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SwedeMasters
428 N Salsipuedes St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States
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SwedeMasters
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Sa
Review №1

I’ve been taking my Volvos to Tim and his crew at Swedasters for over 10 years. Their level of service is top notch and I always have the certainty that my car is being well cared for with all concerns addressed for a good price. They have excellent communication and work hard to get your car serviced in a timely manner. I am a very happy customer, and couldn’t recommend this business more highly!

Co
Review №2

Had my XC70 struts replaced here. Tim was great about explaining the repair and offered a few different solutions. Didnt push service on other issues and had the car done on time. Wish I lived in town to be able to use as our shop for future repairs

Da
Review №3

Great guys, very good service and very knowledgeable. My car was ready super quick, and it cost much less than I expected. Highly recommend.

Ch
Review №4

The owner, Tim, is really easy to work with and has never let me down in years of working on my Volvo. He keeps her, my Volvo, running after 20 years of ownership!

S
Review №5

Rick Huff was extremely rude and condensending. Took my car to another shop with great success. Would not recommend this mechanic.

Gr
Review №6

Tim is a rare combination of pleasant, honest with excellent service. He takes the time to explain potential and all necessary issues your car may be experiencing. Whether you drive a Saab or you’re an old hippie 50 yrs out of date with a Volvo, he’s the best in town

Ji
Review №7

Have had my car smogged here for years. Rick is great, punctual and efficient!

Pe
Review №8

Always helpful and professional. If something is wrong I always have options. Thorough service and honest evaluation and repair. Ive been a customer since 1990s. Im not as loyal to them as they are to me. They are top notch.

Ig
Review №9

Great professionals. Fixed computer glitch by updating software Volvo XC90 2020

Ro
Review №10

So friendly...super competent...ended up finding what the true issue was and saved me money. I will only trust them with my volvo.

Je
Review №11

They found me a financially reasonable used part and got my 2003 XC70 back to me and on the road very quickly! Love SwedeMasters

Sh
Review №12

Tim at SwedeMasters is who I will be taking my car too from here on out. He is pleasant, friendly, honest and thorough. He takes the time to explain everything and answer my questions as well. Its nice to have a mechanic you can trust.The email reminders and text are also super helpful. I highly recommend Swedemasters. Plus....my car was vacuumed and washed when I picked it up, such a nice surprise!

Do
Review №13

Allways friendly, informative and helpful. very professional and I have been going to them for over 20 years.

Br
Review №14

Gem of Santa Barbara, this place has extended the life of my aging Mini Cooper. When I first moved to SB, I had engine troubles, and they researched and found a way to blast out the engine with shells, and my car has run like new since. Tim went above and beyond to fix and repair a few things that were broken, like my cracked front plastic piece, and they have always taken care of me. Cant recommend enough!

Ri
Review №15

I took my Saab to a mechanic that could not figure out what was wrong with it. At SwedeMasters they knew exactly what was wrong with my car and fixed it in no time at a reasonable price. Wont take my Saab anywhere else!

An
Review №16

SwedeMasters is efficient and knowledgable. You can trust them, they do good work and I never feel like my bill is too high. Completely happy that SwedeMasters is in our community!

Al
Review №17

Honest, reliable and friendly. Swedemasters is THE best place for Volvo repairs. I have 2 Volvo station wagons and I wont trust them to anyone else. Tim Kitt, the owner, is the nicest guy around. And did I mention honest? I always feel respected when Im there and hes always happy to tell me when something is going to cost less than what I expected. I cannot recommend Swedemasters enough!

Jo
Review №18

I would love to give this place 5 stars, and honestly there is a reason this place is very highly rated for a repair shop. So why a 4 and not a 3 or a 5?For reference my car is a 05 vovlo s80 with about 150k milesAnd, my car always feels better when I leave.The 5 star plug:So I had a huge service done a while back $4,000+ and I would have given 5 stars easy for that experience, happiest Id ever been with a repair shop (they had my car for a couple days, done early). Super Professional, really knew what they were doing.The 4 star plug:Labor is expensive, which is what it is.The 3 and below star plug:Simply put, being charged the same labor for brakes as labor for a fuel sensor was astounding (as a customer who literally watched the labor, this hurt my soul).I personally have felt all the above ratings. This being said, I would recommend this place because I do feel like my experiences have been better than other places. And I do trust them completely with my car.TL:DR expensive, professional

Sk
Review №19

Honest! Knowledgeable! Friendly! Totally recommend this shop. Felt really taken care of and prices were fair. If youve got a Volvo, this is the place to go in Santa Barbara.

