Google Reviews
Hector V Patino
★
☆☆☆☆
a year ago
From the Best Auto Shop to the Worst Scam At first, I trusted this auto shop because my family had a great experience with an incredibly kind technician and a professional manager who genuinely cared about customers. Based on that trust, when I bought my car and noticed a slight issue with the steering pulling to the left and a minor vibration, I decided to bring it here. Big mistake. They gave me an estimate of almost $980 to fix it, which seemed excessive, but I trusted them because they offered a warranty. The next day, the car had a brand-new issue that never existed before—it would stall when accelerating. I took it back, and suddenly, they told me that to fix the original problem, I first needed to fix other things. This didn’t seem right, but I had no choice but to pay another $900. That’s when everything turned into a nightmare. Instead of improving, the car got way worse. Now the check engine light was on, and at traffic lights, the car would accelerate on its own, which is an extremely dangerous safety risk. None of this was an issue when I first brought it in. When I tried to talk to the new manager (because the original one was gone), instead of giving me solutions, he kept interrupting me and spoke in a condescending way, as if he didn’t take me seriously. Then, he tried to justify everything by blaming a “language barrier,” which may have affected communication, but it does not explain why my car left in worse condition than it arrived. To make matters worse, when we checked the car before leaving, we realized the engine cover was missing. I don’t know if they tried to keep it or just didn’t bother putting it back, but either way, it’s unacceptable. The problem here isn’t just the money—it’s the way they operate. They make you pay for layers of “repairs” before reaching the real issue, like a video game where you have to pay to unlock each level. This is not honest service; it’s a scheme to take your money without caring about the quality of their work. If you’re thinking about taking your car here, think twice. This is not the same shop that once provided excellent service. Something changed, and now it’s just an expensive trap that leaves your car in worse condition than before.
Lina Colangelo
★★★★★
a year ago
Nelson's Auto was awesome! I brought my car in because it was smelling like burning rubber, they checked it out within a couple of hours and were super thorough with communicating any updates about my car. Turns out, there was nothing wrong with it, must've been a leaf or something stuck in the hood. BUT, they didn't charge me a dime for looking at it, even after I insisted. These guys are great, I will be returning
Ellen H
★★★★★
a year ago
Nelson’s is great! I brought my car in for cracks on my tires and they were very helpful and accommodating! When I explained I couldn’t afford to do an alignment on top of the tires they just said okay! I’ll be returning there for sure. Thank you!
kori halbert
★★★★★
3 years ago
This was hand downs the best experience I have ever had with a car auto shop. I am brand new to Minneapolis and know no one yet so I went off reviews and I am so glad I did. Took my Chevy in just see what exactly was wrong and not only did they figure out the issue they corrected a few others while they were in there. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and very considerate and kind in explaining technical car issues to people such as myself who have no idea lol. I truly won’t be taking my car anywhere else.
Mads Benishek
★★★★★
a year ago
Fantastic experience with Nelson's. They communicated promptly regarding the issue, options for repair, and progress of the work. They also took care to make sure the repair was completed correctly. Pricing was fair and transparent. Nelson's is my go-to mechanic. Keep up the great service!
Calliope Bodkin
★★★★★
3 months ago
Good repairs and good staff. Helped me after my appointment with tire pressure troubles, made sure I was okay to go home.
Bertie Specht
★★
☆☆☆
9 months ago
I took my car in for an oil change, and was told that the car needed almost $4000 of work - in addition to about $200 worth of non-urgent extra work that had already been done without consulting me first! I then took the car to a trusted family mechanic in a different town who said all but one of their recommended repairs were either a) not necessary, b) strongly discouraged by the manufacturer, or c) technically impossible to perform on that specific model of car. The work they have actually done for me seems to be fine and they were seemingly transparent and professional before this but I can't recommend a business that makes non-urgent repairs without permission and stacks repairs so aggressively like this.
Sara Zabinski
★★★★★
a month ago
6/5 stars. Honest, work fast and go above and beyond for your repairs. Extremely communicative and helpful. I will definitely be back!
Maddie G
★★★★★
8 months ago
This review is long overdue, but I was very happy with my experience at Nelson's Auto Repair. I discovered a nail in my tire and needed a last-minute patch before my hour-long commute to work. I had set up an appointment with Tires Plus the day prior, but when I arrived, they told me the receptionist must have made an error because they didn't have my appointment in their system, and that they wouldn't be patching my tire. I frantically called around, explained my predicament, and Nelson's took me in right away and patched my tire just in time for me to leave for work. The manager was very kind, professional, and seemed to genuinely care about his customers. He explained to me that when he took over management, he made sure to hire quality employees he had worked with extensively that he would trust to work on his own car. He didn't try to upsell me or diagnose a bunch of issues I didn’t come in for, like many other auto shops do. I'm a younger woman and have had issues with other shops being condescending towards me or dishonest about the state of my vehicle to make a quick buck. Fortunately, I did not experience that here and felt that I was treated with respect and as an equal, even as someone with limited auto repair knowledge. Would definitely do business here again!
