I have been happily going with my two Volvos to Swedish Imports for about 10 years. JJ, the owner, and his crew are extremely knowledgeable, fully trustworthy, friendly and reliable. I appreciate knowing that they will never suggest an unnecessary service. They provide objective advice on replacement issues. They get the work done on time, or earlier than promised. My wife now takes her Subaru to JJ, and she is totally pleased -- far more pleased than with dealerships. Also, JJ has an amazing dog named Sierra that seems brighter and more curious than some humans I know. :-) read more

Honest, fair, thorough work. Comfortable but not luxurious waiting area. Rule of thumb, when the warranty runs out on your not new any more auto, take it to the best independent you can find, I did Do your own footwork. read more

I was having the 2 error messages on a 2022 XC 90 that pointed to the auxiliary battery. I did my homework and checked nearby places closer to where we live however most places either did not want to touch the car because of the European parts and CMS or quoted me outrageous prices to replace the battery. When I called Swedish Imports, they explained that they see this issue frequently in the 3-5 year timeframe and were honest about the cost and duration of the appointment. I appreciate their speed, availability, expertise and honesty. I did the drop off which was very easy and you then get the quote estimate on your phone and can quickly approve or decline. JJ and Brandon were a pleasure to work with and I will now bring my Volvo here for any other future mechanical work. Thank you for being here! read more

We had a series of issues with our car and Swedish Importa is always our go to for reliable and accurate service and advise. Today we had some crazy warning lights on the dash. They immediately took the car in to help troubleshoot the issue. They also recommended a couple of needed fixes to put on the to do list of car repairs. Very reliable and professional service! read more

Beware. Initially, I had reasonable service from this shop on my Volvo for some basic services. However, recently JJ Dewar, long-time General Mgr, has become more obstinate, and inclined to over-quoting services. On my last service, I had them take a look at my super charger leak (10-15 min) to determine if there was a solution short of replacing it. They sprayed it with cleaner, told me there were no alternative options, and suggested I use my AC in recirculate mode to try and avoid the burning oil smell, after charging me for an hour of labor. Most recently, I scheduled a transmission fluid drain/fill, and JJ cancelled my appointment the day before, because I asked about an O2 sensor replacement and to please confirm the labor time, because it was twice what I had heard from Volvo. He essentially said I'm too difficult to work with, and he did not want my business. This shop is either doing so good that they're firing repeat customers that expect honesty and transparency or doing so bad that they can only afford to take customers who ask no questions, so they can increase service charges with no consequence. In either case, it's a major red flag, and good reason to look elsewhere. read more

Very friendly service. Came in a few times for a minor repair and the owner is always ready to help you out. Great place.

Very honest and upfront with coat to do repairs. Service was done in a timely manner. Will definitely return to have recommended services done. read more

So, anyone that makes a joke that females cannot drive backwards... was probably talking about me. When I lived in Texas, I backed my car out of my garage after someone else parked it in there, and didn't notice that I was a wee bit too close to the left hand side. CRUNCH went my side view mirror! I called around for quotes on fixing it (the cover popped off), and to my surprise, it was going to cost upwards of $350 to fix the side mirror on my Volvo. Darn those pricey parts from dealerships! Fast forward a few months and a move to NC - I spied this little store off of 15-501 and called to get a quote on fixing it up. They took a look, and instead of getting me to replace the entire thing, helped me order a cover and light, that was all I really needed to fix it - and SCORE! It only cost about $80. I went to them again this morning to get my oil changed - and not only did they get me out of there in 40 minutes, but they also had an office for customers to work from, and a wireless network running so I could get work done! I had almost zero downtime this morning, which is amazing to me. The staff is courteous and fun - and I was also informed that i wouldn't have to bring my car in until another 10,000 miles because they use pure synthetic oil. Now, I'm too paranoid to wait more than the Volvo-recommended 7500 miles, but its good to know! read more

Swedish Imports - Auto Repair Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The general manager, JJ is great as are all the staff. I trust them implicitly when it comes to my Volvo S 60. The labor costs are more then fair. If you have a Swedish Car this is the place to go. read more

They gave me terrible news about my Audi but were phenomenal to work with. Would highly recommend.

For the past 20 plus years, my husband and I have loyally bought and taken our Saab cars for service to Swedish Imports. This locally owned family business provides service not only to Saab and Volvo's but also to Subaru vehicles. read more

Swedish Imports - Auto Repair Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

DO NOT BRING YOUR CAR HERE!!!! My 86 year old Mother came up from Florida to spend the holidays with us here in Durham, while she was here, she wanted to have her Grandson's car repaired of all problems he was having with it, he had a Saab, after reviewing the car for over an hour JJ sat down with us to give us the low down. He said the car needed a new turbo and it would cost $1700, the window needed new rollers, about $100, and he was going to pull off a headlight from a salvage vehicle in his lot. We gave him the go'head. Next day we get a call, the car needed another repair, $300, the next day another call, another $600, next day, another $500! $3300 later, the car is ready for pick up on New Years Eve, my son goes out to Raleigh that night and is calling me that the car is still smoking, the car never ran right from the moment we drove it off their lot, One week after handing them that check for $3,300 my Son called me late that evening to come get him, the car broke down. We had it towed late that night back to Swedish Imports, next morning JJ calls my Son telling him the engine is done and the car is undriveable. Really? They ended up just refunding us $1500 of what we paid because he said we had to pay the labor costs, I don't know why, obviously, the labor repaired nothing! JJ just kept padding that bill each day, how could you not see all those repairs were pointless? read more

