After visiting this shop, the words that come to mind are honest, professional, and good at what they do. I came here with a vehicle in rough shape, and the staff did not hesitate to give me a straight forward answer, rather than needlessly encouraging me to spend my money. The shop is clean and the office is welcoming. If you're someone who is skeptical about mechanics, give import specialty a chance. read more

They do great work and are responsibly priced. As a result they are pretty busy because people know the quality of their work, but they are well worth the wait. I especially like their modern quoting and scheduling system. read more

They are normally pretty quick and prompt. I've had some major repairs done to a 2006 Prius that the Toyota dealership down in Franklin quoted me about $2,000 to do and they repaired it for $600 cheaper. Good quality guys. I just wish they were slightly cheaper but all mechanics are expensive anymore. read more

Our vehicle went into safety mode driving down the I-24 and thankfully Import Specialty was nearby we were able to have our vehicle towed and checked in rather quickly. We left our vehicle overnight but received a diagnostic message and were able to select which items to have done to our vehicle to get it back up and running. Thankfully they were extremely speedy and we got our car back the very next day. Value wise I believe this place is worth every penny as we have an older model Lexus and not many places service it I don't have any complaints. read more

I would not go to these guys. I went there for years and problems kept mysteriously popping up with my car. I finally decided to never go back when my key ignition lock broke and they replaced it inside the car only to discover that it did not match the outside of my car. Rather than fix the issue they created, they said it was a key battery issue and they replaced the key battery and then proceeded to charge me for the new battery. So now I have to consistently deal with this issue where my clicker does not always register with my car and I spend 10-20 minutes trying to unlock/lock my car. My recommendation is to avoid these guys because I think they create more issues so they can keep charging you. Oh and I got multiple quotes on other services they have performed and they are typically double the price. read more

I have a Prius w brake issues. Doug gave me a quote and they fixed a problem that 2 previous mechanics couldn't handle. I feel very comfortable w the quality of work and professional attitude. Recommend 100%! read more

Ive brought my diesel VW to these guys twice, and always try to go to them before the dealership if i can. i trust them with anything related to my car (because i know literally nothing). Everyone you deal with here will be kind, honest and incredibly helpful. Byron was my main point of contact while they had my car and it was like talking to a friend. I appreciate import making me not afraid to deal with car issues. Seriously, give them your business read more

I purchased a battery from Import Specialty Services on August 20, 2019. I recently had my car serviced at another auto shop and they stated that the battery in question was leaking and needed to be replaced. I told ISS that I would like them to replace the battery and they said that the battery only had a two year warranty and they would replace it but would have to charge me almost as I paid for it originally. The battery would only have been out of warranty 10 days. 10 DAYS!!!! I will not be taking my car there to be serviced anymore. Update: I recieved a call from the owner this morning and he said they had reconsidered and were going to replace the battery. I have taken my car there several times and was always pleased with the quality of the service and the prices. This is how you do good customer service. read more

The best repair shop ever! We were driving through town on the way through to North Carolina and ran over something on the highway which knocked a panel down from the undercarriage, dragging on the ground. Doug and Kevin in the shop fixed it in 10 minutes and didn't even charge us. What an amazing group of people! So kind and giving. I can tell why people move to Tennessee!!! read more

