NIELSENS AUTO REPAIR, INC

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Dana Habeck
6 months ago
In town on vacation and engine lights came on when we started the car. It was 11:20 on a Saturday morning.Searched repair near me and ended up here. Cody was the best. He did the diagnostic test and everything with such a great attitude for someone who was planning on closing in 25 minutes.I would highly recommend since this is the way an outsider is treated I can only imagine how kind and caring they are with repeat customers.

  T E
5 months ago
You can have anyone write a 5 star review for your business, the 1 stars however, are much more accurate. Rest assured if you re from out of town and in a pinch Drew will take FULL advantage of it. Do not under any circumstance diagnose your own vehicle and relay that to Drew as he will take that at face value and replace whatever you think may be wrong with the vehicle without actually diagnosing the vehicle with their own diagnostics they do have. You will then end up with a $951 part you actually didn t need and didn t solve the problem. Nor do they bother checking if the car was good to go after installing new parts, found that out after driving away and not getting even 4 blocks down the road before the car displayed the same issue. Brought it back, then was told it may be the computer, so NOW they decide to use their diagnostic tool to check, but wasn t going to fix anything until he checked with us first. Another lie as we then get a call the car is done and now owe $881 more. But hey, Drew was doing us a favor because no other surrounding auto shops could get us in til the next week. We have an excellent mechanic in DSM IA The Auto Clinic, Southside. If you need GOOD QUALIFIED car work done, oil changed etc this is THE place to go. They will diagnose your car BEFORE doing anything and also call you BEFORE doing anything, and their prices are much better! We have mechanics in our families as well so we re not naive to how auto shops should be conducting business. As for Drew, you will be prayed for, may the Holy Spirit convict you to repentance for taking advantage of people in the past, present and future that are in a bind. And BTW, after spending near $2k on this poor excuse for an auto shop the car STILL HAS THE ENGINE LIGHT ON and is STILL not running right. GOD is GOOD though as we did make it back to DSM safely. Shout out to Cindy the Airbnb we stayed in, she is WONDERFUL and texted us to ask if we made it home ok. Drew could ve cared LESS. I DON T RECOMMEND Neilsons to anyone, if you can t get into an auto shop, rent a car and drive back to your local auto shop or someone you know and trust. Do NOT waste your time or money with Drew.

  JC Omega
6 months ago
I had an awesome experience, I couldn't find any company that could help with my tire problem, as every one of them was booked, and even though they were super busy they still helped me when I really needed the repair on my Chevy avalanche, Thank you, I highly recommend them. They are very friendly too!

  Phil Roos
3 years ago
Thank you thank you thank you to Nielsons Auto Repair for helping us get on the road again. Had a wheel come off of our flatbed trailer (car hauler) on I-90 en route to Spirit Lake and within a few days, Drew and his team got a replacement wheel from the manufacturer, obtained new lugs so that we didn't need to replace the drum, and put my trailer back together. The price was fair, the service and attention to detail was fantastic, we were able to get on the road again without any delay to our schedule, and I would definitely recommend Nielsons. Thanks Drew for taking care of us and you've earned our trust and future business!

  Thomas DeWitt
9 months ago
My truck is being repaired as we speak. I do not live in Spirit Lake, so it is great knowing I have a place to bring my vehicles. The owner is the best, He absolutely saved us from a disaster a few years back. I wouldn't consider taking my truck anyplace else.

  Kelly D
9 months ago
Out-of-towners (from out of state, actually), who found their rear shocks were toast after we dropped our camper. Realized we needed to get it fixed ASAP, esp. before trying to pull our camper back home. We called numerous places, some couldn't help for a week, others wanted to keep our only vehicle for 2-3 days, so there goes our vacation plans. But Nielsen worked overtime to get the parts & fit us in their packed schedule, & even though there was a snafu due to the license bureau giving us the wrong plates which indicated a totally different vehicle with different parts, they got the right parts & had the rear shocks replaced in under an hour. We're back to our vacation plans, & we have a safe vehicle to do it in, AND to haul our camper back. HIGHLY recommend. Thank you, Nielsens.Service: Steering & suspension repair

  John Bickford
a month ago
The worst service! Do Not take your vehicle there! Misdiagnosed and still charged.

  Clinton Summers
3 years ago
Very professional and honest place! Wouldn t consider going anywhere else in the lakes area. Prices are fair, intelligent and certified employees. Having a truck with 230k miles definitely has its moments but these guys help me stay on the road without worry. Highly recommend.Service: General repairs & maintenanceService: General repairs & maintenance

  Chad Bol
2 years ago
I broke down on a Saturday afternoon 15 minutes before they closed he put my van on a computer told me what my problem was and had me fixed first thing Monday morning. My van has never run any better did a great job told me everything that was wrong with it even showed me the parts honorable trustworthy and knowledgeable car person you can trust Drew with anything that you bring there.Service: General repairs & maintenance

  Sabrina Bloomquist
6 years ago
I have had great experiences with this shop. We have 5 vehicles in our house hold including: Chevy Avalanche, Ford Explorer, Dodge Charger, Chevy Tahoe, and a Chevy pickup. We've brought in our vehicles on several occasions and they are always very quick with getting your vehicle looked at. They are cost friendly and time friendly for those who have busy schedules. Also this shop is very honest at what is wrong with vehicles and doesn't try to tell you that you need things that in fact you don't need at all. Also when they diagnose a vehicle they call and let you know and you decide what you want to get fixed or have it all fixed and they're estimates for prices is always accurate. If the estimate does in fact change they call and seek approval to continue on the job. They are very courteous and respectful and very friendly. When they do a job they do it to the extreme and make sure everything is done more than correctly and also offer and 2 year 24,000 warranty on everything nationwide which is awesome! Anytime we have an issue we have and will continue to bring it to Nielsons!

