Nygaard’s Tom Service Center

The only reason I am not giving this the one star I think it actually deserves is because Tom is personable and humorous and knowledgeable. I was in Indy this weekend with my 2007 Jeep Compass, although I actually live three hours away. I had come up to visit with my family for Mother’s Day, and, while there, my mom and I both decided that my car was making a noise it should not be. There were also a few other problems I had noticed, so we decided on Monday, we would take it in somewhere and fix whatever needed fixing. I spent a lot of time on Unilocal,looking through reviews, and saw the ones here were all fairly excellent, and were much better than most, or any, of the other auto shops around town/​close by.
I called around noon to ask if I could make an appointment, also explaining some of the different issues with my vehicle, and Tom said to just bring it in as soon as possible. I brought it in about 45 minutes later, left the keys, confirmed who I was, and went back home to wait. And wait. And wait. I had read in other reviews that they were quick to get back with customers, and since I had dealt with Tom directly, I felt it shouldn’t have been more than an hour for him to call me back and at least confirm the things I suspected, etc. Some sort of communication. None. I finally called about three hours later, asking about the status, and was told I could have my car back tomorrow. When I told him that was almost completely impossible for my schedule (I have three dogs that were waiting for me at home, and I am the only one who is responsible for them), I asked if he could just compile a list of the diagnostics. I figured I could pay him for that and his time, and just carefully drive my car home that evening and get it fixed there. Which did end up happening, but all I got was attitude. He basically hung up on me when I informed him of the issue, which he could have done something about a long time ago, had he bothered to pick up the phone and call me, or if he hadn’t practically dismissed me when I tried to communicate with him when I was dropping my vehicle off.
Now, I don’t know what he did in those five (eventual) hours that I waited to pick up my vehicle, besides diagnose problems I already told him existed, and replace a tail light, even though I had both a tail light and head light out, and he only fixed one of those… But he got paid for it. When I got there, he was not there, and the man that was had no idea what was going on with my vehicle at all, and was very rude to my mother and I.
I was really looking forward to finally having a positive experience with an auto shop based on all these wonderful, happy reviews, but I guess when you’re a young woman, you just don’t get taken seriously anymore.

As the score says «As good as it gets!»
My car had been making a knocking sound that I had been avoiding for months simply because I figured it would be a pricey fix. I finally decided that today was the day I wanted it worked on. I called a few places I had taken my car before and had okay service, but no one could get me in same day. I took to Unilocal to find a place close to my home and with good reviews. Enter Nygaard’s!
I called and asked how soon I could get my car in for an estimate. The man who answered the phone told me as soon as I could drive it it. Excellent– that’s what I like to hear. I pulled in, tried my best to describe what was wrong (obviously no car expertise here) and handed my keys over to a friendly guy who was happy to help. I told him I could wait there while they gave me an estimate or walk home and he could call me later. He told me to hang on and took my car for a spin around the block and drove it directly into the shop. Less than 10 minutes after I handed him my keys, he gave them back with a smile and said the problem was fixed. He explained what happened and how he fixed it.
When I asked how much the fix was he told me all he waned was for me to bring my car in next time it needed service. He could have told me whatever he wanted, but he took care of me and earned a customer for life. This is how you treat people!
All in all, I have found my service center. Friendly, knowledgeable and fair. I’ll be back! Thank you!

I got this recommendation from a friend and I am very glad I got it! They are competent, hard working and honest. They did the 100K service on my Sienna and they didn’t do anything that was not needed even though they certainly have changed out the timing belts, filters, etc. If you are looking for a good, no great, mechanic, take your vehicle immediately!

With a limited knowledge of any type of combustion engine, I was looking for two things in a garage: in my neighborhood and reliable. After reading Lorand’s review, I decided to come to Nygaard’s. I brought my car in not knowing what was wrong, and gave Tom the vaguest description. About an hour later, I received a call with exactly what the problem was and about how much it was going to cost.
My car was completed by the next day, and they worked with my schedule. I would definitely recommend this shop to anyone in the Broad Ripple area. Tom is pleasant, and I didn’t have to keep calling about the status of my car like at some other garages.

Tire repair, rather than a replacement. $ 20 instead of $ 250 (have to buy pairs, y’know…)
Firestone told me that rolling 1000 yards on a flat tire had ruined the sidewalls. Tom Nygaard actually dismounted the tire to LOOK at the belts, and could tell that although the outside was scuffed (half-​way through «Michelin»), the tire was sound. Yep, he’s honest.
(Take a look at my review of the Firestone on Keystone just North of 62^nd for the rest of the story.)
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And, since I can’t figure out how to post a second review for Nygaard’s, I’ll relate a second experience here. The tire incident is on a Passat with only 32k on it. We also have an Accord with 230k on it. The Accord developed a massive oil leak, which a couple of shops said was terminal (main seals, etc…). We called it «self-​changing oil,» and were preparing to donate it to WFYI. But Tom said «let me take a look at it.» The problem turned out to be a cracked (plastic) oil sending unit, not main seals. Including an oil change, the part, and labor, we’re back on the road for $ 100. Shall I buy Tom a case of beer, or what??!

I have always been treated with utmost respect and decency by the folks at this establishment. I
I have found them to be nothing but honest and forthright.
The vitriol expressed by a previous Unilocaler is way off base. If you actually read beyond the name calling… you will see that Nygard told them about the starter possibly not being the culprit… yet he had them install it anyway. I cannot see how Nygard is responsible.

I took my 1983 VW for repair and was told they couldn’t get the parts. OK, I will find someone else to do it eventually. I appreciate the honesty.

This place is great. They’re honest and take great care of their customers. I’ve used them for years and would recommend them to anyone.

I’ve had nothing but positive experiences at this place, for many different repairs.
I had an issue with the motor in my power window before I was aware of Nygaard’s Service Center. I took it to another place and they charged me $ 400+ to fix it. To my dismay, I had the same exact problem with a different window and I took it to Nygaard — they fixed it for $ 200.
They are always very reasonably priced, always very honest and NEVER perform a service unless they absolutely deem it necessary (see complaint above — they suggested that he not spend the $ 400 on a new starter — he went ahead and did it and it wasn’t necessary. Hardly Nygaard’s fault).
I will not take my car anywhere else.