Best Auto Repair Shops in Nutley, NJ
Nutley has several solid mechanics. This page is written by Joey's Auto Service, so we're biased. But we'll be honest about what each shop does well. We'd rather you pick the right shop for your situation than promise something we can't deliver. Updated May 2026.
Nutley auto repair shops at a glance
| Shop | Rating | In Business | Saturday? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joey's Auto Service | 4.6 / 43 reviews | Since 2013 | 8AM-3PM | Same-day service, walk-ins |
| D&L Automotive | 4.8 / 100 reviews | 40+ years | Closed | High volume, classic cars |
| Johnny's Service Station | 4.8 / 63 reviews | Since 1938 | 8AM-1PM | Legacy trust, deep roots |
| Nutley Auto Care Center | 4.2 / 74 reviews | Established | 8AM-4PM | Broad service range |
| Fix N Fuel (Bloomfield) | 4.9 / 382 reviews | 30+ years | 7AM-12PM | AAA approved, transmissions |
| Nutley Kia (dealer) | 4.7 / 205 reviews | Established | 9AM-7PM | Warranty work, Kia service |
What actually matters when choosing a mechanic
- 1Trust. Will they tell you what your car actually needs? Or push work you don't need?
- 2Transparency. Do you know the price before work starts?
- 3Convenience. Can you walk in? Are they open Saturday? Same-day service?
- 4Warranty. Do they stand behind their work?
- 5Price. Fair, not cheapest. The cheapest shop uses the cheapest parts.
Joey's Auto Service
248 Franklin Ave Suite A | 4.6 stars | Since 2013 | joeysautonj.com
Joey Pezzino and his son run the shop. ASE certified, 26+ years experience. Factory trained on Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, and BMW. Walk-ins welcome, same-day service on most repairs.
Strengths
- You talk directly to Joey, not a service advisor
- Saturday hours until 3PM (longest Saturday hours of any indie in Nutley)
- Free estimates, always calls before starting work
- 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs
- Online scheduling and text confirmations
- Oil changes: $40-95 | Brake pads: $150-350/axle
Limitations
- Smaller shop, may need a day for non-urgent work when backed up
- No body work or collision repair
- Newer business compared to shops with 40-80 year histories
D&L Automotive
251 Washington Ave | 4.8 stars, 100 reviews | 40+ years
One of Nutley's longest-running shops with 90+ years of combined technician experience. ASE certified. Known for working on classic cars alongside modern vehicles. Strong community reputation.
Strengths
- Highest review volume of any independent shop in Nutley (100+)
- 40+ year track record, deep local trust
- Classic car capability (hard to find)
- NJ state emissions inspection station
- ASE certified technicians
Considerations
- No weekend hours (Mon-Fri only, closes at 5PM)
- If you work weekdays, scheduling can be tough
Johnny's Service Station
188 Bloomfield Ave | 4.8 stars, 63 reviews | Since 1938
The oldest auto repair shop in Nutley. Multi-generational family business. Johnny's has been on Bloomfield Ave since before most of us were born. ASE certified mechanics. Deep community roots that can't be replicated.
Strengths
- 88 years in Nutley. Multi-generational trust.
- Strong Google reviews (4.8 stars)
- ASE certified
- Customers mention honesty and fair pricing consistently
Considerations
- Closes at 5PM weekdays, 1PM Saturday
- Older facility
- No online scheduling
Fix N Fuel (Bloomfield)
109 Broughton Ave, Bloomfield | 4.9 stars, 382 reviews | 30+ years | fixnfuelauto.com
Not in Nutley, but worth the short drive for some. AAA-approved, ASE certified, with the highest review count in the area. Known for transmission rebuilds with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Strengths
- 382 reviews at 4.9 stars. Strongest review profile in the wider area.
- AAA approved
- Transmission rebuild warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
- WiFi and refreshments in waiting area
Considerations
- Located in Bloomfield, about 2 miles from Nutley center
- Saturday hours only until noon
National chains near Nutley
The nearest chain options for Nutley residents:
- Jiffy Lube (Belleville).Oil changes and basic maintenance. Open Sundays. No appointment needed. Good for a quick oil change when your regular shop is closed.
- Mavis Discount Tire (Bloomfield).Open 7 days. Best for tires, alignments, and brakes. Not full mechanical repair.
- Pep Boys (Caldwell).Full service + parts retail. Open 7 days. About 4 miles out. Mixed reviews on service quality.
- Midas.The nearest Clifton location is permanently closed. West Caldwell location is 5 miles out.
When chains make sense: Sunday service, quick oil change coupons, tire purchases. When they don't: Complex repairs, diagnostics, or anything where you want to talk to the person working on your car.
Dealership service in Nutley
Nutley Kia (66 Washington Ave) is the only dealership service department in town. 4.7 stars, 205 reviews. Long hours (Mon-Sat). Best for warranty work and Kia-specific service. Customers report higher prices and longer wait times compared to independent shops.
When to use the dealer: Your car is under manufacturer warranty, you need a recall completed, or you need brand-specific software updates. After your warranty expires: An independent shop typically charges 30-50% less for the same quality work. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to use any qualified shop for maintenance without voiding your warranty.
From Joey
Nutley has good mechanics. D&L has been here for 40 years. Johnny's has been here since 1938. Those are real shops with real reputations. I respect what they've built. What I think we do differently is availability and communication. We're open Saturday until 3, we text you confirmations, and I call before I start any work. If that matters to you, come see us. If you've been going to Johnny's for 20 years and they treat you right, keep going. The best mechanic is the one you trust.
Common questions about choosing a mechanic in Nutley
Which Nutley mechanic has the best reviews?
D&L Automotive has the most reviews in Nutley proper (100+ at 4.8 stars). Fix N Fuel in nearby Bloomfield has 382 reviews at 4.9. Joey's Auto Service has a 4.6 with 43 reviews. All three are strong choices.
Which Nutley auto repair shop is open on Saturday?
Joey's Auto Service is open Saturday 8AM-3PM (longest Saturday hours of any independent in Nutley). Johnny's is open Saturday until 1PM. Nutley Auto Care Center is open Saturday until 4PM. D&L Automotive is closed weekends.
Should I go to the dealer or an independent shop?
Dealer for warranty work and recalls. Independent for everything else. After your warranty expires, an independent shop typically charges 30-50% less for the same quality work. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects your right to use any qualified shop.
How do I know if a mechanic is honest?
Three signs: they show you what's wrong (not just tell you), they give you a price before starting, and they tell you when something can wait. If a shop wants to do everything right now with no explanation, get a second opinion.
What's the cheapest oil change in Nutley?
Jiffy Lube in Belleville runs promotions starting around $30. Independent shops in Nutley range from $40-95 depending on oil type. The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Ask what oil they use and what's included.
Try us out
Come in for an oil change or free brake inspection. See how we do things. No commitment, no pressure.