L & J Motors

Auto repair shop
4.3(64 reviews)
1539 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
L & J Motors

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to verify your info and earn a verified badge.

Claim This Business

About L & J Motors

L and J Motors has been a fixture in Maplewood, New Jersey since 2017, operating as a full-service auto repair shop with a 4.3-star rating drawn from 64 customer reviews. Licensed and inspected under New Jersey motor vehicle regulations, the shop serves vehicle owners across Maplewood, South Orange, and the surrounding Essex County communities. The family-run operation earned recognition for handling imports and domestic models alike, with particular expertise cited for European marques including BMW and Mercedes-AMG. Technicians here emphasize transparent diagnostics and upfront communication about repair scope and costs before work begins.

What distinguishes this shop on a busy Maplewood block is a documented commitment to honesty in an industry where ambiguity breeds distrust. Multiple five-star reviews specifically praise the mechanics for refusing to perform work that is not necessary, with one customer noting an instance where a concerning noise was identified as a harmless AWD characteristic rather than a costly repair. Saturday operating hours accommodate commuters and workers who cannot attend weekday appointments, a practical concession that Marc Rosenberg cited in his 2017 review as the deciding factor for ongoing patronage. The shop maintains a clean facility and employs credentialed technicians who can address multiple vehicle systems without routing work to third-party specialists.

Jay Vicencio, a former employee who brought his own Volkswagen GTI MK6 through the bays, described consistent reliability across years of personal and family vehicles. His 2023 review credited the crew with completing every repair correctly on the first attempt, a standard that Corbin Walderrama also experienced when his 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 arrived with a suspension noise after curb contact. The diagnosis revealed nothing wrong, saving an unnecessary repair. Not all accounts are unqualified endorsements. Mary Williams, a customer of many years, noted that service declined after the original brothers departed, and one recent review cited a failed coolant system repair and disputed billing practices that warrant direct conversation with the shop before authorizing major work.

What Customers Say

4 of 6 visible reviewers explicitly describe L and J as honest, refusing unnecessary repairs or providing accurate assessments that saved customers money. Saturday hours appear in two separate reviews as a practical benefit for weekday workers. The single one-star review raises concerns about coolant system work, though the remaining five reviews span 2017 to 2023 with consistent praise for competence and trustworthiness.

Working Hours

SundayClosed
MondayClosed
Tuesday8 AM–5:30 PM
Wednesday8 AM–5:30 PM
ThursdayToday8 AM–5:30 PM
Friday8 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday8 AM–5 PM

Services

Engine Diagnostics and Repair

Computerized fault analysis for check engine lights and performance concerns, with transparent explanation before repairs begin.

Brake System Service

Pad replacement, rotor resurfacing, and caliper inspection for safe stopping performance on daily drivers and performance vehicles.

Suspension and Steering Repair

Shocks, struts, control arms, and steering linkage service for improved ride quality and handling.

Transmission Service

Fluid exchange, leak repair, and clutch inspection for manual and automatic transmissions.

Coolant System Repair

Radiator service, hose replacement, thermostat housing, and coolant flush for overheating prevention.

Multi-Vehicle Household Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance for multiple cars from one family, including diverse makes and model years.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

Comprehensive assessment of a used vehicle before purchase, covering safety, drivetrain, and cosmetic condition.

Frequently Asked Questions