Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee in
Waukesha (WI)

Have been having my cars serviced by Nelsons for almost 25 years. They have always done their best to provide affordable and great quality work for our vehicles.

Love that it doesn't smell like an auto shop & its clean clean love it & everyone is hard working & very respectful. They quick workers that handle business very organized business. Top notch ♥

Nelson’s automotive was responsive, quick & timely, extremely helpful, very knowledgeable and blew the competition out of the water. I would highly recommend them and won’t be going anywhere else!

Nothing short of a scam at this place. Do NOT give them your business. Been there twice w same result. The owners wife gives you 1 price then when you go there for service the owner charges you a totally different price. This time I had the price quote on my voicemail and owner still didn’t want to give me this price. Also had $10 coupon that THEY mailed me but he wouldn’t take it. Not sure how they stay in business. Would give a negative rating if possible.

I showed up with only one issue in mind. My car came back with engine check light on and oil leak. Had to take it back in twice for more repair only to tell me the fix is temporary and it would take another couple thousand dollars to fix. It's their fault. I despise this place and the service. Highly recommend you find somewhere else.

Highly recommend. I normally go to the dealership but when they couldn't get me in for several weeks for a brake issue on my BMW X3 I looked elsewhere, and I'm really happy I did. Jim was very kind and I feel like he explained my service options thoroughly. They were able to get me in the day after I called and the work was done the same day. Easy after hours drop off and pick up too.

I have been looking for a place to trust with my 1998 Mercedes SL 500 convertible and I think I found it. I had them do an oil change and after the test drive the mechanic identified some repairs that are needed and coming up. I knew about two of them and after chatting with him it is obvious he knows what he is talking about! Their pricing is fair and they were prompt, efficient and communicated well I will be going back for more services!

No sugarcoating, Jim will let you know what the situation is with your vehicle. He will explain timelines on what should be fixed, things that need fixing and what your maintenance schedule looks like. Prices are reasonable and I don’t feel like I constantly am being suggestively sold on stuff I don’t need. My wife and I have been going here for years and even drive out of our way to have our Jeep, Mercedes and BMW maintained by them. The environment is relaxed and is completely the opposite feel of a dealership. So, no free cookies or coffee, but quality of service makes up for it. Plus, I trust them. That alone is enough for me.

I have been taking my car to Nelson’s for 6 years now and won’t go anywhere else. I have never truly trusted a mechanic until I started coming here. Jim has always been honest and responsive to questions and concerns. From oil changes to major repairs, Nelson’s Automotive should be your choice.

Car was running rough and the check engine light was blinking intermittently after I had the car detailed and steam cleaned at a different shop. That shop was not very accommodating so I called Nelson Automotive who I have used in the past and asked them to diagnose the problem and repair what they may find. After new coils and plugs , the car is running like new. Being an older car (2004) with many miles (200K) I was very pleased with Nelson Automotive’s knowledge, communication and professional timely service. Will continue to use their services.

Went in to get an emissions test done well before 3 and felt as though I was irritating the woman by showing up. She informed me that she would only be able to do the test if I had an email that matched my vehicle registration and that there was nothing else she could do. That's fine, but she was rather hostile and unfriendly during the exchange to a potential new customer. I called Jerry's up the road and they didn't require any such email, and so I went to them instead. They were much more friendly and the next time something happens to my car I will definitely be going to them. It was a brief experience I had at the Nelson's but not a pleasant one.

There’s a reason why I drive all the way over from east side Milwaukee to this phenomenal shop. I trust Nelson’s automotive with my Subaru above all else—even the dealership where I got it. Jim and Cindy are both absolutely amazing. They take time to make sure you understand and feel good about the work being done on your vehicle. Jim alone has answered countless calls from me with questions or concerns and always goes out of his way to make sure you’re not wasting time or money. Truly an A+ auto shop.

My car randomly died on me and I needed it fixed asap to get to work. I dropped my car off after hours and it was done the next day just in time for me to make it to work on time. They were incredibly helpful and did a thorough inspection and didnt overcharge me for things I didnt need done right away. Prices seemed very reasonable and I am definitely going back for future work done. So thankful I found Nelsons Automotive!

My vehicle was service here three months before I purchased it. A full service was done costing over $1,500 including a front control arm. Said control arm went bad after three months.. indicative of improper pre-load torquing. (Most likely torqued on a lift to save time). I brought the vehicle back with documentation and the owner refused to honor the warranty. The warranty applied only to the original purchaser, however this job was still fresh and it would have been the right thing todo. I would have even settled with buying the part myself if he covered labor. Poor business.

Tough car - excellent service! My car is an unusual older model that runs like a top thanks to Nelsons Automotive. Even simple tasks like changing the battery take me 2 hours due to its placement so working with the great team at Nelson's is a necessity when something goes wrong. Great people and prices matched with fantastic work. And no car is too complicated or unusual.

My vehicle broke down in Pewaukee this past week and had to tow it to a random mechanic. I live 2 hours away so my fear was getting taken advantage of due to my vehicle being inoperable and working with a mechanic that knows they will never get business from me again. Jim spent a great deal of time on the phone and also in person when I arrived with the tow truck. He took his time to explain the issues and future advice for the vehicle. He came off as a honest person and calmed my fears after we met. He quickly fit me into his schedule due to my circumstances and fixed it at a fair price. If you are looking for a mechanic or thinking about switching Nelsons is the place to go in Pewaukee.