Mi
Review №20

Had a Volvo serviced there recently. Work was perfect. The manager is knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. I will be coming back.

Le
Review №21

Been with them for over 6 years now. One of the most honest, competent, and friendly mechanic shops to work with. 5-stars all around.

Ja
Review №22

SwedeMasters is a professional, courteous, and hard working Swedish automotive repair shop that does quality work. Hard to beat such amazing service and friendly staff. Thanks SwedeMasters!

Ba
Review №23

Excellent, professional and ethical. Ive used them for the past 20 years for a Saab and a BMW. They dont mark up parts prices like the other BMW mechanics in town (I know this from experience and from researching parts prices).

Fr
Review №24

Swedemasters corrected a electrical problem I had with my saab. There master mechanic repaired the problem quickly and competently. I highly recommend swedemasters to service you saab.

Ta
Review №25

My first time going into Swede Masters was a complete breeze and pleasure! The mechanics were friendly, educational, and went above and beyond with their services. I will be going back for future car needs!

Re
Review №26

I go to their Toyota mechanic. Hes really good.

gr
Review №27

One reason that we own 2 Volvos and a Saab is not having to stress about where to have them serviced. Major kudos to Tim and staff.

Fr
Review №28

As usual, very professional and outstanding work. We have used Swedemasters for years, and we trust them completely!

Em
Review №29

Rick did smog check for my car...quick, easy, friendly

Jo
Review №30

I always have my 2015 V60 serviced at SwedeMasters and I also have them take care of any repairs that come up. Ive shopped around and theyre the best in Santa Barbara!

Ed
Review №31

Great crew...helpful, knowledgeable and informative over the phone. Will definitely use if in the area.

To
Review №32

I was having transmission issues with my older Vo and I was expecting the worse case scenario when I took it to SwedeMasters.I ended up driving it home the same day fixed and for a minimal charge.Thank you!

Je
Review №33

So glad I own a Saab, specifically because of Swedemasters. Tim is the most honest mechanic I have ever met, and always does a thorough job. Cant say enough about this shop.

Yo
Review №34

My family had brought our VOLVO cars, from new to old ones, to SWEDE MASTER shop for many, many years . Owner, TIM is .knowledgeable, honest, efficent and respected by his employees...the SAFETY of their customers in having a maintained or repaired car is important to these people, treat customers like their family that they like driving a safe car...his employees work and values are aligned with TIMs core values, and ideals hence = great customer service... when i pick up my car it has been cleaned and you get that feeling your car has been thoroughly checked, safe to be on the road...they are also very honest in pricing, and very helpful, exuding integrity on their work, and business as best they can. I highly recommend this place...they merited my loyalty over the years based on good experience i and my family have had with them...

Jo
Review №35

Great place. Tim’s the best.

Ja
Review №36

They replaced my 2012 S60’s engine, checked all systems in the car, and re-installed my side panel. After that, they even tested my car’s performance and cleaned it inside and out. My car feels like new again!

Gi
Review №37

I find the staff here to be super knowledgeable and friendly.

ma
Review №38

Im so glad I took my Volvo here. Staff is friendly, helpful, not at all pushy and pricing is fair. Karen took the time to explain to me exactly what was going on with my car. I finally found a shop in Santa Barbara that I trust... Thank you!

Nu
Review №39

So happy to find this place. My Volvo was flooded inside from the rain and they knew exactly how to fix it and very reasonable priced. I highly suggest if you have a Volvo to go these guys. Professional, polite and honest. Im so happy to have my car back after I thought it was a destroyed and I would have to buy another car. Good honest people that will take care of you

Fe
Review №40

I have driving my 2000 S70 since new.In LA, and struggle with repairs and maintenance even at the dealerin Santa Monica and after the warranty with indy shopsnow I am here in SB and meet Karen and her team. Halleluyaa !!I think I will keep my sweet car. Felix

Je
Review №41

Tim and his staff have provided excellent service to my family for years. I give him much credit for the great condition of my reliable 84 Volvo, which has nearly 400,000 miles on it. Swedemasters is always a pleasure to visit. Tim has a cheerful attitude, shows integrity and care in his work, and always explains problems to me in an honest and clear way to understand. Even when I was out of town, he helped me by recommending a quality place to service my vehicle. My family and I am so grateful for this trusted business.

