Nordic Motors

Outstanding business ethics. Carl is simply honest. He won’t offer to fix something if he thinks it is not worth it, or over inflate bills. That does not make maintaining a Volvo cheap since parts can be expensive, but there’s no added unnecessary padding or labor.

Carl’s place is everything a repair shop should be. He is so friendly you might be suspicious at first, but it’s completely genuine. He will give you the honest truth about what your car needs, what it doesn’t need, what you can safely wait on, and how much it’s going to cost. The work is top-​notch, of course, but what really cinches the legend of this place is how unbelievably friendly, neighborly, and dare-​I-​say warm Carl is. (My new year’s resolution: be more like Carl Jardevall.)
Today it turned out they’d need my car almost all day, so what did Carl do? He called me a rental and paid the daily fee himself. Carl loves cars, but I suspect he loves people even more, and the overwhelming loyalty to his business here on Unilocal (and IRL) is the proof. I’m sad I’m moving away and won’t be coming in anymore. So much so, I’ve already started talking myself into turning service intervals into road trips…
You should buy a Volvo just so you can take it here. (That’s not a joke. Do it.)

I was referred by a friend to take my Volvo to Nordic when I had a check engine light come on. After checking out their website and reading fellow Unilocalers reviews I made an appointment. I haven’t had good luck with finding an honest, reliable and consistent mechanic so i’m normally pretty skeptical but Nordic has restored my faith. Carl was very friendly and knowledgeable right off the bat from scheduling my appointment, dropping off my vehicle, calling to update me on the diagnosis of the check engine light and following up with me once the repairs were completed. All of the repairs were done in less than 8 hours! Talk about service and efficiency! I also had some other minor repairs done while it was there based on their inspection but never felt they were trying to up sell me or force unnecessary repairs. Thank you to Carl and Nordic! I will definitely be back.

Carl is always such a pleasure to work with! He patiently answers all my questions, always goes the extra mile to make sure that me and my car are taken care of, and is very ethical — he tells me which repairs are necessary and which aren’t, and gives a very fair price, both of which are so comforting because I feel that some mechanics try and take advantage of the fact that I don’t know much about cars. When I was in Southern California for school, I would honestly call Carl when my car had problems to get his assessment to compare with what the local mechanic would say, and he was so patient with me!
I cannot recommend Carl and his team highly enough, and my only regret about moving in the future from a Volvo to another brand (likely non-​Eurpean) is that I won’t be able to come to Carl anymore! Thanks to Carl and his team for their kind, friendly, speedy, and highly professional service.

Carl, Mike and the crew at Nordic Motors have been working on my Volvos for 20 years. I wouldn’t trust anyone else. From my 240DL, through several XC70s and most recently our XC90, they have always done a great job and saved me money in the process. Even after we moved from San Carlos to San Jose 10 years ago, I still make the drive to Nordic Motors when any of our cars need some work.

Wonderfully professional, timely, excellent work. Nicest experience and online appointments make it super easy.

Awesome group of dedicated specialists with repair, maintenance and safety. For older vehicles, the advise is consistently spot on in terms of repairs which are necessary vs. those which may be optional. Prices are fair, they keep customer informed, and are expedient in getting vehicle returned in timely fashion. Very friendly atmosphere all around. Wouldn’t consider going anywhere else!

I have never written a review but can’t help it after the stellar service I have received from Nordic motors. After multiple excellent service visits what has prompted me to write is that an emergency light went on in my car. I raced over to get help. They patiently went through diagnosing the problem… I had left my gas cap open. I was totally chagrinned, they could not have been nicer. And no charge.

Thank you Carl and staff for fixing my 15 year old Volvo S40. For the first time in 15 years, my check engine light is off. Other places told me they could not turn it off. I was treated fairly and professionally. What a class act.

I cannot say enough nice things about Carl and Nordic Motors. They are friendly, helpful, and take great care of my car! I trust them completely, so I know it’s important when they periodically suggest an additional service at oil change time. Definitely 5 stars!

They know my car, which is a late 80’s Saab. They are close to work. They are incredibly friendly. My favorite thing about them was that they were fair priced and didn’t nickel and dime me when they probably could have since my car is old and needs some work. Highly recommend these guys!

Carl and Nordic motors is a sure bet for reliable auto repair. advice, and service. I have been taking my cars to him for over 20 years. Carl is as honest as the day is long. You will not find a shop with professionals more helpful and personable. The prices are reasonable and you can expect truthful and accurate quotes.

Great service and honest suggestions — Karl has helped me through two Volvos with expert advise and over all great repairs — great experience all around

Karl is a great guy! No nonsense and to the point. I highly recommend Nordic Motors to anyone in need of service. He is the only person I trust with my Saab. I drive from the east bay for his service definitely worth a trip across the bridge.

Karl is a professional and very ethical. I take my BMW here, and my spouse takes her Volvo. Great place.

I’ve been taking my Saab to Nordic Motors since moving to CA and couldn’t be happier. They provide excellent honest communication and service, and are very accommodating to your schedule.

Nordic is the best garage I have ever relied on. And that covers a period of over ten years now. No nonsense! Thx Carl!

I have been going to Nordic Motors to service my Saab since 2007 (when Burlingame Saab closed). I’ve had nothing but great experiences. The owner, Carl, is honest, fair and so nice. Even for little things like changing a lightbulb, oil change or checking brakes, he always accommodates my schedule and makes it so easy.

This place is great. Any questions or concerns this is the first place I go to. I Typically do my own minor repair/​maintenance but some of the more advanced stuff i’m just lazy or don’t have to proper tools/​know-​how and that’s when I go here.
Very honest and good work all around, even performance parts they are game for anything!

Friendly, honest, and truly caring about your car and getting you the best situation possible. I’ve come here a couple times in the last month after inheriting an old Volvo, and Carl always takes care of it and even remembers it, as it’s been coming here its whole life. He always explains everything in clear language so you know what’s going on, and lays out all the options and tells you what he truly thinks is the best.
When I’m coming to Nordic Motors, I actually enjoy taking my car in to the shop!