If you need an oil change in the Wallingford area and don't want to patronize a chain establishment, go to Nelson's. They are friendly and efficient, I've gotten my last three oil changes there and trust the info they give and the recommendations they make.
First time going to this facility for emissions test. No appointments needed. I was told to wait in the waiting area inside with the tv monitor to see when your car is done with the emission test. Three cars that arrived after me were taken in before my car. Make sure your on top of when your turn is next.
I guess I hit the shop a bad time! Walked in and right away was greeted with what do you want? Then was told it’s going to be 45 minutes. Spin the wheel of luck!
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this experience needs to be shared. I arrived before 8 AM for an emissions test, only to encounter a disappointing level of customer service. When I explained that I could pick up the change later, the employee curtly responded, ‘I’m not going back and forth.’ This dismissive attitude was unnecessary and unprofessional.
It’s disheartening to see unmotivated employees impacting a business like this. I hope the owner takes steps to address these issues and improve the overall customer experience. Customers deserve to be treated with respect, and businesses thrive when their staff are motivated and willing to help.
I live in Florida, I traveled to Massachusetts for work. I had a mechanical problem with my Ram 3500 pickup truck. I visited the shop to request assistance to change a front hub bearing. I arrived before they opened, I waited patiently for the shop to open and finally I was attended to by a lady at the window. She answered me bluntly that it was not possible to help me because she did not have the equipment to lift my truck and she did not have the time either. I asked if she could tell me a place in the area, she told me she did not know. In the end I had to do it myself in an Autozone parking lot.
I stopped by this morning because I’m having a problem with my brakes. I got told it would be two weeks before they could even look at it. I’m from out of state and heard they had a good reputation and were reasonably priced. I thought that they could look at it, maybe not today but at least another day just to make sure I’m safe nope it sounds like they’re good at emissions. I’ve been gone for 30 years and assumed that the state still did the emission testing which I personally think was better I was hoping to find a good mechanic up here that could take care of my needs when I came up in this area.
Went there today 9/4/24 for my emissions test. The young lady at customer service was extremely friendly and my test was done quickly. Nice waiting area to hang out too so that helped. Thumbs ? for Nelson Automotive ?
My alternator sadly died on my 2010 rav4 at around 8pm on a Thursday night and being semi new to the area I don’t have a trusted go to mechanic and was fully prepared to probably wait around a week or two (with an unstartable vehicle) to get my car worked on. I started calling shops first thing the next morning (Friday) and other than Nelson’s I was pretty much told there were no openings for at least a week. I had called Nelson’s first since they were the closest and had the best reviews and when I talked to the very nice woman she said I could bring it in immediately but couldn’t promise me it would get looked at that day but probably the following Monday since they are not open for service on Saturdays. This was the best timeframe I had received from all the shops I had called so I had my car immediately towed there by about 10am. Man I am so happy I did. To my surprise I got a call around noon to tell me they did get to look at it and would most likely be finished by the end of the day. I was ecstatic. Again the very nice and accommodating woman very plainly told me what the issues were and the total cost of the work. They never tried to upsell me or conjure some issues that didn’t exist. Everything she told me was right on par with what I expected to hear which was a huge relief. So 4:45pm rolls around and I get the call that the car is all set and good to go. I couldn’t believe it. I started the morning out thinking I’d be without a vehicle for at least a week to having it back and it perfect working order in less than 8 hours. Is this out of the norm and just about unbelievable? Yes. Did I get super lucky and have a couple customers no-call no-show for their appointments? Yes. Will I be using Nelson’s in the future for any of my mechanical needs? You can bet your bottom dollar. I was beyond pleased with the service I was offered here and my car is and has been running perfectly since. It’s beyond refreshing to find an honest and decent mechanic these days and I would recommend them to anyone.
Emissions testing. Scheduled an appointment for 2pm, arrived at 1:50pm. I sat in a small waiting room until 2:05pm and was on my way.
I think it took me longer to drive there than the testing did. Woman was fast efficient and courteous, what else can you ask for?
What made it the best? I told my wife I'd be 30minutes so I had time to stop for a coffee and contemplate the universe and my place in it.
Thanks to the Nelson crew for my moments of silence from the grueling pace!
Excellent place to get emission test done. I dreaded the process at previous place (dealership) and had to pay late fee this year. If I knew how easy, convenient and friendly - the entire process took 10 minutes - at Nelson's, I could have saved $20. Every step from where to park and pay was clearly marked and employees are so professional and friendly. After this great experience, I will be using them for oil change and other auto needs. I highly recommend it.
I was leaving a doctor's appointment (out of town) when someone pointed out that one of my tires looked low. Not wanted to drive on the highway, I googled a nearby service center - found Nelson's not that far from where I was - they took me right in, checked the tires, put air in one that needed it. No charge - I felt bad that I didn't even have cash to leave a tip - he said don't worry about it - have a nice weekend. Very pleasant, professional and accommodating as a drop in customer. Thank you!
