Fulton Automotive Nelson: Honest Wrenching & Campervan Kudos

Services offered by Fulton Automotive Nelson

Clutch fitting 🛠️

WOF (Warrant of Fitness) rechecks 🚗

Camper van servicing 🚐

Oil and filter changes 🛢️

Brake repairs and cleaning 🤹

Starter motor diagnostics and repair ⚙️

Tyre sales and fitting 🛞

Diagnostic services 🔍

Vehicle repairs (various makes and models) 🔧

European car servicing 🇩🇪

Pros	Cons
Dean and his team bent over backwards to help with a tricky diagnosis, being accommodating and upfront.	Price given differed from the price charged, citing 'European car' despite knowing the car beforehand.
Extensive knowledge saves time and money compared to less experienced mechanics.	Card machine not working properly.
Positive and friendly attitude.	Broken plastic piece during service, mechanic refused to pay for a $20 replacement.
Great to have the car back performing well.	Experience was not good and not recommended.
Friendly and honest service from Dean and Karen.	Resolution to simple errors wasn't satisfactory, felt disrespected and lost trust.
Quotes beat big name franchises by a couple of hundred dollars.	Dean, while knowledgeable, didn't resolve issues to the customer's expectations.
Physical and photographic evidence of work provided.
Dean went the extra mile to get the job done on time.
Top notch service, even ran the van back to AA for a WOF recheck.
Amazing knowledge and experience, car has never run better.
Don't do work that's not needed.
Always a smile and good solid advice.
Good price on tyres and sensible labour charges.
Dean helped figure out options for fixing a dying starter, explaining everything clearly and honestly.
Fixed brakes on the spot and only cleaned them as they were fine, saving money.
Went above and beyond expectations fixing an old Daihatsu.

Pros

Cons

Dean and his team bent over backwards to help with a tricky diagnosis, being accommodating and upfront.

Price given differed from the price charged, citing 'European car' despite knowing the car beforehand.

Extensive knowledge saves time and money compared to less experienced mechanics.

Card machine not working properly.

Positive and friendly attitude.

Broken plastic piece during service, mechanic refused to pay for a $20 replacement.

Great to have the car back performing well.

Experience was not good and not recommended.

Friendly and honest service from Dean and Karen.

Resolution to simple errors wasn't satisfactory, felt disrespected and lost trust.

Quotes beat big name franchises by a couple of hundred dollars.

Dean, while knowledgeable, didn't resolve issues to the customer's expectations.

Physical and photographic evidence of work provided.

Dean went the extra mile to get the job done on time.

Top notch service, even ran the van back to AA for a WOF recheck.

Amazing knowledge and experience, car has never run better.

Don't do work that's not needed.

Always a smile and good solid advice.

Good price on tyres and sensible labour charges.

Dean helped figure out options for fixing a dying starter, explaining everything clearly and honestly.

Fixed brakes on the spot and only cleaned them as they were fine, saving money.

Went above and beyond expectations fixing an old Daihatsu.

Fulton Automotive Nelson: A Reputation For Expertise & Going the Extra Mile

Fulton Automotive Nelson, located at 142 Vanguard Street, Nelson South, Nelson 7010, NZ, proudly holds a rating of 4.8 stars, a testament to its consistently positive reviews. This auto repair shop in Nelson is more than just a place to get your car fixed; it’s a destination for honest advice, skillful repairs, and a genuinely friendly experience. They operate Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 9 AM–4 PM, with the shop closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Appointments are recommended, suggesting a focus on efficient service and minimising wait times. The shop boasts wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, demonstrating a commitment to accessibility. They offer basic amenities including a restroom and, importantly, experienced mechanics. Credit and debit cards are accepted (although there have been reported issues with the card machine).

Rave Reviews: Standing Out From the Franchise Crowd

The online reviews paint a vivid picture of what sets Fulton Automotive Nelson apart. Many customers highlight Dean and Karen’s friendly professionalism and upfront communication, a quality often lacking in larger, more corporate repair shops. Here's a breakdown of what's repeatedly praised:

Exceptional Knowledge & Diagnosis: Several reviewers specifically mention Dean's extensive knowledge and ability to accurately diagnose intricate automotive issues, saving customers time and money in the long run. One client mentioned a "tricky diagnosis" handled effortlessly by Dean and his team.
Competitive Pricing: Beyond expertise, many customers were pleasantly surprised by the cost-effectiveness of Fulton Automotive Nelson. Quotes often undercut those from larger franchises by a significant margin.
Transparency & Trust: Customers appreciate being shown physical and photographic evidence of the work performed. This level of transparency builds trust and assures customers they're receiving exactly what they’ve paid for. One happy customer stated, "I honestly cannot fault the service I received from Dean and Karen - they were friendly and honest from the outset.”
Going Above & Beyond: Examples of outstanding service are plentiful, ranging from Dean rechecking a campervan with AA for a WOF to expertly restoring an aging 1977 Daihatsu.