I drive a 2015 Volvo XC70. I was in Nashville in November 2022 for a GF's long weekend. My car's battery died and needed to be replaced. I called one of two local Volvo dealers to see if I could make a same day appointment. Both were booked out for weeks. However, one dealer gave me the name of Import Specialty to call to see if they could work me in. That right there should tell you something when a car maker recommends another repair shop outside of their own. I called and Ryder was the representative who took my call. First off, what a kind yet professional personality Ryder was as the unseen face of IS. Based on my situation, he was able to work me in. Ryder gave me options and said IS would do their best to get me back on the road in a timely manner. I truly appreciated Ryder giving me his phone number/extension and telling to call at any time. I did, nothing crazy, but each and every time I called Ryder made himself available to assist me in getting my car to the IS shop. (I ended up using a towing company via my insurance but was offered one through IS but at an additional cost if my memory serves me correctly.) Ryder sent me a detailed diagnostic report and estimate via email. I reviewed it and OK'ed the work. Again, being an out-of-towner I really felt comfortable in the services provided by IS but conveyed via Ryder. In the end, my battery did need replacing but Ryder made the experience as user friendly as possible. And for that I'm most appreciative. The work was done w/in the time frame promised and my trip was not delayed. (I was lucky I had a girlfriend who was local who loaned me her car to get around.) Ryder presented me w/ the paperwork and explained the warranty for the battery knowing I was not local when the work was completed. Apparently, if I have an issue down the road I can still have the new battery serviced during the warranty period even though I live in Indiana. My car was returned to me in good order. I believe it was washed, too, which is always nice considering it being on the highways. So, in closing, either local or out of towner, I hope you will feel comfortable in taking your car issues to Import Specialty. read more

If you want to be covered in ants while you are waiting this is a great place to go. I had to walk over to the McDonald's to wait because their waiting room was swarming with ants. I let them know and they just apologized for it. They also don't know how to turn on a Toyota Prius. I have never had any problems with my car starting and still don't...yet he insisted that my hybrid battery must be dying (I bought it 2 years ago) because they couldn't figure out how to turn it on. Ryder has a very rude off putting personality. Horrible experience. I rather pay the extra money ($33 dollars) to go to Toyota. Just noticed a week ago that my back lights don't even match. This doesn't please me that I paid 260 dollars for a ratchet light. read more

My experience was unlike the many positive reviews that brought me here while visiting from out of town. My 2007 Jaguar had two sensor issues while away from home, 500 miles away from Eldridge, Iowa. Both were fixed FLAWLESSLY and the underling concerns went away and have stayed away, this was September of 2019 and in June of 2020 my Jag XJ8 VP is still running like a top!!! I write FB review (which was taken down so now its on Google and Yelp!) because while there in early September of 2019 I decided some preventative maintenance might also be due... Yes I'm a little "proactive", things like an oil change and full transmission service, flush, new fluid and integrated pan with filter... these two were over $900 and again money well spent and the result has been flawless performance since. I'm the kind of guy you really want to buy a used car from someday... Here is the rub... they tried to take advantage of me and more importantly because I said NO they blemished my title because I refused to have a new Transmission installed! Comments on the service documentation like "verified fluid full of metal debris"... BULL SHIT I saw a few minor particulate specs but not their description. What mechanic won't admit at any interval of miles when you change the fluid there will be some metallic specs? The car had less than 84,000 miles on it, was 12 years old and I was simply requesting a full transmission service, proactively, while in town to visit my daughter and son-in-law. Today the car runs great... but my history is blemished by refusing to take their FALSE recommendation while 500 miles away from home. They played on my wife's emotions... "we can't guarantee you'll get home". I had to play the asshole and say complete what I asked you to do and get me out of here! $1,486.75 later we were on our way home. Love my Jag and will continue to drive it during the summers here in Iowa and for road trips... If not for this part of my experience I'd also drop it off in the future while in Nashville for service with these guys. They did good work, the issue was an attempt to pressure me into something not needed. Then leverage the wife against me to raise her anxiety and in the end unwilling to document via a FINAL service receipt for nearly $1,500 something I'd be proud to show a future owner as an EXAMPLE of the way I PROACTIVELY serviced my beloved JAG XJ.... the end. read more

