If you drive down University Avenue in St. Paul, you’ll see plenty of glass-fronted dealerships and sleek, corporate service centers. They have the fancy espresso machines. They have the "service advisors" in crisp polos. But if you ask a Hamline-Midway local where to take a car that’s making a sound like a blender full of marbles, they won't point you toward the neon signs.
They’ll point you toward Tuan Auto St Paul MN.
Located at the corner of University and Pascal, Tuan Auto Repair is a humble, brick-and-mortar anchor of the community that has been around since 1986. It doesn’t look like much from the outside. Honestly, the waiting room was famously "utilitarian" for decades—though they’ve recently fixed it up enough that you can actually sit there without feeling like you’re in a 1970s detective film.
The Legend of Tuan Auto St Paul MN
This isn't just a shop; it’s a survivor. The business was founded by Tuan Anh Pham, a man who escaped communism in Vietnam and brought his family to Minnesota in 1979. He started by working on cars out of a house. Just seven years later, he opened the shop on University.
Tuan passed away in 2021, which was a massive blow to the neighborhood. But his son, Raks Pham, has been running the show since 2002. Raks graduated from the U of M with a sociology degree—which he jokingly says was just the fastest way out of school—but his real education happened in the bays watching his dad.
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The philosophy here is old-school. Back in the day, Tuan’s approach was about fixing things to get them running again. Today’s industry is obsessed with "replace, replace, replace." If a part has a scratch, a dealership wants to swap the whole assembly for $2,000. Raks and his crew still have that "fix it" DNA.
Why the Midway Neighborhood Is Obsessed
You can’t fake the kind of loyalty this place has. If you walk into the office, the walls are literally plastered with grease-stained thank-you notes, Christmas cards, and hand-drawn pictures from customers.
One legendary story involves a customer who was told by another shop that they needed a total engine replacement for $2,400. They brought it to Tuan. He found a minor issue, charged them $40, and sent them on their way. That’s not just "good business." In a city like St. Paul, that’s basically a miracle.
Key stats for the curious:
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- Labor Rates: Consistently reported to be about 12% lower than the Twin Cities average.
- Capacity: On a typical day, they handle between 16 and 20 cars.
- Wait Times: This is the catch. Because they’re so honest, they’re usually booked out two weeks or more.
Dealing with Real Challenges in 2026
It hasn't been an easy ride lately. In late 2024, the shop was hit by a devastating burglary. Intruders smashed through a window and made off with about $30,000 worth of tools and equipment. Even worse? They stole a cellphone that belonged to the late Tuan Pham. It contained the only remaining videos and voice recordings Raks had of his father.
The neighborhood response was instant. People weren't just sad; they were angry. A community that had been through the 2008 recession, the Light Rail construction that killed many businesses on University, and the 2020 riots rallied around Raks.
He’s been vocal about the "divestment" in the Hamline-Midway area, pointing out the vacant CVS lot across the street and the rise in local crime. Yet, he stays. Why? Because the business isn't just a revenue stream. It supports his family and the families of his technicians.
What They Actually Do
They service almost everything. While some shops hide behind "we only do Europeans" or "we don't touch hybrids," Tuan Auto handles:
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- Standard Maintenance: Oil changes, fluids, and the basics.
- Major Mechanical: Transmission issues, engine diagnostics, and those "perplexing" noises other shops can't solve.
- The "Honesty Check": Many people bring their cars here just to verify if another shop's $3,000 quote is actually legitimate.
They don't do upsells. If your brakes have another 5,000 miles on them, Raks will tell you to come back in six months. He won't try to scare you into a "premium pad upgrade" today.
How to Get Your Car In
If you’re planning to visit Tuan Auto St Paul MN, you need a strategy. You can’t just roll up at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday and expect an oil change in twenty minutes.
- Call Ahead: (651) 646-2700. Don't be surprised if the phone rings for a bit; they’re busy.
- Be Specific: Tell them exactly what’s happening. They appreciate customers who don't just say "it's broken."
- Plan for a Drop-off: Most people drop their car off at 8:00 or 9:00 AM and wait for the call in the afternoon.
- Location: 1459 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104. It’s right on the Green Line, so you can easily hop the train to a coffee shop or back home while they work.
The Realistic Downside
Let's be real for a second. The neighborhood is "transitional," to put it politely. Parking can be a bit of a squeeze. And as mentioned, the lead times for an appointment can be frustrating if you're in a total emergency.
But for most St. Paulites, the trade-off is worth it. You’re trading a slightly "sketchy" corner and a two-week wait for the peace of mind that you aren't being robbed by a guy in a corporate lanyard.
Actionable Next Steps:
If your "Check Engine" light just popped on, or if you're tired of paying dealership prices for basic maintenance, your first move should be to check your schedule for two weeks out. Call the shop early in the morning—right when they open at 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM—to snag the next available slot. If you have a quote from another shop that feels high, bring a copy of it with you. Raks is known for being a straight shooter who will tell you exactly which of those "recommended" repairs are actually necessary and which are just padding the bill.