**Vehicle Specific Expertise**: Several customers highlighted positive experiences with specialist vehicles like Diahatsu and campervans.

Areas for Improvement: Addressing Reported Concerns

While overwhelmingly positive, not all experiences with Fulton Automotive Nelson have been flawless. Some reviewers have raised concerns that warrant attention:

Price Discrepancies: One customer reported a significant price difference from the initial quote, attributing this to the vehicle being a "European car." While the mechanic seemingly knew the vehicle type beforehand, this practice raises concerns about transparency and potential overcharging.
Card Machine Issues: Problems with the card machine have been mentioned, potentially causing inconvenience for customers.
Minor Damage & Compensation: A damaged plastic piece during servicing, coupled with a refusal to cover the small cost of replacement (around $20), left one customer feeling undervalued.
Resolution of Issues: A particularly disheartening review described a feeling of disrespect and lost trust stemming from a seemingly inadequate resolution to a recurring mechanical problem. This underscores the importance of empathetic and effective conflict resolution.

Issue	Description	Potential Solution
Price Discrepancies	Significant price deviation from initial quote based on vehicle type	Clearly communicate potential price fluctuations before commencing work; provide a revised and signed quote.
Card Machine Problems	Malfunctioning card reader	Invest in reliable payment processing hardware and have a backup system.
Minor Damages	Damage to vehicle during service	Establish a clear policy for addressing minor damages; consider offering compensation or immediate repair.
Poor Resolution	Inadequate resolution of mechanical problems	Prioritize customer satisfaction; train staff in active listening and conflict resolution.

Community Hub: More Than Just Repairs

Fulton Automotive Nelson appears to be more than a shop – it's becoming a trusted hub within the Nelson community. Local residents praise the sound, practical advice given, the avoidance of unnecessary repairs, and the commitment to fair pricing on services like tyre replacements. The sharing of good, solid advice sets it apart, fostering a relationship built on trust and honesty. A recurring theme is the positive, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine desire to help customers. The shop's accessible facilities further contribute to its appeal, ensuring a comfortable experience for all. For those seeking dependable mechanics, transparent pricing, and a friendly face in Nelson, Fulton Automotive Nelson (+64 3 548 8773) is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fulton Automotive Nelson's Services and Expertise

What types of vehicles does Fulton Automotive Nelson typically service?

Fulton Automotive Nelson has experience with a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars and campervans to classic models like the 1977 Daihatsu. Dean and his team are known for their extensive knowledge and ability to diagnose and repair various makes and models, ensuring your vehicle receives expert attention. They've proven adept at handling both routine maintenance and more complex issues.

What are customers saying about the pricing and transparency at Fulton Automotive Nelson?

Many customers appreciate Fulton Automotive Nelson's competitive pricing and upfront communication. Several reviews highlight instances where their quotes were lower than larger franchises, and they provided photographic evidence of the work performed. While some have reported discrepancies, the overall sentiment suggests a commitment to honest and transparent pricing practices, though it's always wise to confirm the final cost beforehand.

Does Fulton Automotive Nelson offer convenient appointment scheduling and payment options?

Yes, Fulton Automotive Nelson recommends appointments to ensure efficient service. They accept both credit and debit cards, although there have been occasional reports of card machine issues. The team strives to accommodate customer needs and provide a smooth and hassle-free experience, making vehicle maintenance as convenient as possible.

What is Fulton Automotive Nelson's approach to customer service and problem resolution?

Fulton Automotive Nelson is generally praised for its friendly and helpful staff, particularly Dean. However, some customers have expressed disappointment with the resolution of minor issues, feeling disrespected. While Dean's expertise is widely acknowledged, it's important to communicate concerns clearly and ensure satisfactory resolution to maintain trust.

What facilities and services are available at Fulton Automotive Nelson?

Fulton Automotive Nelson provides a range of facilities, including wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. They offer mechanic services and a restroom for customer convenience. Appointments are recommended to ensure timely service. Fulton Automotive Nelson aims to provide a comfortable and accessible environment for all customers seeking auto repair services.