Ba
Review №42

Did a great job!

Je
Review №43

Tim and his crew are the best. Super high level attention to details and incredible follow up. If Tim says he can do something and have it done at a certain time it will be done. Easy to get a hold of, flexible, honest, hard working and constant/consistent communication while your car is being analyzed and fixed. If I could give six-stars I would!

Ni
Review №44

For more than 15 years, SwedeMasters has provided the best car service ever for me. This time, Tim ran exhaustive computer checks to troubleshoot a possible engine malfunction. The result: The less than ultimate driver trying to drive his ultimate driving machine pressed the accelerator pedal incorrectly. Thank God for technology.

Ad
Review №45

I have been taking my 2001 9-3 Saab to SwedeMasters for about 2 years now. With every appointment, I have been treated kindly and with respect by Tim and the rest of the gentlemen at the shop.I have very little knowledge regarding car repairs, other than basic upkeep that is needed to keep the car in good shape. Tim is always gracious and patient when explaining to me any problems the car needs fixed. He is always upfront about the costs regarding any repairs. My most recent fix on my car was the turbo charger, in which Tim was willing to discuss with me based on his experience whether such a repair was worth it and if so, what was the best way to go about it.I have had my car for ten years now, and have lived in 4 different states over this period of time. Never before have I gone to a place where I trust their service and advice so much. With the help of SwedeMasters I know that my little car will continue to remain in good working order for a good time to come. I feel confident for someone who commutes around 600 miles every week, that my car is going to get me to and from my destination because of the work they do at SwedeMasters.

Ad
Review №46

Went over and above. Serviced my car great and cleaned/tuned it for me as a little extra favor! Owner Tim is great, and his shop provides great service. Will be returning.

Sa
Review №47

Great customer service. Work performed is on time, estimates given for all work and a list of what needs to be monitored.Love making appointments online and being able to communicate directly with them

Ly
Review №48

SwedeMasters were recommended to me by friends five years ago. I have had both a brand new Volvo and a very old model serviced here and have been happy with quality and thoroughness of the maintenance and repairs. On the old Volvo I bought from my sister, I especially have appreciated Tims help in prioritizing which items are practical and cost effective to repair. Plus, all of the staff are incredibly nice and professional.

Ma
Review №49

Tim, I would like to thank you for all your help in keeping our daughters car running while she was attending SBCC. It was always a pleasure dealing with you. I highly recommend your services to anyone. Although were excited that our daughter is transferring to a school in the Bay Area, we are very sad that we wont be able to use you again for service needs. Thanks, Mark

An
Review №50

Swedemasters is top rate. They are knowledgeable, efficient and fairly priced. The work is always delivered on time. If you have any questions, Tim is always available and interested in your thoughts. Wouldnt go anyplace else with my Volvo.

Va
Review №51

Thank you so much for great service! My car is running so much smoother now...and thanks for washing my car! I didnt notice it at first but when I did I was surprised. Wow thats great service! Ill be back.

je
Review №52

Tim and the gang at SwedeMasters do a FANTASTIC job! Every time that I have taken in my 1999 s70 for repair or maintenance, I have been extremely happy with the service. They are skilled mechanics who know their stuff in addition to being wonderful people who are friendly and happy to help.

Re
Review №53

As always, Tim and crew are outstanding. Tim knows Volvos better than anyone I have seen before. I also appreciate that Tim is willing to explain and work with the must repairs vs could repairs. Thank you.

As
Review №54

Tim was so very helpful and got our keys completed ahead of schedule - we were thrilled to be back on the road where we needed to be. Will be back next time for any Volvo issues I may have - Tim can handle anything and he really loves what he does.

St
Review №55

SwedeMasters do excellent work. Tim (the owner) is an absolute gent and takes the time to fully explain the repairs your car needs. He goes above and beyond all reasonable expectations to ensure prompt and thorough service. I will not take my Volvo to any other mechanic on the Central Coast.

Ke
Review №56

Always a good experience. Gentle reminders when I need to get in for service... timely turn around on all maintenance preformed over the last 3yrs Ive been taking my XC-90~ Thank you for setting the bar high and being consistent.

