NANAIMO – Heading to the auto repair shop is largely an experience none of us look forward to, planned or otherwise. Be it replacing brake pads that are on their last leg, fixing a timing belt, or even having body work done, choosing a shop that will treat you and your vehicle well can be as stressful as blowing out a tire on the highway in the dead of winter.
Luckily, we’ve done some of the legwork for you with our Top 10 List of Auto Repair Shops in Nanaimo. Hopefully, this list will point you and your vehicle in the right direction next time it’s in need of servicing.
PRECISE MECHANICAL REPAIRS – 2752 East Wellington Road, Nanaimo
Known for top notch customer service, excellent communication, a super clean shop and fair pricing, Precise Mechanical Repairs is a go-to in Nanaimo. Co-Founder and Head Mechanic Jeff Whitworth says, “You are entitled to know with complete confidence that your mechanic will provide you with the best quality service and the most value possible.” That’s a winning ethos for any auto shop. – www.precisemechanicalrepairs.com
TIM’S AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND USED CAR SALES – 1481 Bowen Road, Nanaimo
Tim’s Auto Repair has been a top shop in Nanaimo for almost forty years. While they can sell you a great used car, they’re just as happy to fix and service the one you already own. Their knowledgeable staff and speedy service have earned them the Nanaimo Chamber‘s Automotive Business of the Year award in 2017 and 2020. – www.timsautorepair.ca
DRAGON’S AUTO REPAIR & TUNING – 2231 McCullough Road, Nanaimo
From domestic to imports, and even heavy duty vehicles, Dragon’s Auto has the know-how to get your vehicle back on the road. Owner Cam Gregoire does it all, from fixing electrical issues, locating those mysterious car rattles you can never quite place, to wheel bearing replacements, and so much more, Cam is known for generous personal service and happy customers. – www.dragonsauto.com
ProMax Automotive –2700 Shady Mile Way, Nanaimo
“We Go the Extra Mile with Country Style.” That’s the motto of ProMax Automotive, an auto repair shop a bit off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. Family-owned-and-operated, ProMax offers maintenance and inspections, engine repair, oil changes and so much more. They’re a one-stop shop for great auto repair service in Nanaimo. – www.promaxautomotive.com
BAVARIAN IMPORTS AUTO REPAIR – 1712 Kidson Road, Nanaimo
Don’t let the name fool you. While Bavarian Imports Auto Repair does specialize in VW and Audi repair, domestic vehicle service is on the menu. Their expert staff, reasonable pricing, and willingness to go the extra mile (they’ll get your discontinued parts!) are just a few reasons to take your business to Bavarian Imports. www.importautorepair.ca
AUTO CHECK AUTOMOTIVE – 605 Bowen Road, Nanaimo
Auto Check Automotive, owned by Karen Hovestad since 1997 and operated by Red Seal technician Stefan Kennett, is a favorite repair destination in Nanaimo. As a NAPA AUTOPRO banner program member, in addition to the team’s top notch car care, Auto Check can offer customers a coast-to-coast warranty across all of North America on their vehicle. – www.autocheckauto.ca
EUROPEAN SPECIALTY AUTOMOTIVE – 1702 Northfield Road, Nanaimo
Currently the largest independent automotive service and repair business on Vancouver Island devoted to specialty European cars, European Specialty Automotive should be on your radar. The locally-owned, premium auto service shop specializes in caring for Porsche, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mini, Jaguar, Audi and Rolls Royce vehicles. In addition, they also maintain a selection of high-quality pre-owned vehicles for sale. – www.europeanspecialty.com
DEPARTURE BAY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTRE – 1961 Wilfert Road, Nanaimo
Departure Bay Automotive has developed a reputation for honest and trustworthy customer care in its over 25 years in Nanaimo, with many a repeat visitor for their vehicle’s needs. Great prices, great service and excellent mechanics are the key ingredients that make this a shop worth your time. – www.departurebayauto.ca
APPLECROSS AUTOMOTIVE – 6430 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo
Another family-owned-and-operated auto service and repair business, Applecross Automotive has the quality staff and service to make them an official NAPA AutoCare Centre. This requires ASE Certified Technicians on staff, and the thumbs up from NAPA personnel that the business in question operates with integrity, qualifications and expertise. Applecross Automotive fits the bill, and then some. – www.applecrossautomotive.
BCAA AUTO SERVICE, NANAIMO – #600 – 6581 Aulds Road, Nanaimo
While BCAA Auto Service isn’t Nanaimo-specific (there are locations across BC), we’d be remiss if we didn’t include them. Beyond excellent automotive repair service by Red Seal Certified Technicians with a satisfaction guaranteed promise to customers, BCAA offers insurance, Evo Car Share, and roadside assistance in Canada, the US and around the world. That’s hard to beat. – www.bcaa.com