South Elm Automotive logo

South Elm Automotive

Auto repair shop · Manchester, NH · reviewed since 2015

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%97+52.9Reliability 24%99+24Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%57+4Experts Score= 95Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.95SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#41 of 218 auto repair shopsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 82%
5.0 ★★★★★ 298 Google reviews · 6 photos
97%five-star reviews
4.96★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
27%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

South Elm Automotive at a glance

Customers consistently praise South Elm Automotive for honest, transparent pricing that is often significantly lower than dealership rates, particularly for European vehicles like Land Rovers and Volvos. Reviews highlight efficient communication, timely service delivery, and the availability of loaner cars, with many noting the staff’s willingness to explain necessary repairs without pressure. The shop maintains a 5/5 rating from 298 reviews, and the owner has responded to 27% of these comments.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 298 reviews (97% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 298 Google reviews (233 with written comments, 4 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 27% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 6, 2026.
  • Service: Auto Repair Shop serving Manchester, New Hampshire.

Data from Google, last updated October 31, 2026.

Score profile vs other auto repair shops

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction97Reliability99Craft & service100Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews57Satisfaction: 97 (median 90)Reliability: 99 (median 87)Craft & service: 100 (median 100)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 57 (median 61)
South Elm AutomotiveAuto Repair Shops median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.South Elm Automotive: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 90.A
97
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.South Elm Automotive: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
99
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.South Elm Automotive: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.South Elm Automotive: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.South Elm Automotive: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.South Elm Automotive: 57/100 on this factor. Category median: 61.C
57

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

298 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars28897%
  • 4 stars93%
  • 3 stars10%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 233 written reviews

  • Praise44499%
  • Complaints31%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price3754%
  • Reasonable3146%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude8218%
  • Quality & results8118%
  • Price & value7817%
  • Honesty & trust7016%
  • Would recommend5813%
  • Speed & response5512%
  • Communication235%

What customers talk about

We read 233 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Fast friendly reliable service at a very fair price”
  • “Mike diagnosed my problem and did an excellent job.”
  • “This is the most reasonable and convenient car repair service garage I have ever known, staff is amazing, especially the owner Kevin.”
  • “In a day and age where it’s hard to find an honest and reliable repair shop, South Elm Automotive stands out for honest and reliable repairs.”
  • “I recommend them to anyone who ask me about auto work & they are always pleased with the results.”
  • “I use them for European and domestic maintenance and repairs, always prompt and professional.”
  • “Kevin makes the process easy from the start, with efficient, polite communication, transparent pricing, help sourcing more affordable parts, and suppo…”

People customers mention

  • Kevin 22 reviews
  • Sean 10 reviews
  • Volvo 7 reviews
  • Volvos 5 reviews
  • Rover 3 reviews
  • Mike 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired South Elm Automotive for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Daniel17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 weeks ago★★★★★

Sean knows his land rovers. These guys are awesome!!! Went back last week. I did not have an appointment. He fixed my car on the spot. The repair was $62.00. Probably $1,500 less than the land rover dealer would have charged. If you have ANY Land Rover products go here instead of the dealer! Yet another…

Great priceBody & TrimBrakesOil change+ Punctuality+ Quality+ Professionalism
Keith6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Excellent knowledgeable team. Good communications. They are a pleasure to work with, putting customer first.

Reasonable priceAir & cabin filter replacementExhaustVehicle safety inspection
Bill2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★

This place knows there Volvos!! We've been very pleased with all their work and fair pricing-Highly recommend s elm auto!!

Reasonable priceOil change
wayne7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★

This is the most reasonable and convenient car repair service garage I have ever known, staff is amazing, especially the owner Kevin. I love that they offer loaner cars, if you call and book service. A number 1 place to go.

DoloresLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 months ago★★★★★

My family has been going to South Elm Auto for years & we will continue to go there..honest mechanics and they do a great job..I recommend them to anyone who ask me about auto work & they are always pleased with the results.

Great priceVehicle safety inspection
Sue7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 months ago★★★★★

Great owner and staff! They are efficient and priced reasonably! I have been to them several times and will continue to utilize their services!

Great priceElectrical repairTiresWheel alignment

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 298 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Daniel Muskat17 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Daniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Sean knows his land rovers. These guys are awesome!!! Went back last week. I did not have an appointment. He fixed my car on the spot. The repair was $62.00. Probably $1,500 less than the land rover dealer would have charged. If you have ANY Land Rover products go here instead of the dealer! Yet another quality experience at south elm auto! Oil change and tire rotation. Always a pleasure!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Positive: Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
  • Services: Body & Trim, Brakes, Oil change, Tire rotations, Tires
Niall Buckley6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Niall has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Professional, Kevin explained what needed to be done ( and what didn’t).

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Air conditioning
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you for sharing your positive experience at South Elm Automotive, Niall! We're glad Kevin provided you with professional service and clear explanations. If there's anything else we can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your support!

julian bLocal Guide · 39 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews julian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Quality service at a reasonable price. Will definitely come back.

  • Services: Electrical
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Julian, we can't thank you enough for the positive feedback! Our team at South Elm Automotive is dedicated to providing top-notch service at fair prices. We're thrilled to hear that we met your expectations. We look forward to serving you again in the future!

Keith Chandonnet3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Keith has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Fast friendly reliable service at a very fair price

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Tires
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you, Keith, for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fast and friendly experience with us here at South Elm Automotive. Providing reliable service at a fair price is what we strive for. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to serving you again in the future!

Keith Spiro6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Keith has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Excellent knowledgeable team. Good communications. They are a pleasure to work with, putting customer first.

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Air & cabin filter replacement, Exhaust, Vehicle safety inspection, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thank you Keith for your positive review! We're glad to hear that our team at South Elm Automotive provided you with excellent service. We strive to prioritize our customers' needs and we're thrilled that this was your experience. We look forward to working with you again in the future!

Bill Warren2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Bill has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This place knows there Volvos!! We've been very pleased with all their work and fair pricing-Highly recommend s elm auto!!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Oil change
Response from the owner · 2 months ago

Thanks for choosing South Elm Automotive, Bill! We're thrilled to hear that you're pleased with our expertise and fair pricing. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to provide you with even better service next time.

wayne caron7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews wayne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

This is the most reasonable and convenient car repair service garage I have ever known, staff is amazing, especially the owner Kevin. I love that they offer loaner cars, if you call and book service. A number 1 place to go.

Response from the owner · 3 months ago

We’re always striving to make getting your car repaired as quick and easy as possible. Thank you for being a great customer as well!

Anthony Dandy1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Anthony has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

By far the most honest shop i have been to. I will not be going anywhere else.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: General repairs & maintenance, Brakes, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thank you, Anthony! Your kind words mean a lot to us here at South Elm Automotive. We are thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience with us. We pride ourselves on providing top-notch service and honest recommendations. We look forward to serving you again in the future.

Dolores ReithLocal Guide · 24 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Dolores has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My family has been going to South Elm Auto for years & we will continue to go there..honest mechanics and they do a great job..I recommend them to anyone who ask me about auto work & they are always pleased with the results.

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Vehicle safety inspection
Response from the owner · 3 months ago

Thank you for the recommendations. We don’t do any advertising, so sharing your experience keeps us in business!

Sue Pillsbury7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sue has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Great owner and staff! They are efficient and priced reasonably! I have been to them several times and will continue to utilize their services!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Electrical repair, Tires, Wheel alignment, Auto maintenance, Oil change
Response from the owner · 3 years ago

Thanks for your review Sue!

South Elm Automotive on Google Maps →

Business details