The Short Version: Very busy auto shop, but courteous, patient, and did a great job. The Long Version: I'm a bit hesitant to write this review, because I don't want them to be busier than they already are so I can get a quicker appointment the next time I need them, lol. But I need to give credit where credit is due and these guys are 5 stars all the way. My 12 year old car was making some rattling noises when I drove over bumps or uneven road. Takaki Auto had excellent reviews on many different platforms, and combing through them they seemed like legit reviews. They also came highly recommended on several chat forums. They are also close to my house and specialize in Japanese vehicles, which mine is. When I called for an appointment, I described my issue and they told me the plan of what they were going to check. They were booking about a month out. I dropped off my car on my appointment date and was able to rent a loaner car. They ended up keeping my car over the weekend because they weren't able to finish the work on the Friday that I dropped it off, but I was ok with that since I had the loaner. Hiroshi called me and explained the situation after they diagnosed what was wrong. They had already gone ahead and replaced a stabilizer link because I had given pre-authorization for certain repairs, if required, but further repairs were needed so he had to talk with me. He gave me some options (like just replacing the bushings instead of the entire controller arms). And advised me it wasn't urgent to fix, but explained some possible consequences of delaying the fix (like uneven tire wear and the sound could mask other more critical sounds if something else were to go wrong). He was very patient with me as I know very little about cars. In the end I didn't want to delay the repairs and I had them replace the 2 control arms for me. They texted me when my car was ready and sent me the detailed invoice. Pickup went smoothly and they fixed the problem. My car no longer made the rattling sound when I drove over bumps and the car seemed to drive smoother. I found the price reasonable and I was very happy with the customer service. Oh, let me tell you about the loaner car, it was like over 20 years old with over 300,000 km on it, yet still drove well. I feel this in itself is a testament to their skills, lol. I am glad to have found an auto shop that I like. My dad does all the basic maintenance stuff for me like oil changes, changing my tires and he can even change brake pads and spark plugs, but the more complicated stuff I need to take to professionals. That will likely be Takaki for me going forward. Review #216 (2025) read more

Takaki Automotive - Side of the auto shop. Love the mural. - Auto Repair Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

I love going there. They have a loaner car that is so affordable. You don't have to worry about going to your daily transport while your car is being fix. read more

Trustworthy, clear, always gives the whole picture and gives you all the info you need to make an informed decision. My family's been coming here 30 years for that exact reason. Highly recommended! read more

Takaki Automotive - Takaki Automotive building (picture taken from Somerset St W, facing east) - Auto Repair Near Me - Ottawa, Ontario

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I had a suspected bad alternator on my 2013 Subaru BRZ. With one quick chat on the phone, the shop had me booked in, had sent me a reasonable quote before dropping my car off, and then they had ordered all parts and had my car repaired within 2 business days! The price was very competitive and my car was repaired faster than I could have expected. I will be bringing my cars here in the future for any other maintenance needs after this pleasant experience. read more

They gave me an honest opinion and helped me find a drive shaft repair facility. I appreciate their professionalism and willingness to help even when they had to refer me to another shop. read more

I came to Ottawa in 1974 to start work at Tunney's Pasture. I needed to get my car repaired and asked around for recommendations and Takaki was suggested. Fifty years later I continue to get my vehicles serviced here. Quality work and a practical approach to making repairs ... replace when necessary and innovate when replacement is exorbitant and simply unnecessary. They are simply GREAT. read more

Love this family. New to Ottawa and needed a mechanic. Yelp reviews for Japan Auto were awesome so I called and they were booked for the next 2 mos. They recommended Takaki. The whole process with Takaki was painless and friendly. Their prices I think are a little higher but you get quality work. Plus there's an adorable Shiba inu that' hangs out in the office I'll return for sure read more

It's probably unusual to actually *love* your mechanic, but that really is how I feel about these guys. They are very knowledgeable about my specific car - even though it's 11 years old and bought in the US. When something goes wrong, we have a discussion about what it could be and make a plan for diagnosing it in the least expensive way possible. When something has several potential fixes, they clearly outline the benefits and costs of each choice. They're too busy to make up stuff to fix. Highly recommend read more

This garage has been a disappointment. We've been bringing our cars here for over 10 years and although the prices were always high at least the work was thorough. Until now. I brought my Subaru in last week with the "check engine" light on (no other symptoms) and Takashi Jr. himself told me that he didn't feel it was necessary to actually check the engine. A week later, the car won't run and Takaki claims their advice to ignore the "check engine" warning last week wasn't bad judgement. I've had to pay to have my car towed twice ($200) and still no honest, clear diagnosis--something Takashi Sr. had built the company's reputation on. My guess is that if Takaki continues to treat long-time loyal customers with contempt like this, their reputation will take a hit. read more

We've been taking our cars to Takaki for 10 or 15 years and have been consistently very happy with their work, especially the fact that they don't oversell repair work like some big "tire" stores where the mechanics don't get paid unless they're working on a car so they're pressured into recommending additional work that isn't necessary. In comparison, Takaki has consistently said "that can wait" when something is identified but isn't serious and I can't remember having any issues with anything they've fixed, which is as good as it gets. read more

Great shop to deal with. Fixed my car (engine positioning butchered by another shop!) when nobody else would touch it.

I don't usually write reviews but this is the most incredible service I received today. The mechanic was friendly, helpful and very knowledgable. I found myself not being able to start with car. Stuck at work. Shoot! He was able to diagnose problem over the phone and coach me through it which allowed me to start my car and cancel towing I had booked. I am so grateful. Thank you, thank you :) ありがとう read more

My ex, who is mechanically inclined, serviced my car at Takaki for over 10 years when he could not do it himself. As a recently single women finding myself, for the first time, faced with maintaining my old 1997 subaru I was scared and suspicious of everybody. I shopped around only to be talked down to, swindled, and flirted with. Short on cash, I hired another dealer to replace my clutch and got what I paid for. It turns out that the other dealer didn't even offer me a better deal. I just assumed Takaki would be too expensive. Mopping up a botched clutch job, I sheepishly returned to Takaki. The Takaki guys never assume I cannot understand what they are saying, They are available on short notice to diagnose a problem, offer options when I am short on funds, and their prices are competetive. Trust me, I have shopped around. Thanks to them, I feel like I am getting to know and understand my car and it's quirks. They take the time to explain. The are always, friendly, polite and respectful. I would not hestitate to recommend the Takaki team to anyone looking for fair, honest, and reliable service. read more