The staff here is friendly and the service is reliable. When my Volvo XC needed parts replaced that would take a few days to come in, they went to best efforts to give me a rental that would fit my family's needs. (We needed a vehicle to accommodate six people). The service can get a bit pricey so try to take advantage of their occasional promotions read more

When my car developed a head scratcher for everybody else (okay at least two other mechanics), Swedish Imports said no problem and fixed it right up! They are the only mechanic shop now for my good old Volvo! Thanks, guys! read more

What can't I say about JJ and the crew over at Swedish Imports? They have been taking care of my vehicles (from Volvos to Saabs), for longer than I can remember. I have been able to hand down cars to my children to drive knowing they are safe and well maintained because of Swedish Imports. They have a great drop off service. I know that when they look at my car whether it is for regular scheduled maintenance or, a specific problem, they are going to call me before they do anything if it is not something we discussed prior to okay the work. We take very good care of our cars. Having people working on them that you trust is so important. They know me when I come in there, I know them, and I have a firm trust that they do not want me driving cars with or without my children involved, that are on safe! I bought Swedish cars for the way they were designed and their safety specifications, but I stayed with them because of Swedish Imports! read more

Just need to keep hyping Swedish Imports. They helped my Volvo limp along until I traded it in and I love/trust the service here so much, I made sure I bought a car make they still service! I got a Honda CR-V and it was having trouble with battery draining while off. Because it was my first service for my car, I called Honda first and was basically told something was clearly wrong with my battery and it would cost a minimum of $160 to get it looked at (but that would apply to a new battery). I immediately called SI, I brought it in, they tested my battery, found out it was ok, looked up my problem, and found out I actually needed a computer update in my car for a weird known battery draining issue. They didn't charge me a cent. I took their info over to Honda and after some back and forth ended up getting the update installed for free. You have to bring your car here. read more

Always competent and efficient service. I have relied on Swedish Imports for 20+ years. Multiple vehicles have been serviced. I recommend without reservation. read more

I've been coming here for years, first w/my Saab, now w/ my Volvo and I am never put off or disappointed. They try to keep the price low, do only what you want, don't pad the bill and treat the customers well. I was in the car business for 10 years and I have seen up close and personal how ... shall we say, tricky? car repairs can be. No need to worry at Swedish Imports. Now they service Subarus as well. I trust JJ and I trusted his dad before him. I read the one negative vote on this site and ... what a wiener! They didn't take any of that person's money, used up the shop time and still he trashes them. Give .. me .. a .. Break! It must be frustrating, being honest & still be trashed on the internet. Sheeesh! read more

Great place for service. I trust JJ and his team with my wife's, daughter's and my Volvos. Always do properly, on time, fair pricing and clean work. This is the place for Volvo service in the Triangle. read more

The guys in the service department at Swedish Imports are tremendous. I drive an old Volvo that I love and these guys keep it running in top condition. A couple of days ago I was out of town and a CD got stuck in the CD player. I got back into Durham late last night and just happened to be driving by SI so I wheeled in and explained my strange problem. One of the guys went out and extracted the CD and told me what I could do if it happened again. Took about 10 minutes from the time I got out of the car until I was on my way again. No charge. These folks also tell me when I need something done, if it can wait or even things that I don't need (like, "you got about 20,000 miles left on your brake pads.) I wouldn't take my car anywhere else. Too bad my wife drives a Chevy and has to go elsewhere! read more

they service all major foreign brands. honest, friendly, incredibly reliable folks. wishing them a long long business life!!!

This place saved me a ton of stress and even more money! I highly recommend them to all Volvo owners. My old Volvo recently broke down in Chapel Hill, and I had it towed to East Franklin Car Care to minimize my towing bill. I had a terrible experience that resulted in me leaving with no working AC or cruise control after the repair- despite the fact that they worked when I brought the car in. This mechanic also refused to adjust my kickdown cable, and said my slow shifting (unrelated to breakdown) was because of transmission problems. See my review of East Franklin Car Care for more details, but long story short they left me with more problems than I started with. On my way home from East Franklin Car Care for the SECOND time with no resolution, I decided to stop at Swedish Imports since it was on the route and they specialized in Swedish vehicles. Not only did they take my car straight into the shop without an appointment to adjust my kickdown cable that the other shop refused to do, but within 25 minutes and after an extremely reasonable bill I was driving with smooth shifting. But it doesn't end there. While the mechanic was fixing the problem I asked them to address, he also reconnected the vacuum lines that East Franklin Car Care had messed up and properly hung all of the electrical wires under the hood that were dangling after my encounter at the other shop. I did not ask him to do this- he saw it needed to be done and did it. Within 25 minutes, I had smooth shifting, AC, and cruise control! He totally cleaned up East Franklin Car Care's mess! Because of Swedish Import's quick and efficient work and excellent, polite, and understanding service I could enjoy the rest of my day instead of stressing about prolonging issues with the other shop. I will DEFINITELY take my car here from now on and will happily recommend them to all other Swedish car drivers. This is how auto service should be done! read more

