Japanese Auto Masters
is a proud member of the 
Better Business Bureau of Greater Hampton Roads, Inc.

     In October of 1982 Tom Potter, and Stirling Fitz-Randolph after having served time as technicians at a well respected Datsun (later Nissan) dealership, decided to become business entrepreneurs themselves, along with Cindi Potter, (Tom’s wife) as CFO.  So began Japanese Auto Masters.  The name originally began as Auto Masters and two years later evolved to Japanese Auto Masters.  In the beginning, in order to gain trust and build clientele all makes of vehicles were welcomed into the shop.  Two years into the business it was decided that the name change to Japanese Auto Masters would allow us to tap a potentially prosperous market where few independent shops were interested in going.  Thus began the turn toward focusing primarily on the Japanese/Asian manufactured cars and trucks that are so prevalent in the market today.
     We set up shop in a 1500 square foot rented building at 129 Sykes Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA which we subsequently purchased and expanded to 3000 square feet.  The building in Virginia Beach is still in use today as another commercial venture.  While we were good as mechanics, we quickly learned being good mechanics did not qualify us to manage and operate a successful business.  With this in mind, Mr. Potter enrolled himself and his wife in business management classes to further their education in what it takes to run a successful company.  While they both continued to operate and grow the business, Mr. Fitz-Randolph left to pursue other business ventures.  It was at this same juncture that Mr. Potter purchased all outstanding stock in the company and became the sole stockholder.

     In 1996, Mr. Potter closed a deal on land at 1324 London Bridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA, doubled the size of the shop (with more bays), and relocated Japanese Auto Masters.  Today they service all Asian and Japanese vehicles, as well as many Domestic makes, including hybrids.

     Many of our customers had lost hope in what the dealership experience promised, but never delivered and now ask, “With many dealerships closing, where will get service on their domestic car?”  As such, Mr. Potter made the decision to return to his roots and once again service Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler vehicles along with Asian and Japanese vehicles.
     While Integrity, Trust, Quality and Guaranteed Service are catch-phrases to many, these words are evident in all we do, from our Service Consultants and Office Personnel, to each of our highly skilled and dedicated Technicians.   Through perseverance, hard work and with the help of many devoted employees throughout the years, Japanese Auto Masters has become recognized by much of the community of Virginia Beach (along with many surrounding cities) as a fair, honest and trustworthy repair shop to bring your car to for service. 

     For many years now Japanese Auto Masters has been a member of several well respected organizations including the Better Business Bureau, Triple A, and Carquest Tech Net.  Mr. Potter currently sits on the panel for the Tidewater Community College Automotive Division at the new Chesapeake campus facility.
     It is our sincere hope that you will find a warm inviting atmosphere in coming to have your vehicle serviced at our shop and ultimately become a customer for life.

 

     Japanese Auto Masters is proud of their employee’s accomplishments and what each individual brings to the company.  Each employee plays a valuable, integral part in the daily operations at the shop.  Japanese Auto Masters strives to improve its relationship with its employees through job security; bonus and incentive programs, as well as health benefits and contributions to their SEPP retirement accounts.  This encourages employees to care about the quality of the work they do, the company they represent, and provide our customer’s the same level of pride in workmanship.
     Many people outside of our industry are not aware of what the acronym ASE stands for.  These initials stand for Automotive Service Excellence and are used in the automotive industry (where licensing and certifications are not required), to describe a shop that cares enough to compel all their personal to become certified anyways.  Japanese Auto Masters is one of the few shops in which every individual is ASE certified and current; not only the technicians, but the Service Writers and Parts Manage.  As a result of this achievement, we are allowed to display the Blue Seal of Excellence whereby 75% of the shops employees must be certified.  Beyond the “basic eight” certifications is the L1 certification.  All eight of the basic certification skills tests must be passed before one is allowed to take the L1 test.  Currently, Japanese Auto Masters employs four L-1 technician’s, one Master Technician, an Under Car Specialist, and a Master Machinist.
    The testing for ASE certification is at times rigorous and not always easy.  As such, training is sought after and provided by Japanese Auto Masters to keep our technician skill levels sharp.  Ultimately, it is the skill and efficiency of the technicians that our customers come to rely on for the day to day, safe and proper operation of their vehicles.
     In addition to being ASE certified, each Technician is required to study and pass the Virginia State Inspection exam leading to their becoming a certified State Inspector.  Currently, there are three certified Virginia State Inspectors employed.

     Along with first rate service, our customers have come to expect the highest quality parts in the repair and servicing of their vehicles.  We only source and install Original Equipment Manufactured parts or those that meet Industry Quality Standards for the service and repair of your vehicle.
     With advancements in web-based search engines and links, we have the ability to locate nearly any conceivable part for your vehicle, sometimes even parts that have long been obsolete by the factory.  We can also source aftermarket and high-performance parts.  While we do not generally recommend recycled parts, we will (if requested), install recycled used parts, with the understanding of a no-warranty policy concerning the specific procedure.
     In the Service Department our friendly and helpful Service Consultant, Dennis Alexander, as well as Mr. Potter himself, are ready to provide the best possible service experience by first listening to your needs and helping to reduce the stress (often associated with having to bring your vehicle in for repairs).  The substantial knowledge they each bring to the table is necessary to make sure the problem or service you need is addressed up-front.  Afterwards, any other recommendations related to the safe operation of the vehicle or recommendations that will provide prolonged service life of your vehicle will be brought to your attention.  There is never any high pressure sales pitch to sell unwarranted service or repairs.
     All recommended repairs carry a limited 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty.  Ask your Service Consultant for a detailed copy of our warranty procedure.
     We are ready, willing, and able to provide the highest level of factory recommended maintenance as well as, routine service as needed in addition to specific requests.  While much of the routine service and repairs we offer can be done nearly anywhere, many unique repairs and services that we perform are not offered by the dealerships.
 Most motorists today have little or no patience when it comes to vehicle breakdowns. We at Japanese Auto Masters understand this inconvenience and will do what it takes to make the situation as painless as possible. If your vehicle breaks down on-the-road, consider your safety first, then give us a call and we’ll provide you with assistance and towing if necessary right away
.

