I was referred by my sister in law, great place to bring and had my car repaired. Owner was very friendly and talked me through what was needed on my repair, price was fair, and he even told me I didn't have an oil leak. I would refer any of my friends and family to this family owned business. Thank you for a great service. read more

After some car trouble - my car wasn't starting without a jump - I knew I needed to take it in. I found South Import because they were near my house and figured I could walk home if the work would be extensive. They were able to get me in quickly and diagnose the problem, which was the battery. They kept me updated throughout the process and were super friendly. The little shop dog, Steve, is adorable. I understand some folks might have reservations about a dog, but he's super chill. I didn't even realize he was there at first! When he got up from his extended nap, he stood in the doorway of the waiting area, as if awaiting my permission for him to walk in. Of course, I obliged and gave him some pets. :) Before I knew it, my car was ready to go. No need to run home, it was done quickly. I'm glad to have found a local shop. (Bonus: a dog hangs out there.) read more

Excellent experience! We needed to find a new repair shop after our previous, trusted shop closed during covid. After plenty of research (BBB, Consumer's Checkbook, various online reviews) we decided to give South Import a try and we are very glad we did. We have a beloved 2009 Subaru Forester that we brought in that needed two minor tweaks (squeaking belt and rattling heat shield) and what we thought was another, more major repair. Upon inspection of the vehicle and discussion, we were assured that the major repair was indeed completely unnecessary at this time and was simply something to keep an eye on. In brief, we now have a non-squeaking, non-rattling Forester and saved a lot of money, time and frustration in the process. We're really glad we found a shop we can trust and would highly recommend South Import to anyone looking for honest work at very fair prices. read more

I really appreciate this business. Very kind, personable people. They go the extra mile with service and follow up and don't gouge. Highly recommend over a chain or dealership!! read more

I received a recommendation for this place after my alternator went out. Great experience and would recommend to the next person. Got the car back timely and the price was fair. Thanks again and appreciate the service! read more

These guys are the absolute best! I was taking my car to another local mechanic who could not figure out what was wrong with my VW...they eventually referred me to South Import, and I've been thrilled since. As someone who is not well versed in what's happening under the hood of a car, these guys actually explain things to you in terms anyone can understand. They're friendly and courteous and their prices are really competitive. I no longer have the VW, but three cars later, I hold fast to South for all my auto needs! read more

This shop is one of the most honest, trustworthy and efficient auto repair shops I have ever visited. Whenever anything is amiss with my Honda Civic (which is not often), they schedule an appointment easily and efficiently. The owners/mechanics/receptionists treat their customers with kindness and respect while explaining issues/potential solutions in a down earth and easily understood manner. The talent and humanity regularly practiced at this business is unparalleled read more

I can't say enough good things about these guys. I've taken my car here ever since my warranty ran out at the dealership and I can only say I wish I'd just skipped the warranty and gone here earlier. I honestly think it would have saved me money since they are so transparent with what is really needed vs what is just recommended. As a female I think car maintenance can be a bit scary because the shops know I don't know much about my car. These guys treat me like one of the family, they always have a loaner ready for me to take for the day and they often tell me that services I thought I needed weren't necessary. They have saved me so much money and peace of mind. I recommend them to all of my coworkers. read more

Went here after my car started running really bad. I said I'd like my AUDI a6 checked out - suspected coil $380 diagnostic, did compression test- then replaced coil $610.33 - RIP OFF and BAD service. I own a 2002 Audi A6 Quattro - 161k miles on it. As I was coming to a stoplight in Bloomington all of a sudden my car started running really bad, it felt like it was shaking under the hood, the engine light was flashing and something smelled like burning. So, I took it to South Imports in Bloomington, from a recommendation. I walked in on Monday the 5th of January and told them my car's symptom. My car started shaking + the engine light flashing, car smelled like burning. I think it's the coil, can you check that for me please and replace the coils if it is? Then two days later said they didn't know what was wrong with it. Said they wanted to do a $380 diagnostic (me, figuring I had no other choice, said ok), then I didn't hear from them. Then they said they'd do a compression test (I didn't ask how much that would be, but should have). The next day. They said the compression checked out good. Still said they didn't know what was wrong with it. Then next 3 days (Thurs-Fri-Sat) I had work, so not sure if they tried to call but I was not available to call them. I talked to them like on Thurs or Fri and say, oh... "We see there is a burned up coil and we will test something just for fun." After $200+ in rental cars I really don't know what they mean by just for fun. Especially upset after I came in there with a burned up coil and I thought that was the problem *based on Google searches and the codes*. So they told me my timing was off... I had the timing belt replaced a few months ago. They replaced the coil, but I asked why they didn't check the coil first like I had asked them instead go into $610 in diagnostics and tell me I need to buy a new car because mine isn't worth anything and will cost more to fix it than what it's worth. I told them this didn't seem ethical to do all these tests without telling me upfront what they were doing and what the cost were and then taking this much time and every time I talked to them they seemed to not know what was going on. Told them I was considering contacting the Attorney General of MN about it and the owner was saying I don't care if you call the president of the US. Went to pay them and get my car and asked about the diagnostic and what it found. They said, "there's tons wrong with your car, more than just the timing belt and the coil." They showed me the burnt coil. They gave me a one page invoice that just said compression good, valves good. What about a full diagnostic report for the $610 less the $30 coil? So, I said, okay, then what will that cost to fix the timing? and why wasn't I able to have this choice to have it fixed as I had a rental car for a week and they had the "valve gasket covers off"? They said... "Oh so much money, thousands." I said I would like an estimate - they said $800 something (using the current parts). ... I asked what the numbers on the cylinders were they wouldn't even tell me said acceptable Audi standards... I called three other mechanics and then went to Nur Technik in Burnsville where a friendly owner ran the codes and looked at it and said if I wanted they could adjust timing $570 and use my parts.... Said I can drive it like that but I rather wouldn't and he said wouldn't suggest driving thousands more with it like that.... Anyway it's done, I just feel like they were rude and not upfront with me. I then called around, I even called a local Audi Dealership to get a quote on a diagnostic, mind you it was SIGNIFICANTLY less than what South Imports charged me. Plus they told me they look to find what's wrong with it, the cheapest thing first. The Audi dealership quoted me: Coil: $130, diagnostic $130, compression test (which they usually wouldn't do) $130. = $390. I just wanted my car to be fixed so I could continue driving it. I was without a car for nearly week when I brought mine into South Imports. Another thing that I found odd, under "parts" on the invoice from South Imports it says $40 - Identifix - TECH HELP LINE" - I'd give this a zero if I could. read more