Ari Orsino
★★★★★
11 months ago
I am not from Minneapolis, when i moved here 3 years ago I looked for a good shop that was nearby. This one had some of the best reviews. They worked on both of the cars that I’ve had here and have always been transparent about issues and have always called me before proceeding with any work to make sure that I will give the green light on the things that I can afford/ need to be done. I just brought it in to get my blinker replaced and they did a full work up (which I did ask for as Im moving away and wanted to make sure everything looked good) and they informed me of some other work that needed to be done before I departed. ALL of the “extra” work were things I knew were going to be coming and they informed me it was time to get those replaced. New tires and brakes. When the call came in about it, obviously I wasn’t thrilled because that stuff isn’t cheap but I wasn’t surprised those are what needed replacement as I suspected it before I even took it in. They also were super great when I told them I was moving. Despite not having much time left in the Twin Cities they gave me the same great treatment for my car and fixed it up quickly. They have never surprised me with a secret issue. Cars can be expensive to fix and get new parts for, but this shop is always transparent about pricing and is within range of shops i’ve seen in other cities. I have never felt like they have snuck anything on me. With moving away soon, this shop is the biggest thing I will miss as I have never trusted an auto place more. I wish I could take them with me to my next city!
Emily Hand
★★★★★
4 months ago
It was a great experience. The work was done up front, he does his best to give discounts where he can, and will tell you what NEEDS to be done, what should be done soon, and then suggestions that don’t have to be done soon but could help. Would recommend
Jennifer Schommer
★★★★★
9 months ago
I was really impressed with the transparency and honesty at Nelson’s Auto Repair after working with Josh. He didn't try to sell me any unnecessary services, and he was upfront about the costs. All of the staff were friendly and helpful, and Josh explained everything in detail. The work was done quickly and at a fair price. I had a great experience at Nelson’s Auto Repair. I will definitely be back for future repairs.
Samantha Woodman
★★★★★
6 months ago
They were very nice great customer service, My car was completely messed with and they fixed it super fast. Really appreciate how fast it was done. I know nothing about cars or the prices for the parts but considering the damages i think it was fair and i had a few of my own parts they used. They did make it clear they dont usually allow it but i had paid a ton of money and couldnt return them so he worked with me and used them. Also made it clear that they dont have a warranty. Completely understand. I definitely will be going back there if my car needs anything else.
Emilie Stallnick
★★★★★
4 months ago
We have been taking our car here for a bit now, and it’s a really awesome and friendly repair shop. It’s always convenient to schedule a drop off, and they’re always super helpful with staying on top of maintenance. Especially preventing future problems. Definitely recommend!!
Matthew Burton
★★★★★
2 months ago
Josh and his team were fantastic. They tackled a hard job and found a solution. It’s rare to find a shop that cares about their customers and doing business the right way. Highly recommended!!!
Amber
★★★★★
5 months ago
This is my local shop, super close to where i live. They always have time to take my car for repairs, and they're very honest about what needs fixing and costs. I've always felt well informed about my vehicle and its issues, and recieve regular updates as the car is looked at, diagnosed, and repaired. They work quick and do a good job ! Highly recommend !!
Tarina Romano
★
☆☆☆☆
11 months ago
First time using this automotive shop, will NEVER go back and definitely do not recommend!!!! Our plan was to take our SVU for an estimate on repairs (was at the shop for a week), on the day of our pick up after deciding not to move forward with the repairs at the shop we noticed the car had been gone through. Upon picking up the car there was no sign of forced entry, which led us to believe the car had been left unblocked by staff. Immediately after incited we called the shop to see what we could get help in, in regards to this (minimum to file a police report) left voicemail and till this day have not received a call back with any information or further assistance.
Nicarla Laliberte
★★★★★
4 months ago
Mike has been working with us and his great. We have a fleet of trucks for our construction company that always need repairs and he is always on top of everything. Fast, very reliable, cost effective. Highly recommended.
Allie Bowman
★★★★★
4 months ago
I had a flat tire and walked in expecting to buy 2 new tires. Instead, they were able to patch the tire I had, which saved me a lot of money. I’ve been to shops where they try to convince me I need unnecessary repairs or upsell me on the services I do need-I did not have that experience here. The service was quick and the communication from the staff was clear and friendly. My car is running great and I plan to be back in the future.
Micaela Porod
★★★★★
3 months ago
The people at Nelson's were fantastic to work with after experiencing a couple unfortunate car issues this past month. I had a flat tire which they were able to patch up within a couple hours. Then my catalytic converter was stolen a week before Thanksgiving. They worked quickly and had my car up and running just in time for me to get home. Very grateful I came across Nelson's during this stressful time and will definitely be returning for any future repairs!
