Whoo hoo! Holla, dolla. =) read more

I made an appointment yesterday with Tho for 9:30AM this morning for my SUV to change my brakes and resurface my rotors. First off, I must say that this is the most honest guy I've encountered in comparison to all of the auto mechanics in the bay. As a customer, we look for honesty, price competitiveness and exceptional work. Tho exemplifies all three aspects as he has fully satisfied my car needs. My experience went as follows: During my initial call yesterday to get all four brakes changed, Tho quoted me at 300 dollars, which was competitive cost wise as I have already made my cursory calls with other auto repair shops within the area. When I arrived this morning on time at 9:30, Tho was already there and ready to examine my car. After taking off the wheels, he noticed that my rear brakes actually don't need changing but just that one was leaking grease. He said that I could change it, but it would be around 250 dollars. He suggested that he could just clean it for me free of charge. For the front brakes, he resurfaced the rotors and asked me if I wanted to use my current brake pads because they were still good. He said that I would save some money by leaving my current brake pads. After turning my rotors, he put my wheels back and even pumped air into my tires without me even asking. He inspected my car afterwards and saw some normal wear and tear problems but said I should be OK. He drove my car to make sure everything was tip top. Total cost: 100 dollars. I'm definitely coming back here with my G35 to do some suspension work. read more

Tho is absolutely the best. I had unfortunately trusted some of the wrong people with my car, which ended up costing me more money. Tho replaced my differential and my transmission, and did it in such a short amount of time. It was the most amazing experience I've ever had getting my car worked on. He is beyond fair with his pricing, and I strongly recommend anyone who needs their car worked on to go see him. I will definitely be returning for all of my car's needs. read more

I've never enjoyed taking my car to the mechanic, but when I do... I so appreciate Tho at South Bay Auto Works. He is a former technician with Honda so he knows his stuff. He speaks to you like a friend and will give you honest answers. His prices are reasonable, he uses genuine Honda parts but will also offer other options. He is also an Interstate battery distributor. We always make an appt and he is quick. Walk-ins are welcome, but I don't know how fast those would be. If you have to wait, my husband says there is a game console to occupy your time. He is the only mechanic so you know you are getting the very best service by the head honcho. read more

I am so impressed by Tho! I talked to him on the phone, told him my truck brakes were making a racket, he said come by in the morning, no appointment needed. Showed up, he checked all four, took it for a test drive and assured me there was nothing wrong. I had brand new pads on all four (I just purchased the truck...used from a dealer a couple months ago) and everything seemed just fine. The squeaking was pretty much normal but he told me what to be mindful of...squeaking all the time instead of just first thing in the morning, etc., etc.... Peace of mind is priceless and speaking of that he wouldn't take a dime for his time either! If I ever need a mechanic for reals Tho has got my business! read more

I wouldn't trust any other Mechanic. Tho is honest, reasonable, and genuine. With all his experience, and knowledge, you can't go wrong. Every problem I have had with my cars, Tho has fixed. I would HIGHLY recommend Tho at SouthBay Autoworks read more

I take all my cars to Tho. I've had my brakes changed on my Hondas, timing belt for my Toyota SUV, and shocks replaced on my F250. He knows his stuff, and does good work! Quality parts and quality service. A trustworthy auto mechanic! read more

My go to mechanic!!!!!!Tho, has always came thru in the clutch, needed my Escalade checked for an emergency run to LA and BOOM.... he handled it, needed an oil change with little to no advance notice BOOM...handled! I would strongly recommend his great service and expert advice on all vehicular problems you may encounter. read more

Called on a ridiculously hot Monday because the air conditioning in my car wasn't working. The owner said to come in and he'd look at it and see if he could fix it. Got there about 2:00. He found that the motor for the air conditioner was not working. He said he'd try to get the part and fix it later that day. I went back at 4:30, he replaced the motor and the air conditioning works great. I was very pleased with the service. read more

Tho was able to fix a problem that the 2 previous mechanics I went to couldn't diagnose nor solve! The noise that was bugging me for months after supposedly being repaired are gone thanks to Tho. read more