Ch
Review №57

This is the only place I would take my Volvo in Santa Barbara. They were extremely knowledgeable about the repair needed and didnt push anything else extra on me. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a respectable shop for their Saab or Volvo. Take it here and get specialized service rather than going to some one size fits all garage.

Da
Review №58

Ive been going to Swedemasters for over 7 years. The staff is so dependable, the front desk so reliable with call backs, estimates, etc. The work is always done on schedule and theyve always called if there is a hangup with any part. I cant recommend them highly enough. Ive got a funny model Saab that was made for just 2 years and I feel they have me covered on service and repair for this oddball car. Integrity and Value.

Vi
Review №59

Great experience- been going here for several years after the Volvo dealership closed in Santa Barbara- feel treated fairly and it is always a good experience

To
Review №60

Tim is always thorough in taking care of my Saab. No surprises in bill. What he fixes stays fixed.After replacing an anti-sway bar, he noticed that I was due for an oil change.All up to date; Thanks for taking care of me, Tim!

Li
Review №61

In the 34 years that I’ve been taking my cars to mechanics in both LA and SB, Swedemasters is, hands down, the most honest and ethical shop that I’ve been to. Tim, the owner, has been taking care of my ’88 Saab for 13 years now, bringing it back from “the dead” twice. Not only are Tim, Bob, and the other mechanics always friendly, patient, and professional, but they diagnose correctly, stand by their quotes without tacking on additional costs later, and guarantee their work. When the diagnosis is difficult, they proceed cautiously, giving you enough information, options, and time to make a decision before committing to a repair. I see some reviews here say they’re pricey. Not only do you get what you pay for, but the investment has always been worth the personal treatment, the quality workmanship, and the peace of mind that my car is in the best of hands.

Gi
Review №62

Tim and his crew are great! Totally honest and trustworthy, experts in their field. My cars are happy in his care..

Ja
Review №63

I’ve been a very happy customer of Tim’s for over 12 years, with 3 different Saabs. He is ethical, honest, clear, reliable, creative...all the traits I want in my mechanic. I recommend SwedeMasters without hesitation.

Mo
Review №64

I swung by Swedemasters today because I had an alert saying my stop lights were having an issue. Thankfully it just needed a new bulb. Thank you Swedemasters for having me in and out in less than 15 minutes!

Je
Review №65

Before my V70R was totaled, I used these guys for all of my oil changes and any issues I couldnt diagnose on my own. I think the guy in the office is Bob and hes very pleasant to work with. Theyre conveniently located if you work downtown. Theyre good guys who seem to know theyre stuff. Theyre a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. Take your Volvo to Jiffy Lube if youd like, Id rather have someone who knows my car doing the routine maintenance so they can alert me of potential problems, before they become problems. Honest business. Enjoy.

Ga
Review №66

As always, very helpful, listens to your concerns regarding unusual noises, etc, and explains results of your service and all charges. Even cleaned my windows which I love since I have a hard time doing that myself. I said as always - as this is my 3rd or 4th service. Will continue to use Timothy and his mechanics.

Br
Review №67

Always good service and they listen.

St
Review №68

Personal & prompt service, first class workmanship and fair pricing, this is a quick review because Swedemasters sets the bar. Happy to give five stars.

Ja
Review №69

My first Volvo, I bought a 2011 xc60, 10 months ago, I have had problems with the electrical system, After searching for a great mechanic decided on Tim, I live in Pismo Beach, not close by .I was very pleased with their honesty and knowledge. Its hard to put faith into repairs, or repair shops but so glad that I made the right decision .I gave them a 5 star rating, for knowledge and reliability. THANK YOU

Da
Review №70

Tim is an exceptional mechanic. Very honest and on time with the repairs. Also returns my car cleaner than it ever is.

Ju
Review №71

As usual SwedeMasters where efficient and on schedule. In my experience the only reliable Volvo service in the Santa Barbara Area today.

Pa
Review №72

Everyone who works there is friendly. They did a marvelous job repairing my Volvo, and surprised me by washing and vacuuming my car. Seriously, that’s never happened before!

We
Review №73

Tim and the gang at Sweedmasters always do a great job at fixing any problem I might have with my car. They are truly people you can trust to service your car. Thanks!!