I had my first appointment at South Imports today, was recommended by my SW MPLS body shop. The appointment was a positive and I'll definitely be returning- they explained everything, kept me appraised of progress and the cost was much less than using a dealer. The best part? No one recommending thousands of dollars of work every time I came in for work that would be needed on the horizon. I have no problem doing Mercedes recommended service and fixing what needs fixing but my trust was broken, grateful I found this shop. read more

I've taken two Mercedes to be services by Dean and the crew and they do an awesome job. If you want them to go over your car and make suggestions while you have in on the hoist you should probably take personal responsibility for requesting that service. You should also expect to pay for it. Just sayin.... read more

I grew up as a foreign car mechanic's daughter. Out in the shop helping my dad bleed brakes, remove exhaust systems, change oil, play with the parts washer, etc so I know my way around the shop and witnessed first hand a gifted mechanic (dad) at work. So when I moved up to the Twin Cities my dad told me to take my car to his cousin who had his own shop not far from South. When Donleigh was dying from cancer he wanted to make sure that I had a solid reputable shop that would look after my car repairs (I drove SAABs and Volvos) so he told me that should take my car to South. They all knew each other. Donleigh passed away in 1992 and so my cars have been serviced by South ever since. I would never take my car anywhere else unless the person/shop was recommended to me by someone from South. They have provided me with the best service and have always treated me with the utmost respect. read more

Run from these people. Dean and his crew had our Lexus for 2 1/2 weeks to work on a timing belt issue? They told us he had a sick mechanic for a week or so? $2k+ and a sick car and they could care less. Dean's comment was that there obviously are more problems with your engine - maybe another 2k? Clearly their diagnosis was way off and wanted to up the cost. We should not have paid the original 2k - but I guess lesson learned. We had it working smooth after an addl $500 for a new mechanic at a diff shop. skip this place - should be shut down. read more

This is the BEST repair shop I've ever been to! We have been taking our cars here for over 12 years now. We have had many different models of cars. The family who runs this business is as honest as they can get! A mom, dad and Son who are all GREAT to work with and you can trust them without question. I was referred to them by a friend years ago and I will never take my cars to anyplace else. Their prices are better than a dealer too. read more

I've been taking all of my cars here since 1991. I will pass by 87 closer places on my way to South Import because I trust them. I recently had to take my car to a dealership to have recall work done and the nightmare I experienced there just reinforced my eternal loyalty to this business. They're just the most! read more

I have been having South Imports and Dean repairing my vehicles for over 16 years. I've always been satisfied with the work and price. I drive from the NW suburb to Bloomington just to go to a repair shop I can trust. read more

I have been going here for a few years and was surprised that every time I went for an oil change they said everything was fine with my vehicle and nothing else needed to be done. I just recently discovered that my rotors were ground so low that I had to have them replaced and my new mechanic informed me that my transmission fluid was dirty and should have been replaced at 50k (I'm at 109k now). So now I am at risk of having my transmission being damaged due to neglect at this shop. Also on my last visit, I told them my tire pressure light was on. They said they checked it and it should be fine. After driving a block it came back on so I called them. They told me it was probably an electrical issue and I would have to have that replaced. The next day my tire was flat and I had to have it towed. I'm not sure where the disconnect is here with this place, but I would not recommend anyone taking their car there if they want to keep it for very long. read more