Truthfully the worst experience I have ever had with a repair shop. After the owner insulted me and my equipment and said he would be able to fix my car because of his equipment and experience, as you may have guessed he did not. They had my car literally all day and found nothing wrong with my car that stalled at an intersection. They still charged me nearly $200 for “testing” my car which had the exact same thing happen less than 48 hours later. I later called to cancel some other work I had made an appointment for and the owner called me to ask why. I explained to him what o said above and his response was “I could have done more testing and charged you even more.” I probably don’t have to even say this, but they will never get my business (even with the “gift certificate they send a couple of times a year) and I will NEVER recommend them.

Nelson's have always done a top-notch job servicing and caring for our Volvo. They are not the least expensive option available; however, their work is outstanding and they are very transparent regarding what is truly needed. I have never felt like I have been "up-sold." If Jim says the vehicle needs something now, I believe him. If it is something that can wait, he will let us know that as well. We have complete confidence and trust in Nelson's.

To all people in need of quality and reliable repairs on your precious vehicles: I have been bringing our vehicles to Jim and Cindy for the last three years. All of our vehicles are out of factory warranties, so I am very pleased to have found Nelsons Automotive through a friends referral. Honestly, with our Cadillac Hybrid Escalade we have had numerous glitches since from brand new. I had always taken the vehicle to a Cadillac dealer, thinking that was the best place to have the vehicle serviced. Wow, I was wrong. After numerous breakdowns throughout the time period, Cadillac dealers would work the vehicle, yet the problems would keep returning. I decided to let Nelsons Automotive of Pewaukee take a look/see, and they fixed it. Upon, their repair processes they were able to see the shoddy wiring work that was previously done by Cadillac dealers. Apparently, while Cadillac was trying to determine electrical glitches they pierced each wire bundle with an ohm meter probe, yet they never sealed the holes, and did poor soldering job when needed with some weird wiring around some components. With time these wires corroded, compounding all issues repeatedly. I spent thousands of dollars out of warranty work at three different Cadillac dealers, so I cant point to one dealer doing the shoddy work. Nelsons Automotive dilgently and correctly identified the problems, corrected the shoddy previous others repairs, at times replacing wire bundles that were corroded and the soldering of what appeared to be done by a preschooler. With Nelsons work, the vehicle is more reliable than when new. I would highly recommend Nelsons Automotive to care for your vehicle, knowing that Jim and Cindy's team will always do the correct procedure in getting your vehicle to its peak performance. Thanks Jim and Cindy!! Alan S

Jim and his team did a great job troubleshooting our intermittent fuel delivery issue. Great experience with Audi vehicles. Have also had other very positive experiences. Thank you.

I foolishly had my porsche cayenne serviced by a facility that charged 115 for a diagnostic test and said my fuel pumps weren't working at all and wanted to charge for a full replacement of both pumps and filter. I thought this was strange since I had just replaced the primary pump just 2 months prior so I towed it from their shop over to Jim who after running his own diagnostic tests determined both pumps were indeed working and believed that quick connect had came loose just off an educated guess which was spot on. I saved almost 1000 dollars by taking it nelsons which I wish I could have done in the first place

I just moved to the area and my truck broke down. I had it towed there because of proximity and the good reviews. I spoke with him many times over the phone and he was always respected the budget I gave him and was willing to take the time to explain things in detail to me. Although he isn't the cheapest shop in the area, I left with a great sense of confidence in his work. I don't see myself using any other mechanic. Thanks Jim!

Great experience! Very professional and courteous. After fixing the problem I brought the vehicle in for, Jim took the time to look up the history and found some open recalls. He also informed me of another issue that was not on a recall but was being covered under an extended warranty, and even offered to make the appointments and bring the vehicle to the dealership for the service. This kind of service is unusual in the automotive world, but they've gained repeat customer because of it.

Great service for my 2011 BMW 535 last week. I had an oil change, brake fluid flush and tire rotation. Jim is honest, trustworthy, and does not pressure you. He goes the extra mile, and offers to pick up and drop off your car as well, fantastic! I'll definitely be taking my car back for any future work.

I have had Nelson service my 97 bmw 328 and my 2008 Audi A8 for the past two years. If it were not for their reasonable,prompt, competent service I would NOT own these cars out of warranty. As much as I like these vehicles the cost and futile experiences I have had with the local dealers for these brands is beyond frustrating. Jim & Cindy run a very professional business from top to bottom. They diagnose and fix these cars right the first time as well as make recommendations for what may be coming down the road with regard to repairs and maintenance. They also provide feedback on what cars they would recommend when it comes time to replace vehicles. I highly recommend their services.

I have a finicky money-pit of a Subaru WRX. I've had everything from suspension problems, a seized up pulley in the timing case, and a clutch that was smoking and slipping like crazy, and Jim and his techs have done nothing but great work getting everything repaired and running like new. BTW... the car was purchased used and I drive very conservatively, so these things aren't a result of abuse. Though due to the kinds of repairs I've needed have totalled a small fortune which have been helping pay Jim and Cindy's mortgage, I couldn't be more satisfied with the service, friendliness, and quality that Nelson's Automotive gives every time. I have no one to blame for how much I've had to spend on this car other than the car and bad luck, and I've got Nelson's to thank for the many rides to and from work, and the car that's in better shape now than it was when I bought it.

They diagnosed my engine's problem and gave me the option to go with a factory part or a lesser expensive aftermarket part. I appreciated that since I'm going to be trading in my vehicle soon and don't need to spend more than I have to. They offer free shuttle service and a nice clean waiting area. I was very pleased with my experience.