Ro
Review №74

Live in Santa Barbara and own a Volvo? Thats where you go

Ph
Review №75

Swedemasters came through again! My Volvo was rough and noisy, and I feared the worst (for my 17-year-old car). Karen got me in the same day I called, and they determined that a top engine mount was the culprit. As soon as they got the parts on the next day (even during the Thomas Fire delayed transportation), Karen called me in the morning and Tims crew got the work done (including new headlight) before 2pm. Car drives like its new now. Thank you, Tim, mechanics, and your new Office Manager Karen!

Sy
Review №76

Experience was the highest level of satisfaction! Thank you. Great to know such a wonderful shop exists for Volvos!!!

ma
Review №77

Excellent service. Excellent value. If you want your service or repair done right by a team that will stand by their work, Swedemasters is the garage for you.

Ka
Review №78

Great service, both mechanically and personally. So happy I found them!

Je
Review №79

Swedemasters is an absolute gem. I had just moved to Santa Barbara from Portland, Oregon all on my own to begin my PhD work at UCSB, and after a great deal of driving my Mini overheated. I had my car towed to Haiks German Autohaus based on some seeming good Google reviews, and ended up being charged $330 basically just to tell me that the coolant was leaking, oil was low, and it was going to cost another $300 or so to see if there was severe engine damage - not to repair anything as of yet.So, I decided to call Swedemasters for a second opinion. I spoke with Karen, who was very patient, knowledgeable, and helpful, and I decided to have my car towed to them. They were upfront with the basic diagnosis cost, which was already much less than the initial $280 estimate I received with vague reasoning from the other mechanic. Swedemasters kept me updated through the process and within a few days my car was up and running again. In the end, my engine was ok, my car wasnt hopeless as the other mechanic had told me repeatedly, and my final bill (including the diagnosis) was under $1,000. Oh, and just when I thought they were lifesavers already, I received a call from Karen at Swedemasters a day later saying they realized they accidentally charged me for a small part that didnt end up needing to be replaced, so they wanted to refund my account. This kind of honesty is rare to find and so greatly appreciated.I hope my account conveys the true value and integrity of this wonderful shop. I am so very grateful for their work, and I incredibly glad I found a local mechanic that I can truly trust.

De
Review №80

Excellent service. Tim is a pleasure to work with - organized, competent, and responsive.

Se
Review №81

Trustworthy, friendly, and efficient. Highly recommend going to swedemasters if you live in SB & own a volvo.

Ka
Review №82

If you have a Volvo this is a reliable place to go.

Na
Review №83

Excellent, honest service!! Have been going to Swedemasters to service my Volvo S40 for few years, and highly recommend them!

Ga
Review №84

In & Out. All fixed. Lovely experience as always. Thanks!

Je
Review №85

Best customer service, best mechanics for my Volvo’s over the years! Thank you!

Ch
Review №86

Rick is the best. Very knowledgeable, and very thorough.

So
Review №87

Efficient, honest, and understanding of customers who are working within a budget

Li
Review №88

Reliable, efficient, friendly, and they even washed my car, inside and out!!

Ma
Review №89

Wonderful efficient and courteous service, The best anywhere!

Ha
Review №90

Excellent, professional, friendly service.Can not do better anywhere.

Iv
Review №91

Quick and thorough - thank you!

La
Review №92

Excellent and dependable service. Wouldnt take my car anywhere else!

Sa
Review №93

Excellent service.thats it.

Br
Review №94

Excellent customer service and workmanship.

Te
Review №95

Personal and competent and fair pricing

Ju
Review №96

Best mechanic in town!

G
Review №97

Great service.

sa
Review №98

Good guys

Information
1 Photos
98 Comments
4.9 Rating
  • Address:428 N Salsipuedes St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103, United States
  • Site:http://swedemasters.com/
  • Phone:+1 805-962-6633
Categories
  • Auto repair shop
  • BMW dealer
  • Brake shop
  • Car repair and maintenance
  • Oil change service
  • Saab dealer
  • Small engine repair service
  • Volvo dealer
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:8AM–5PM
  • Wednesday:8AM–5PM
  • Thursday:8AM–5PM
  • Friday:8AM–5PM
  • Saturday:8AM–5PM
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot:Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom:Yes
Offerings
  • Oil change:Yes
Amenities
  • Mechanic:Yes
  • Restroom:Yes
Planning
  • Appointments recommended:Yes
  • LGBTQ friendly:Yes
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