  Bill Cunningham
2 years ago
Our family was vacationing in Okoboji and we experienced trouble with our rear brakes. The owner was so courteous when I called and said he could look at the care the next morning. Dropped off at 8:00 am and the car was finished by 10:00 am. The bill was as expected, once again reinforcing how honest his business philosophy he practices. Highly recommend this business.

  Marynell DeBoom
4 years ago
We were traveling in the area when the brakes went out on our Pontiac Bonneville. We called, and they said they would be happy to look at the car as soon as we could get it to the shop. When we got there, they were so courteous and gracious......even gave us a loaner car so we could go for breakfast while the work was being done. We were happy to hear that it didn't need major brake work.....just replacement of a couple brake lines that were rusty. There was no pressure to do more work than was necessary. I couldn't rate them highly enough!! Great place, great people, great service.

  Robert Rehms
a year ago
Nielsens Auto answered our distress call while traveling in the area. Told us they are extremely busy but they could get us in to check the codes and diagnose. Very friendly and great customer service. Thanks for helping us outService: Engine repairService: Engine repair

  Greg Hanks
4 years ago
Very friendly owner...When I had a tire issue, he got my tires switched over right away, when 3 other places said they had a full schedule.I didn't even buy the tires from them.I was able to get back on the road and finish the job I was doing in the area.

  Michael Reeder
2 years ago
I was on vacation from Oregon in October of 2020. I had a coolant line brake, and not only was the repair reasonable but I was able to speak with the owner during the tow who's was as nice as could be. People don't do business like this company anymore. From the mechanic to the owner this place is aces!Service: Engine repairService: Engine repair

  Elizabeth Atchison
4 years ago
Our car broke down just as we got into town. Nielsen's was great about helping us tow the car and get it in running condition to drive home. They were very professional and did a great job.

  Adam Wolff
5 years ago
Very disappointed in the service and attention to detail in diagnosis.I try to keep my vehicles out of shops, because of past similar experiences, but took my truck in the interest of time based on some recommendations. Mistake. Misdiagnosed a misfire problem, found a different minor issue, and fixed that instead. Over $450 and the issue returned IMMEDIATELY upon pulling out of their driveway.No apologies, just an offer to let them try their second guess at a solution (set of spark plugs and an ignition coil) to the tune of $350, with no guarantee of success (I specifically asked this time). I passed on this, and was charged another $50 for this second diagnosis. Will update (probably not with another star though) when I find out if plugs and a coil actually solve the problem.UPDATE: looks like the second diagnosis was correct. Fixed for <$100 in parts. Still two stars because of the experience and fact that the truck still smells like cigarette smoke several weeks later.

  Melvin A. Ruiz
a year ago
I would give this place a wide berth on the bill they charge me for 4 quarts of anti-frees and they only needed one. And the car was HALF FULL on anti-freeze Although certifications don t mean she squat if you can t provide an honest job swindlers

  Cavin Duffin
4 years ago
Multiple times I've been in a time crunch and they were very accommodating in getting my vehicle out in a timely manner. Drew is very professional and an excellent mechanic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

  david hardy
4 years ago
Used nielsens repair a few times while I lived in spirit lake, Drew was always honest about what my vehicle needed without question. I have a rather extensive automotive background (but I'm too lazy to fix my own car ) and would have picked up on any dishonesty. Never tried to upsell me on things that were not necessary like air filters and such.

  Mandy Davis
a year ago
They have helped us with anything we have needed with our vehicles. Timely, professional, and excellent work!!!

  Lynnette Schultz
5 years ago
Got me 2 hours after I called. Drew is so nice and professional. Cleanest bathroom I ve ever seen at an auto repair place. I highly recommend them.

  Sherri Beers
4 years ago
Fair pricing, great service as owner is knowledgeable, kind, friendly...I am now taking my SUV to him for all of my car needs! Clean waiting area with TV and nice view!

  Darrel Kirchner
2 years ago
Terrible customer service! Took a truck in for new break lines, a good sized job 8hr or so! It has been over a week now and still I get NO response from them! I call the shop and it s just a run around!!Service: BrakesService: Brakes

  Luc Cauthron
3 months ago
Quick and easy with the Intoxaloc repair.

  Alex Dalziel
a year ago
Highly recommend. Drew knows what he is doing and stands behind his works when things don't go as planned.

  Anthony Erwin
4 years ago
Very friendly and had no problem explaining what was wrong in detail. Quick response time and got my vehicle fixed in a day (had to wait for a wheel bearing).

  Beth Bramhall
4 years ago
The staff is wonderful. Very kind and caring. They took the time to educate me on my situation and what I needed to do. I trust them completely.

  Melissa and Kevin Weber
4 years ago
This is the biggest rip off of a place. Don't go there!!!They have no warranty. They don't know what they are doing. Had THREE chances and made the Jeep so much worse. 1200 dollars to make it not run at all.

  Rick Holtz
5 years ago
Worked with Drew to get my sons car to safety when it died in Spirit Lake. He helped me out greatly. I would Highly recommend him.