Swedish Engineering (service Volvo & Toyota) (Ann Arbor, MI) Mechanic(s): Corky Zaron (Service Manager), Corky Zaron, Manager, Edward, Joseph Meza, Mark, Others
669 State Circle Drive , Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (734) 761-1081
Features and Specialties: Volvo (ONLY)

Please send us any corrections or additions to the above information. If you have experience with this shop, please add your own review!

Survey results:

They are always honest
They are competent
The repair price is always reasonable
They fix the problem the first time
They complete the work in a timely manner
They respond well when they screw something up
They take the time to explain the problems and necessary repairs
The shop is located in a safe neighborhood
The hours of operation are convenient for customers
They treat male and female customers in the same manner
They are near public transportation (or provide loaners, shuttle bus, rides as needed)

Reviewers Comments:

I would actually pin all their ratings to the top. Public transportation isn't needed since they provide free shuttle service around town (a Volvo, of course!). These guys kept my 1984 240 DL in great shape. They respected my tight budget and were honest with what things needed to be done for safety reasons. I never heard "Fix your antenna!" or anything like that. If it was a simple 1- minute fix, they didn't charge (is that against the mechanic code?). When they goofed (which only happened once) they admitted it, and didn't charge to do it right (is this against the code too?). I went there for the 5 years I was actually present in Ann Arbor for my grad school education. I never felt they were ripping me off and they always took the time to answer my questions. How many mechanics will hand you the seized up u-joint from your steering column just because they were amazed you could actually steer? (Complete with air-chisel gouges because it was too stiff to remove by hand!) These guys are so honest, they will route you to the shop across the street (P.A.T., another great shop) if their tools won't let them do the job to the level these perfectionists would like. They also have incredible access to Volvo parts (including used). In five years never heard "You'll have to wait for the part to come in." In closing, I really miss having a resource like these guys. If you have a Volvo and you live near Ann Arbor, this is a no brainer. Bring it to Swedish Engineering. - Aaron

I agree completely. Swedish Engineering is THE reason to buy a Volvo. If Volvo hadn't dropped the 240 series I buy another. My wife and I lament that if we buy annything but Volvo, we won't know where to go for an honest, competent mechanic. Thanks to Swedish Engineering our 1985 240 is running fine and safely getting our son through his first years of driving.

I agree entirely. This is an excellent service and Corky is great. This is the place to take a Volvo. (Not the dealer!)

I completely agree with the other folk's comments regarding Swedish Engineering. If you live anywhere near Ann Arbor and you're not using Swedish Engineering, you don't know what yor're missing.

That Corky is a REAL FOX!!

Swedish Engineering in Ann Arbor isn't just the best car repair shop on the planet, they have the best customer service of any business, period. They are like an oasis in the desert. In 10 years I have NEVER had a bad experience. I have NEVER waited for a part. I actually look forward to taking my car in for service. I wouldn't buy a car unless it was a make they service.

Our 1979 Volvo is still running and in good shape, due in large part, to the excellent service we received at Swedish Engineering. It took several trips to other foreign car mechanics before our luck changed and we found Swedish ! Occaisionally, the repair took longer than one day, and we were given a 'rent-a-wreck' to drive around ! We really miss the Meza brothers. They do a great job and are sometimes even known to bargain with the amount of the final bill. Sign up for their monthly newsletter !

When I bought a '92 Volvo coming off of a lease. I paid both a local Volvo dealer and Swedish Engineering to inspect the car. Swedish caught many more defects which I used to negotiate a lower price. They also caught a major flaw in a previous Volvo and the used car lot owner was so embarrassed he refunded the price I paid to have the car inspected! These guys know Volvos. I have been using them for four years and have been very pleased. (An Electrical Engineer)

The transmission on my 1987 Volvo 240DL died. It wouldn't engage and it was making the kind of whine you'd hear while backing up, except I'd be idling... or going forward. They could've cleaned me out by saying that I needed a new transmission. Fortunately, the remedy didn't have to be that drastic. The cause of all the problems was the inch- thick sludge in the transmission fluid pan from a past radiator leak. It was clogging the filter nearly completely and preventing the pump from doing its job. So instead of paying possibly $800 for a transmission rebuild, I only had to pay $100.

Corky and his gang are the best. Bought a previously owned car that they had maintained. When a repair that the previous owner had had done failed, Corky stood behind their policy and fixed it free of charge. And I had their loaner for 3 days!

They stand behind their work. Corky always splits what needs to be done between safety/relability concerns and it would be nice but concerns. Best of all, Corky and all of the mechanics treat my wife with respect, listen to her concerns, and never, ever, treat her like a "dumb broad" (unlike some mechanics i could name). And its a good thing since she's trained as an engineer.

Corky and his team are easy to work with and specialize in Volvos. You just won't find a better shop in SE Michigan to care for your late-model Volvo than these guys.

They aren't the cheapest shop around, but they're the absolute best when it comes to Volvos. They won't try to sell you anything you don't need, but they're proactive about pointing out potential future problems. If a repair isn't right, they make good. Once I had them fix a leaking fuel pump on my Volvo. This was right before Christmas, and I was planning to take it on a two hour trip to visit my parents later that week. They offered to put in a used fuel pump they had in stock, instead of having to order a new one, and I agreed. Unfortunately, the used pump started leaking as well shortly after I picked up the car. They loaned me a car for my trip while they put in a new pump, and they only charged me the difference between the prices of the new and used pumps.

I live 100 miles from Sweedish Engineering but regularly bring my 740 to Corky and his staff for maintenance. Every time I bring my volvo in for service Corky and Mark give the car a complete check out. Rather than simply fixing something that goes wrong. they present me with a laundry list of items which should be considered for preventive maintenance. Corky will prioritize the list and tell me what is urgent, what can be deferred, and what is not worth worrying about. They will get me a loner car if I need it. They most always have a replacement part in stock, and are more than fair with any warranty work. Sweedish Engineering is THE place to take your volvo for regular maintenance.

Swedish acquired the venerable Eurotec Motors - so they now keep old (and new) Mercedes alive for very reasonable prices, although it pays to shop. My 1985 Turbodiesel, for instance; the dealer is sometimes less costly (alternator was $100 less at MB). Very honest, meticulous, and good at staggering the repairs needed from 'safety' to 'needed soon' to 'it would be nice, but it can wait'.

These guys are great. I have owned 2 Volvos and they have worked on both of them. They keep me running! They never sell me any work that I don't really need. They have also saved me in that they got the folks from Volvo USA involved when the dealer ruined my seat after supposedly "fixing" something that was recalled. (I'll never go back to that dealer again!) The folks from Swedish were able to get me a brand new seat from Volvo USA.

I'm still taking my 1987 240 wagon there after 16 years.

After dealing with my wife's 2002 XC, I am astonished that anyone buys Volvos. Everything imaginable has failed on it, and often multiple times. It's the epitome of the pricey fashion car of no substance or value.

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