BUILT FOR THE CARS OTHER SHOPS SEND AWAY
Most repair shops are set up to work on anything that rolls in. That's a fine way to run a shop, it's just not this one.
Nick's Specialty Automotive was built around the vehicles that need more: manufacturer-level diagnostic equipment, factory training on the specific platform, and someone who's seen the problem before
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ASE Master Certified Technicians
Proudly using Liqui Moly oils and additives
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Licensed Smog Check · Test & Repair
What sets us apart
What We Specialize In
Modern American, European and British vehicles. Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Volkswagen, Corvette and Ford.
The platforms that need brand-specific tools rather than a universal scanner.
How We Work
Diagnose first, then repair. You get an explanation of what's actually wrong and a real number before anything gets touched. No parts replaced on a guess.
Where We Serve
Based on 11th Street in Paso Robles, serving Templeton, Atascadero, San Miguel, Santa Margarita and the North County. Also a licensed California smog station.
THE Techs WORKING ON YOUR CAR
Nick Rasmussen
Owner & Founder
ASE Master Technician · Ford Senior Master Technician · Licensed Smog Technician
Nick’s passion for European vehicles started in the early 2000s, when he began his career working in independent European automotive shops. Since then, he’s spent more than two decades building his experience across Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, along with nearly ten years at Ford.
After years of learning the trade from every angle, Nick took the next step and ran an independent shop with a partner for four years. In October 2024, he opened Nick’s Specialty Auto, bringing his years of dealership and independent-shop experience together under one roof.
Born in South Africa and moving to the United States during high school, Nick has built his life around family, cars, and a passion for doing things the right way. He’s a true Volkswagen fanatic and brings that enthusiasm and knowledge to every vehicle that comes through the shop.
Outside of the shop, Nick is a loving husband and proud dad to Olivia and Matthew. For him, Nick’s Specialty Auto is more than a busines, it’s a place where experience, honesty, and a genuine love for cars come together.
Jesse Rodriguez
Shop Foreman & Automotive Technician
ASE Certified · Transmission Specialist · 37 Years
Jesse brings 37 years of transmission-building experience to Nick’s Specialty Auto and plays a key role in keeping the shop floor running smoothly. With decades of hands-on experience, Jesse has developed an exceptional understanding of transmissions, drivetrains, and the precision required to build them right.
Before moving to California, Jesse owned and operated his own automotive shop in Texas, giving him valuable experience not only as a technician, but also as a shop owner and leader. Today, he puts that experience to work as our Shop Foreman, helping oversee the day-to-day operations and making sure the work coming through the shop meets the highest standard.
Bob U’Ren
Automotive Technician
BS, Power Technology · 40+ Years VW & Audi
With more than 40 years of experience as a Volkswagen and Audi technician, Bob brings an incredible depth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to the shop. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Power Technology, combining a strong technical education with decades of real-world experience.
Bob’s passion for performance started early. In the 1970s, he spent a season working with a Super V racing team, gaining firsthand experience in the world of professional motorsports. That passion continued into the 1980s, when he raced Formula Fords for four years.
Outside of automotive work, Bob has always enjoyed staying active. During the 1990s, he competed in triathlons and even completed a marathon. These days, he enjoys cycling in his free time.
After four decades working on Volkswagen and Audi vehicles, Bob brings not only technical expertise, but a lifelong passion for cars, performance, and the craft of automotive repair.
Oscar Antunez
Automotive Technician
7 Years Experience
Oscar comes to us with years of hands-on experience from working at a Ford dealership, where he developed a strong foundation in vehicle diagnostics, repair, and maintenance. He also has extensive experience performing precise wheel alignments, helping ensure vehicles drive safely, smoothly, and properly.
Known for his clean, reliable workmanship and attention to detail, Oscar takes pride in doing every job right the first time. He approaches each vehicle with care and professionalism.
Oscar has a particular passion for Audi and Volkswagen vehicles. His enthusiasm for these brands, combined with his technical experience, gives him a unique appreciation for the engineering and performance behind them.
Zeke Rubio
Automotive Technician
ASE Certified · Licensed Smog Technician
Zeke brings nearly two decades of dealer-level experience working on German vehicles to Nick’s Specialty Auto. He spent 17 years with Mercedes-Benz dealerships, followed by another two years with Porsche, giving him a deep understanding of the engineering, technology, and specialized systems found in European vehicles.
Zeke also brings valuable experience as a shop owner. Before joining Nick’s Specialty Auto, he successfully owned and operated his own automotive repair shop specializing in German vehicles.
As an ASE Certified technician and Licensed Smog Technician, Zeke combines his extensive dealership experience with a commitment to accurate diagnostics, quality repairs, and doing the job right.
With over 20 years of German-car experience behind him, along with his own experience as a successful shop owner, Zeke brings the kind of specialized knowledge and perspective you want when your European vehicle needs attention.
Marcel Coppolino
Service Advisor
20+ Years Customer Service
Marcel is often the first person you’ll talk to when you call or walk through the doors at Nick’s Specialty Auto. With more than 20 years of experience in retail, hospitality, and automotive detailing, he knows how to listen, communicate clearly, and make sure customers feel comfortable and informed throughout the repair process.
Marcel understands that automotive repairs can sometimes feel complicated, which is why he takes pride in explaining things in a straightforward, easy-to-understand way. His background in customer service has taught him the importance of being approachable, attentive, and helpful from the first conversation to the moment you pick up your vehicle.
A lifelong enthusiast, Marcel is a big fan of just about anything with wheels. Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or something a little more unique, he enjoys all things automotive and brings that enthusiasm with him to the shop every day.
At Nick’s Specialty Auto, Marcel is here to make sure your experience is as smooth as possible.
WHAT WE'RE CERTIFIED TO DO
Most shops that work on European cars aren't trained on them. They're general repair shops with a generic scanner, working it out as they go.
The top certification in the trade. It means passing every core exam, not just one.
Factory training on European and British platforms, so diagnostics get done the way the manufacturer intended.
Test and repair, which means a failed smog gets fixed here instead of sending you to a second shop.
The same software the dealer uses, not a code reader. It tells us which module is reporting the fault and whether the part is actually failing.
SAME TRAINING, WITHOUT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT
Dealers have the training and the equipment. They also have dealer pricing, dealer scheduling, and a service advisor standing between you and whoever actually works on your car.
We have the same training and the same diagnostic capability. You talk to the person doing the work.