I called to get a quote and JJ ended up talking through a diagnostic process on the phone rather than having me bring the car in. That kind of customer service goes a long way in my book! I'll be using them for service in the future. Thanks! read more

Have had the pleasure of Swedish Imports...JJ and Staff...care for our Volvos. I plan to go for 200K miles on an SUV, so will count on Swedish Imports to help get us there. Repairs and maintenance have been A-1. read more

I have owned 5 Volvos that have all visited Swedish Imports for work over the last 15 years, at least. This is a top-notch operation. They really know their Volvos and Saabs. They usually get it right the first time. I have no reservation about recommending Swedish Imports and will use them until I no longer own a Volvo. Customer service is excellent. The owners are always willing to provide clear, non-technical explanation, and I have learned a lot from them. There's always a less expensive option (or seemingly so) on a case-by-case basis, but overall I'm satisfied that I've come out ahead by using Swedish Imports. read more

My experience has been very positive.They do excellent work and most importantly to me understand the value of time.

I have owned Saabs since 1984 and have often loved my Saab dealers. But Swedish Imports is the best. They are profoundly honest and helpful and friendly. I trust them implicitly and drive 40 minutes to them from my home for servicing. read more

Sadly, I once considered these guys first rate. Last September I took my old(93) Volvo 240 in for freeze plug replacement. On the phone J.J, the current general manager who has replaced his dad Jim. said 500 to 600 dollars. OK whatever...Take the old brick in and voila', it's now 1400 dollars. I also need a water pump. Yo, JJ it's nearly 10 months later and the WP. is fine. I was about to be ripped off. Why? I was a faithful customer for 15 years. I'm working class, not a lib...and pretty boring. If I were a kooky lefty Duke professor with an equally odd affection for his ancient 240.... It would have been Yes Sir...You bet Right away Sir... I took it to some folks here in the country, 450 dollars. Elitist and Snotty...always got that vibe from him. I miss your Dad. read more

My dad was kind enough to give my daughter a 1999 Saab 9-5 :-/ (no doubt payback for something I did as a teenager). In any case, a few months after having the car here in North Carolina it broke down on the highway. I live in Fayetteville and none of the so called "import" mechanics could began tell what was wrong. Kudos to those who were upfront enough to tell me they didn't service Saabs. I found Swedish Imports online, had the car towed (from Fayetteville) and braced myself for the worst. To my surprise, the repair costs were reasonable, the technicians were knowledgeable, and very honest (he told me things I HAD to fix and others that were broken but not critical). I was so glad to not be taken for a ride and have since taken the car back for other issues. My only issue is that I live so far away. Despite the distance, as long as I keep this car I will continue to take it to Swedish Imports. read more

I've brought my Volvo to Swedish Imports twice after moving to the area, and could not be happier with the service I received! I cannot recommend this place enough. My first trip was for a battery replacement - I called the moment my battery died, and was able to bring my car in that day. They had everything in stock and were done quickly. From the moment I walked in the door, I and my car were treated incredibly well, and I was given a good price. The second trip was for an unknown problem. I was able to drop off my car in the morning and get a loaner for the day. They kept me updated throughout the day as they worked to figure out what was wrong and fix the problem. As a young woman, I am used to being taken advantage of when it comes to car maintenance. But they were incredibly honest, quick, and gave me an incredible price in the end (and fixed my car!). I will definitely be back, and highly recommend them for anyone else looking for amazing service, trustworthy people, and good prices. read more

My Saab 9-5 Aero loves to go to Swedish Imports! These guys know their Saabs and go above and beyond to keep them running smooth and efficient. I have gone to them for warranty service, scheduled maintenance, repairs and parts. Always a pleasure to visit. They get their work done on time and with accurate estimates. read more

I stumbled across this place yesterday. My girlfriend has a Saab and the taillights went out. The problem was more than just a simple bulb change. I went in to ask these guys about it and was surprised that they were happy to provide information, and knew what they were talking about. Not only did they have the part I needed in stock, they also had a "parts car" that we pulled a used part from that worked just fine for a lot less. These guys were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. This will be the first place I go next time I need a part or service for the Saab. read more

These guys are fantastic. I wouldn't dream of taking my 2005 Volvo Cross Country anywhere else and feel really lucky that they are in my urban backyard. The guys go above and beyond--super polite, patient when explaining things to me and the car is always ready when they say it is going to be. I really believe these guys are honest and do incredible work. Volvos are expensive cars and need to babied a bit--these guys do just that and so much more. If you own a Volvo, this is the place for you. read more