Import Specialty Service - Auto Repair Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Let me start by saying over the span of a year or so we have taken 4 vehicles to Specialty. We found them to be professional, polite, and seem to genuinely care about what is wrong with our cars. The prices have been the same as what dealers would charge but we felt that we were receiving an honest service. Suffice to say, they are the first people I call when I have a car issue. Last week my active steering suddenly stopped working on my BMW 550. After a start and stop as well as doing a wheel reset, the error message went away and then came back hours later. I called and they suggested that I bring the car in. I asked if this was a common issue with BMWs since it seemed so online. I was told it was. I dropped off the vehicle the next morning and within two hours they called me to tell me that I needed to replace the wheel sensor. This being my first BMW I didn't know how much sensors generally cost so I took their word for the cost estimate they provided which was $1260.9 ($756.80 part, $274.4 labor, $98 orig. diag fee, $25 shop supplies, and taxes)!!! I thought this to be very high for a small part in the steering wheel but they were EAGER to order the part and since they said it would take 2-3 days. After an hour or so I realized my extended warranty would probably cover this repair. I called them to start finalizing my warranty payment. The same day, the insurance company let me know they would only cover $550.41 on the part. We were upset to learn later after calling BMW dealers around that is how much the part cost retail. We could have received a better deal at the dealership than at Speciality Import. When asked why this was, we were told that "They are covering the retail price of the part, not what the part actually sells for." Now thinking back, after learning this is a common problem they should know the correct price of the part. Also, they have worked with my warranty many times and are familiar with pricing and coverage structures. They continue to try to pass the cost onto me even after warranty covered the normal MSRP of the part that dealers charge. My partner and I called and complained and eventually they acquiesced on the price. Suffice to say, after this we have very little faith in this company. Also how many other times have we been cheated? And how many other people? Do yourself a favor.... call call call around for pricing and parts. Get separate quotes for parts and labor. Get it in writing. Call dealerships and other reputable mechanic shops. At the end of the day, I believe this company overcharges people and they do it with a smile and a nice polo. This makes it much easier for them to overcharge. read more

Really blessed to have found imports. Was from out of town but had some pretty urgent things needed done and Doug and the team were so helpful and went the extra mile to take care of everything for me. 100% recommend and respect! read more

Just echoing past reviews - these folks are fantastic. Polite, thorough, and understanding of how the experience of car repairs can be. They've left money on the table by letting me know the process of repairs for my older Volvo wagon, and the best way to maintain and care for it. They are detailed in going over the services needed, the history of my specific vehicle, and just what is affected when service is needed. I moved to Nashville from San Diego, where I had a great Volvo mechanic and I was worried about not finding one as good in Nashville. Now I'd lobby the both of them to go national and teach other shops how to do it right. read more

I'm truly disappointed in the service I received today. I have gone to this business for four years. Today I stopped to get my windshield wiper fluid topped off, charged me $2.88. When I asked Byron, his statement was he pays $1.50 a gallon and in order to keep good service, it's necessary to charge me $2.88 per gallon. I couldn't believe it, a customer of 4yrs. not worth $1.50/customary windshield wiper fluid, after all the money I spent and people I've referred. Your business is nothing if you don't have customers/clients. I will be taking my business elsewhere from this point on. Thanks! read more

This is by far the best mechanic shop in Nashville. They have worked on my fiancés mini, my Tt, and all Of my friends cars. I'm a mechanic myself but when I don't have time to handle it the first place I call is iss. Thanks for all of your help over the years. This is the only shop we use. We will miss you guys now that we are moving to Sacramento. Thanks again. read more

Brought our Volvo in for a squeak in the drive belt area. It was diagnosed as the clutch in the AC compressor and complete replacement was required. Upon approving the repair, they discovered it was simply a belt going bad and just replaced just that, saving us over a thousand dollars. We are extremely appreciative of the honesty the showed. Ryder is excellent at communicating why and what needs to be done, and kept us informed the entire time. Thanks again! read more

They are very friendly and efficient. Also pricey. And...I feel like they "little ladied" me---they tried to upsell lots of stuff that I didn't really need. Probably wouldn't have pushed all that stuff if I was a guy. read more