I have been a customer for over 5 years. I initially came in with a check engine light on my old clunker. They were honest and told me that they could "fix" the check engine issue but it would be a temporary fix. They showed me the car and walked me through all the problems and how unsafe it would be for me and my son. They let me decide what I wanted to do.
I decided to get another used car which I had them check for me. They have been my go to people for both of our cars since. An honest mechanic is hard to find. Also, Kayla is the best! She's a Rockstar!
Quick and easy service! Very informative and gave my husband a list of tires he could buy. The girl at the desk was great to work with and she gave us an update with his check engine light. She also managed to get an air filter in before a holiday weekend that she didn’t think she’d get delivered. Awesome awesome awesome
Had an emissions test done here. Would have been significantly quicker but you can't control the old clunker coming in ahead of you.
The test for my obdii car went extremely fast
Top notch quick service
10/11/22 Nelson’s Automotive is a well established, long time repair business in Wallingford, now in its second location the past several years after moving to this North Plains Highway location from their beginnings on East Center Street.
I’ve been coming to them for my periodic emissions testing for many years, starting when they were at their previous location.
I decided that when my Nissan pickup truck needed any sort of repairs I’d bring it to them.
I called a few days ago to arrange having the brakes serviced on my truck.
When I called, I was greeted by a friendly voice of a young woman whe gave me a day to bring it in.
On that day, I went to the service window and that young lady greeted me and said she’d give me a call later that day when they could tell me what the cost would be and when it would be completed.
Later that day she phoned and told me the amount of the bill and said the job would be completed by end of the day.
The price wasn’t cheap (I wasn’t expecting it to be), but I’m more concerned with quality & value.
I told her that I arranged to pick it up the following morning, if that was ok.
A little later that day she phoned once again to let me know the work was completed, just for my information.
I appreciate that they communicate so well with their customers, and I’m very satisfied with the work they did.
I learned just now from the owner’s response that I can have my oil & filter changed while I wait, with an appointment made in advance. So I’m upping my review to five stars!
Thank you Nelson’s Automotive for you reliability, fair prices and good value.
My Loretta came from Arizona bought her back and 2009-10 after being hit by a drunk driver that totaled my car! got up and walked away. Thank God everyday for my life that could have been taken but he has me here for a reason. She was in good hands with Nelson's Automotive they are very professional, straightforward.Though it took about 6 days to get her repaired because my parts had to come from I would assume far away. I thank God for the patience and friends and coworkers for the rides back and forth to work until I can get her back. She runs great, she was manufactured in 1997 of November Connecticut has taken the toll on her with all the chemicals they put on the roads during the winter seasons but she's strong. The old expression is "she's old but she holds" thank you Nelson for great work on my Loretta. I appreciate it and so does she.Will...
The staff was wonderful, very friendly and accommodating.
One of the few places to get an Emissions Test done where you can sit in a cool (during the summer) and warm (during the winter) area to wait for your car.
Also went to Nelson’s for an Oil Change and they were very reasonably priced for the synthetic oil change I needed.
They are and have been in Wallingford for years and can be trusted with your car.
Give them a chance, you won’t be disappointed!
I visited Nelson's for my emissions test, and all went smoothly! The woman I spoke to on the phone was really helpful and friendly, and when I arrived so was the person there who helped me. They got things wrapped up in no time, maybe about 15 minutes. Would definitely consider coming back again if I ever need anything for my car.
I’ve lived in CT for 6 years and was still taking my car back to my hometown in NYS for repairs because I couldn’t find a place I trusted. Nelson’s is AWESOME, though. Kayla was so easy to work with and the communication was great. She even stayed a bit late so I could still pick up my car after getting stuck in rush hour traffic. The prices were incredibly fair and the service overall was just the best. 15/10 would recommend. I will certainly be back for future service and repairs.
6/24/21 Easy and quick to do emissions. 20 bucks cash. Outdoor sitting area with a tent for shade while you wait. Can't speak to any of the other services they provide. Had PP stuff and chair and steering wheel covers for the tech. Seemed like it might be overkill at this point but appreciate that they had the supplies and were making the effort to do right by their employees.
Honest, hard working staff. Been with them 4 years. Everyone's so polite, & respectful. Pete & Pete have worked on our cars, & did a awesome job. Quote you the price before even working on your vehicle, after the diagnostic tests. Don't overcharge. & they'll give you a fair price. Definitely will always bring our autos to them.
We use Nelson's for all our vehicle needs. They provide all the services, including emissions. Employees are always nice and helpful. They leave my car clean, without grease everywhere. And always beat other shops prices. And they can get me in within a day or two, provided they have the correct parts.
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