 

We use the latest
technology to assist
us in the repair of 
your vehicle

 

     When servicing today’s vehicles, many special tools and service procedures are required to properly test and repair your car.  Some shops get by on what they have, but many fall short on what is needed and fail to purchase the necessary equipment to do the job right.  We pride ourselves on having the proper equipment to do the job right the first time and if we don’t have it, we buy it.
     Forward is a list of some of the tools used on a daily basis to provide the latest service to your vehicle:


*Snap-on Modis Combination Scan/ Oscilloscope-Wide range technology including diagnostic and troubleshooting reference guides as well as lab scope capabilities.

*Mitchells and ALLData-Web direct Vehicle Information Systems.  Being directly linked to the web, we obtain the most current information, updates and procedures for all the latest vehicles.  This information also includes Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) so we can quickly repair your vehicle right the first time, every time.

* John Bean Pro 32 Visualiner Alignment Computer-We use the most recent updated specifications and technology in our computer to perform alignments on all vehicles serviced.
All wheels and tires are mounted utilizing our newest TC3250 Tire Changer capable of changing tires as small as 12 inches up to 26 inches (both standard and low profile).  Tires and wheels are balanced using a brand new Hunter GSP 9600 Quick Match Computer Balancer with Smart Weight balancing technology.


*TC3250 Tire Changer-Capable of changing wheels as small as 12 inches and up to 26 inches both low and standard profile tires. This machine is equipped to handle factory and aftermarket alloy, aluminum and steel wheels with precision.

 

*Hunter GSP 9600 Quick Match Computer Balancer with Smart Weight Balancing Technology-This machine is accurate to within .1 tenth of an ounce and will help us provide you with the smoothest ride comfort from your tires as well as prolonging tire life.

*Automatic Transmission, Brake, and Power Steering Fluid Exchange Machines-They prolong the life expectancy  of the major fluid systems in your vehicle. Fluid servicing is the most significant operation we can perform for prolonging the mechanical life of your vehicle
 While we have 9 lifts in the shop designed by several manufacturers; all are currently safety certified for function and serviced regularly to prevent injury to the technician and your vehicle.
 In addition to the equipment listed above each technician has a multitude of special tools themselves as well as access to a vast selection of specialty tools kept secure in our parts department and at various locations throughout the shop.

 

*Auto Lifts (9)-Environmentally friendly electric/ hydraulic above-ground units.  While we have 9 lifts in the shop designed by several manufacturers, all are currently safety certified for function and serviced regularly to prevent injury to the technician and your vehicle.
     In addition to the equipment listed above, each technician has a multitude of special tools, they also have access to a vast selection of specialty tools kept secure in our parts department and at various locations throughout the shop.

Japanese Auto Masters' Staff:  When you need service you can depend on and you want the best value for your money without having to resort to less qualified technicians, or more costly alternatives, we can help.  We currently have four ASE Advanced Level L-1 Technicians, one Master Technician, an Undercar Specialist, and a Master Machinist.  We have all the skills and equipment under one roof to safely and to efficiently get you back on the road.

The continued success of Japanese Auto Masters is due in large part to its loyal customers, and to its employees, many of whom have been with the company since its beginning.  Our philosophy is we treat our customers the way we want to be treated.  Our company was founded on this principle and that is the essential reason we are still growing today.

For your convenience we have a comfortable waiting area, or we will gladly shuttle you to nearby Lynnhaven Mall while your vehicle is being serviced. 

Safety, Honesty, Integrity, Quality, Efficient Service...
Just some of the standards our customers have come to expect.
Please allow us the opportunity to earn your business.

 

In the interest of our customer's Safety and the Proper Operation of their vehicle, we will:

·         Schedule your next appointment tailored to the needs of, you, the customer.

·         Only perform necessary maintenance, service, or repairs authorized by the customer.

·         Never present an invoice greater than the most current, authorized amount.

·         Inform customers regarding manufacturers' recommended maintenance requirements.

·         Perform periodic analysis of their vehicle maintenance and note any concerns.

·         Provide highly trained, skilled, ASE certified diagnostic technicians to work on your vehicle.

·         Utilize the most up-to-date diagnostic information and equipment to service your vehicle.

·         Supply Original Equipment parts or weighing quality, price, and availability, the best parts obtainable.

·         Abide by and adhere to responsible environmental practices and disposal policies.

·         Provide a competitive warranty in a clear, understandable format.

Through the action of these responsible business practices, we will continue to be a leading, professional automotive service center for the benefit of our customers and of our community.

 

 

 

H o m e   |   A b o u t   U s   |   S e r v i c e s   |   S p e c i a l s   |   L o c a t i o n   |   C o n t a c t

 

J A P A N E S E   A U T O   M A S T E R S
1324 London Bridge Rd
- Virginia Beach, VA - 757.468.1333