I do not normally post on websites as find the reviews to be at times unreliable, but after our experience with ISS, felt compelled to share. We arrived in Nashville in September of this year and needed to find a repair facility for our 2015 MDX. Several people on Nextdoor recommended Import Specialty Services, so we went there for the issue we were experiencing, specifically the steering wheel pull with acceleration. We were told the issue was broken Motor mounts, and the cost would be $4,100. We authorized the work and once complete, we're then told the issue was "partially fixed" but they said we now needed the rack and pinion steering replaced at a cost of $4,500. I told them to cease the work. I called two repair shops in Salt Lake City and Tucson, where the car had been previously repaired and asked about the costs they would charge for the motor mounts and rack and pinion steering. They each said the motor mounts would be roughly $2,200 and the rack and pinion would be roughly $2,400, BUT both said the rack and pinion rarely goes out and would not cause the issue of torque steer. We pulled the car from ISS and went to the Acura dealership. They called and said the issue was the control arms and it was a cost of $1,400. The repairs did the trick. IF you use ISS, please do yourself a favor and Che k on their prices!! In fairness ISS did refund us $600, but after the treatment and cost, will NEVER go back. Moral of the story with ISS, CHECK THEIR PRICES AGAINST OTHER SHOPS!! read more

First time customer here. I did some research and saved 500 cash over a period of months anticipating a major service that was due soon. I wearily walked in and told the service consultant Ryder my budget. He had me come around the counter and look at his computer to show me what he saw on his screen. Very transparent and professional. He added a military discount and got me in under budget at $380! No pressure, No extra sales add on, no run around. Really professional guy. I had to take a courtesy shuttle home while my vehicle was being serviced for the day. Rod Kruse, the owner, picked me up in a brand new fully loaded, clean, Honda Odyssey minivan. You can tell by the way he talked that he really cares about his employees. Wow. I was genuinely surprised about how comfortable I felt with the service of this company. They turned a typically expensive, and unpleasant experience into an A++ experience. UPDATE: I just got a tin full of cookies in the mail from them a month later thanking me for my business. Who does that? These guys! Thanks for the cookies! read more

Very professional and honest. I've always had a good experience with them and felt like they've taken good care of me and my car, but my most recent experience really put them in the class act category. My wife's battery died so we jumped it and took it over to the shop. They diagnosed an alternator failure but had the wherewithal to call the dealership and see whether it was still in warranty. Fortunate for us, it was. They assisted us in getting it towed to the dealership for no cost and never batted an eye. It was a classy move all around. I would have continued using them from my own experience but this solidified my trust. read more

I know it says here that Import Specialty Service responds in less than an hour. I beg to differ. I sent a minimum of three service inquiries to these guys over 2x weeks. They never replied in any way. I moved on. read more

Just had another excellent experience at Import Specialty Service! My wife's Mercedes was due for a Service A. I made the appointment for 1:30pm, got there a little early, and was on my way by 2:45pm. Byron explained all that was done as well as informing me as to what services the car would need next time. Do yourself a favor...please don't look any further for a center to work on your vehicle. RUN, don't walk, to Import Specialty Service, and don't look back. It will be the best decision that you have made in a long time! read more

While honest and professional and very much like a dealer, They are very over priced. They are not a good value for the money.. I brought my beater Volvo wagon in to get it repaired. I was charged 300 plus dollars for evaluation time. Could have gotten this from AutoZone for free. When they told me the climate control system would cost over 1000.00 to repair I new they did not have the customers best interest in mind. I repaired it myself in less than 10 min. for less than 30.00 dollars.. I then took the car to the person I have dealt with in Nashville before I had moved away. He repaired the rest of the issues with OEM parts for less than 400.00. Import Specialty Service operates like a dealer and charges likewise. Good business plan for them, not for you the consumer. I will not recommend them to anyone for repairs. I would also tell anyone I speak to about them to stay clear of them. There are many good shops in Nashville that charge a fair price. I don't have to pay for a fancy waiting room, coffee machine TV and a ride service. All I want is my car fixed at a fair price with out all the BS. Some people never learn that they are paying for all the fancy stuff dealers put over on you. They turned out to be a very bad experience moving back to Nashville. read more

