No. We have a few chairs that would be comfortable for a few minutes, but not for the duration of the repair work for your vehicle.
How much does it cost?It depends.
Do you charge to diagnose a vehicle?Usually, yes, we do. AND… it’s important that you know there is a difference between a scan and a diagnosis.
We can scan your vehicle for codes for free, but it won’t accomplish much. Scanning for codes will give a starting place, show us where to start looking, but it won’t give a solution. Scanning suggests a starting point.
A diagnosis takes us beyond the starting point and takes time to determine exactly what the issue is, and how to solve it efficiently, the first time. Diagnosis is a service we usually do charge for.
The bigger picture: A scan for codes and a diagnosis won’t get the vehicle fixed or repaired. Even a diagnosis only gets us to the starting point of the problem.
Can I schedule a car appointment online?Absolutely. Click to the Schedule page on our website and set an appointment. We will call or email you back with our availability and confirm your appointment. Or feel free to give us a call if you’d prefer. 206-937-1144
What's that puddle under my car?There are a few possibilities. Could be oil, or coolant, or, [commonly] water from condensation. It’s helpful to know where under the car the puddle is landing [e.g. under the hood/front of the car, or just under & behind the passenger seat]. More details here: What’s That Puddle Under the Car?
No, we don’t specialize in this. We receive many calls and sometimes cars have a tire issue in addition to the other repair needs. We do our best, vehicle by vehicle, to service the car and customer to the best of our abilities.
Can I have my car, truck, SUV, or hybrid towed to your shop?Absolutely. If you’d like to have it towed during business hours, please give a call and let us know it’s coming. 206-937-1144
If it’s after hours, complete the form on the envelope, pop the key in the envelope and seal it, then drop it in the Night Box [on the main garage door]. We will contact you during the next business day.
Where do I park my car when I’m dropping it off after hours?The best place to park is between the shop office and Dog City Day Care. There are specifically allocated parking spots for Tom’s Automotive Services there. Or, you can park in front of our shop.
Just remember to complete the form, pop the key in the envelope, and drop the key into the Night Slot located on the main garage door [not the office door]. We will be in touch the next business day.
Why do oil changes at Tom’s require leaving my car all day?We don’t offer the same oil change you can find in neighboring services. We offer a comprehensive service on your complete vehicle, which includes an oil change and fluid check and fill. This is more than your average oil change, and we will need your car for the day for this service. We do a 23 point inspection and most of our oil services include a brake inspection and tire rotation as well.
TOM'S most prominently produces aftermarket parts for current Toyota vehicles, and has also created its own special edition of certain current Lexus models.
In motorsport, the company is currently heavily involved with Super GT, Super Formula and Super Formula Lights. TOM'S Racing has won the Japanese Formula 3 Championship 21 times, the Super GT series nine times, the Super Formula Championship four times, and the Super Formula Lights series three times.
History[edit]
The name stands for Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport, as the company was established in 1974 by Nobuhide Tachi and Kiyoshi Oiwa. Despite an oil crisis at the time, the two were able to show productive results and a healthy development of motorsports for Toyota. With the support of Toyota, TOM'S went into business in 1974.
In 1975 the Toyota Motor Corporation officially recognized TOM'S as an authorized tuning shop. In 1978, the firm opened a garage in the Tama area of Tokyo. The tuning firm expanded to Norfolk, England with branch openings in 1987. TOM'S entered the Japanese Formula 3 as an engine tuner in 1981. In 1987 the company opened a British factory to produce Formula 3 engines for Europe. They also were F3 chassis manufacturers from 1991 to 1997.
In 1993, TOM'S produced vehicles for the Japanese Formula 3000. In 1994, the firm marked its 20th anniversary with "TOM'S Angel T01", a commemorative model. 1995 saw the lightweight sports car series T101, T082, and T020. In 2003, TOM'S modified vehicles entered the All Japan F3 Championship group of the All Japan GT Championship.
List of TOM'S complete cars[edit]
- F070M Celsior [Lexus LS 400/430]
- F070 Celsior [Lexus LS 400/430]
- Z382 Soarer [Lexus SC]
- S741 Majesta
- S630 Aristo
- S740 Athlete
- S970 Athlete
- S972 Estate
- X540 Chaser
- E910 Altezza [Lexus IS 300]
- Toyota Altezza RS200
- Land Cruiser
- RX330/Harrier
- Prius
- H125 Alphard
- Isis
- W123 [MR-S]
- Angel T01
- T020 [MR-2]
- T111 [Corolla AE111 Trueno]
- T101
- T091
- T082
- P050 Vitz
- EP82 Starlet GT Turbo
- Lexus LC [URZ100/GWZ100]
- Supra [J29/DB]
- Supra Tourer [J29/DB]
- prod.Kazuki Nakajima
- GR Yaris
- Wide Body
Also the aero work done to the number 36 Castrol TOM'S SUPRA [1997 GTC 500 Champion with Michael Krumm and Pedro de la Rosa].
Motorsport[edit]
Outside of aftermarket tuning and parts, TOM'S Racing has a long history within the world of motorsport. Since its founding in 1974, TOM'S has continuously stayed involved in automotive racing, as a tuning partner, engine supplier, or racing team, especially with Toyota factory-backed racing teams.
History[edit]
Japanese Formula 3 Championship[edit]
TOM'S Racing had a large involvement and repeated success in the now-defunct Japanese Formula 3 Championship.
They won the championship a record 21 times: in 1987, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Super GT / JGTC[edit]
TOM'S Racing has been consistently involved in the Super GT racing series, the top level of Japanese sports car racing, since 1995 when it was called the All Japan Grand Touring Car Championship [JGTC]. The team has raced both Toyota and Lexus silhouette cars.
TOM'S has won the GT500 Class Championship nine times: in 1997, 1999, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
24 Hours of LeMans[edit]
From 1985 until 1993, TOM'S competed in the 24 Hours of LeMans, with a best result of 2nd place in 1992 with a Toyota TS010.
All Japan Sports Prototype Championship[edit]
TOM'S raced in the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship in Group C, winning a championship in 1992.
Macau Grand Prix[edit]
With the second-most team wins in history, TOM'S has won the Macau Grand Prix five times: in 1992, 1998, 1999, 2007, and 2008.
Japanese Touring Car Championship[edit]
TOM'S won the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1994 with a Toyota Corona E, and in 1997 with a Toyota Chaser.
Super Formula Championship[edit]
In the top level of Japanese single-seater racing, the Super Formula Championship, TOM'S has won the championship four times: in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2019.
Additionally, in its developmental series, Super Formula Lights, TOM'S has won the championship every year since its inception, in 2020, 2021, and 2022.