The team at Import Specialty Service has been keeping my high-mileage Audi A4 running smoothly for many years now. I would like to emphasize how impressed I am with their continued attention to customer service. I recently created a situation, to no fault of their own, that caused my newly-replaced battery to drain completely and my neighborhood auto parts retailer was not able to get it re-charged. I then called Import Specialty Service and they responded quickly to my situation and went above-and-beyond the call of duty to get me back up and running. I am grateful for their personalized service and will continue to be their customer for a long time to come. read more

I cannot gush enough about how much I love love LOVE Import Specialty. Every single thing about it....but, let's just start listing: ---THE PEOPLE---: consistent awesomeness. They know us and they know our cars. We get to see a familiar face every single time we come in. Import Specialty must be a great place to work because the same amazing people have been working their magic on our automobiles for years. ---THE PRODUCT---: since 1999 we have been customers (fans). A policeman recommended Import to us when my husband was in a car accident (rolled Jeep) & walked out 100% OK. The policeman recommended Volvos to us. We responded 'No way we can afford one of those'. He told us where to buy a used one & exactly what mechanic to use - IMPORT!. ----THE QUALITY---: They have kept our used Volvos running beautifully at a reasonable price for years. They are incredibly empathetic & professional - as much as we don't enjoy parting with $$s for our autos....we are totally happy about spending it with Import. Ryan even makes it palatable when he breaks the "how much it will cost news". ----MORE?--- This morning, Rod told me they now work on much more than Volvos and BMWs. Now....I am ridiculously excited b/c I do want to have more than just Volvo as a choice for our next used car!! When the time comes to purchase another car (which will happen - ours are very well used)....the first call I will make will be to Byron to ask him 'What models/makes should I be looking at?" thank you import! for everything read more

On a road trip I ran into a problem on the freeway, I manged to get my Jeep safely off the freeway and into a Circle K parking lot. There was literally smoke coming from one side of my vehicle and I knew something was seriously wrong. I asked if anyone knew where I could find a Jeep dealership or a mechanic nearby and a man pumping gas pointed up the hill towards Import Specialty Service. I walked in expecting only to be re-directed to another place as they seemed to only work on Volvo, BMW and European Imports, but I was greeted by owner Rod Kruse who amazingly agreed to take a look at the problem. He walked to my vehicle to access the damage and within minutes he was removing a faulty brake caliper. I wish I could find a mechanic or a shop in my area that offers one tenth of the excellent treatment that I received from Import Specialty Service. read more

The only place I will ever bring my Audi when I'm in Tennessee! Quality Bosch certified service, friendly attentive staff and reasonably priced. Traveling all over the US for work can leave you hunting for service you can trust. Big job or small, I always feel confident bringing my S5 to Import Specialty Service because I know they will get the job done right! read more

This is the best car repair facility we've found in Nashville. We're tried four others, and this one leaves them all in the dust. The staff is truly helpful, honest, and polite. There's a nicely furnished waiting room with a working TV, an immaculate bathroom, and plenty of free coffee. The work they've done on our trusty old Volvo has been excellent, and their prices are very fair. They've helped us plan what we need to do when we can afford it - which is pretty crucial these days. We are so glad we found them! Note: they specialize in Volvo, BMW, VW, and Audi. read more

I first went to Import Specialty after being utterly disgusted with the level of customer service I received at BMW of Nashville. The difference at Import Specialty was night and day. They identified and caught issues that the dealership had ignored and offered all services at highly competitive prices. I have worked with Ryder several times and he has provided the highest level of customer service possible in every interaction. I was actually excited that my certified warranty was expiring so that I could exclusively give my business to Import Specialty Service, LLC. read more

A coworker referred me to Import Specialty Service, as I am new to Nashville. We both drive VWs and have had some interesting experiences with service at VW dealerships (not just in the Nashville area). As a single female with no family and few friends living in the area, I always feel incredibly vulnerable in most car repair/service situations. Admittedly, I don't know much about car repairs so I basically have to just go with my better judgement to gage if I'm being taken advantage of or if there are legit repairs/services I need. I will say that this is one of the few, (if only) times I have ever truly felt at ease with discussing the issues I was experiencing with my car and plans to fix it. Byron was very friendly and professional on the phone. He didn't give me the run around and try to sell me services I didn't really need. He was prompt with communication, and didn't talk in big, confusing mechanic terms. Most importantly, I felt like he was being truly honest with his recommendations and explanations. I am not usually this detailed with my reviews, but I was so impressed with the quality of services provided by Import Specialty Service. Unlike VW, leaving a positive review wasn't pushed down my throat on my way out the door and then constantly reminded on a daily basis by annoying phone calls and emails. In a world full of slimey automotive repair shops, Import Specialty Service stands out. I will definitely be going back for any future repairs and services my VW may need. read more

Had a great first time experience.. The level of professionalism, reasonable pricing and customer service were outstanding. Cost was significantly less than the dealership. You won't regret giving them a try. read more

I just moved to Tennessee in February from Washington state. I don't trust anyone with my Volkswagen so when my radio hose started leaking I didn't know what to do. I did my research and found these guys. They have great service, told me exactly what was wrong, how much it will be and had it done the very next day. A week later I got a box of cookies in the mail from them thanking me for my service. I will definitely be returning if I need any further work done. read more

We were traveling from Pennsylvania to California when we experienced car issues in Nashville. Being out of towners we were really skeptical as to what kind of service we would be able to receive and how fair and knowledgeable it would be. The people here were fantastic ! It was pouring rain and cold that day we sat in the warm waiting room that offered all kinds of treats. But the biggest treat was the kindness, quick service and fair price they offered whiling fixing our older Volvo. I can't say enough good about them. I want them to know I passed their kindness along the rest of our trip to those who also needed a helping hand. We will never forget these guys! read more

I was in the process of buying a car out of state and needed a reputable company to perform an independent pre-purchase inspection. After looking at the excellent reviews, reviewing standing at the BBB I gave them a shot. Top notch communication, excellent service ahead of schedule and fair market price for service. After the transaction I got a delivery of cookies to thank me for my business. If I was local I would be a long time customer. I have however, shared my positive experience with friends and co-workers in the area. Top notch, considerate and professional from first interaction to the end of the transaction . Thank you ISS! read more

I trust these guys completely, and I can't say that about any previous repair shop over my 60 years. The BMW dealership last year wanted over $2500 to fix an electrical problem. ISS did it for around $700 and I've had no problems whatsoever. I recently took the BMW in due to rough starting and a warning light about service needed. They did diagnostic testing, changed a couple of settings, and refused to even charge me! I even volunteered to pay and was refused. I'll keep coming back for both of my cars. read more

Honest, open, and extremely friendly! Ryder fully explained everything to me is great detail. I felt very confident and comfortable and cost several hundred dollars less than the dealership was wanting to charge. read more

Yesterday I took my Volvo in for a minor repair. I received great customer service from the time I called to make an appointment until the time I picked my car up. They gave me a very fair price. (I called around to see what others would charge). They also did an inspection of my car per my request. They came back with a very detailed list of suggestions and pricing. I would highly recommend this place. Very happy to have a new place to take my car. read more

If you read my previous review, you will know that I gave a lower rating based on an inflated price for a part. Subsequently, Rod Kruse, the owner, followed up with me in a letter in which he said, "As you have pointed out, we overcharged you for the cooling system part." He included a check for the entire amount charged for the part. This was unexpected, but a very nice gesture and something which reflects very positively on Mr. Kruse and his desire to do what is right for the customer. I do intend to return to Import Specialty for service. My advice to you, however, is that no matter what shop you use for car repairs, always check the price of needed parts online and by calling other suppliers to see how much your part is being marked up for resale to you. Kudos to you Mr. Kruse for stepping up and showing me what you're made of. read more