BUILT FOR THE ROAD.
READY FOR THE WORK.

Locally owned automotive repair in New Minas, Nova Scotia. Steve Rafuse and the team provide honest diagnostics, precise mechanical repairs, and straightforward service at $80/hour labour.

Up-Front Quotes

$80/hour labour rate

Hands-On Repair

Owner turns the wrenches

Mon–Fri 8:00–4:30

8814 Commercial Street

Cinematic background loading.

Before & After

Seethedifference.

Explore how the right automotive care can bring a vehicle or component back to better condition.

Vehicle body panel repaired and refinished after bodyworkAfter
Vehicle body panel with visible dent and damage before repairBefore
Comparison slider at 50 percent. Before on the left, After on the right.

Illustrative comparison — real owner-supplied photos welcome. Every job is quoted up-front.

Explore our services

The Shop

Alocallyownedgarage,builtontrust&craftsmanship.

Iron Horse Automotive is Steve Rafuse's independent repair shop in New Minas — built to serve vehicle owners across the Annapolis Valley.

We keep automotive service straightforward: accurate diagnostics, honest up-front estimates, and work done right the first time. No inflated checklists, no high-pressure sales.

Labour is billed at $80/hour. Parts and any required work are quoted up-front before we begin — no surprises on the invoice.

Automotive workshop bay at Iron Horse Automotive
Service Bay
Mechanic performing precision repair
Hands-On Repair
Ivan, the Iron Horse Automotive mascot, ready in the workshop
Ivan · shop mascot

What We Do

Services,plain&simple.

The mechanical and repair work we specialize in and stand behind. Every job is handled with care.

Oil Changes service visual

Oil Changes

Engine oil and filter service using the grade your vehicle calls for.

  • Conventional, synthetic blend, and full-synthetic options
  • New filter with every change
Full Details
Tire Services service visual

Tire Services

Rotation, balancing, and replacement to keep your tires wearing evenly and safely.

  • Tire rotation and balancing
  • Seasonal swap-overs
Full Details
Exhaust Work service visual

Exhaust Work

Muffler, pipe, and exhaust system repair and fabrication to spec.

  • Muffler and pipe replacement
  • Leak diagnosis and repair
Full Details
Rocker Panel Repairs service visual

Rocker Panel Repairs

Rust repair and metalwork for rocker panels and surrounding structure.

  • Rust and corrosion repair
  • Panel patching and metalwork
Full Details
Mechanical Repairs service visual

Mechanical Repairs

Brakes, suspension, steering, and drivetrain work — diagnosed before any parts are ordered.

  • Brake service and repair
  • Suspension and steering
Full Details
Small Gas Engine Repair service visual

Small Gas Engine Repair

Repair and tune-up for small gas engines — lawn, yard, and equipment.

  • Tune-ups and carburetor service
  • Pull-start and ignition repair
Full Details
Auto Body Work service visual

Auto Body Work

Bodywork, dent, and panel repair to bring a vehicle back to shape.

  • Dent and panel repair
  • Surface and prep work
Full Details

Mechanical Precision

Engine, Drivetrain & Metalwork.

Modern vehicles are complex mechanical systems. Whether diagnosing a check-engine code, fabricating custom exhaust piping, or repairing rusted rocker panels to pass inspection, we bring precision and patience to every repair.

$80/hr

Standard Labour Rate

Honest Quotes

Approved Before Work Begins

Engine component detail work
Engine Diagnostics
Internal engine components and pistons
Component Repair

Winter in the Valley

Ready for whatever the season brings.

Cold mornings, salted roads, and short days are hard on a vehicle. A winter check-over — fluids, tires, battery, and brakes — keeps you moving safely through the Annapolis Valley winter.

Ivan out in the winter — tap to play

Why a Local Shop

Thedifferenceiswho'sdoingthework.

Up-front, honest quotes

We diagnose first and provide a clear quote before turning a single wrench. You approve all work — no hidden fees or invoice surprises.

Direct hands-on repair

From fluid services to exhaust fabrication, Steve Rafuse and the team turn the wrenches on your vehicle with precision.

Locally owned in New Minas

Iron Horse Automotive is an independent local shop serving New Minas and the Annapolis Valley. Your neighbour's garage.

Service Area

NewMinasandtheAnnapolisValley.

Our shop is conveniently located at 8814 Commercial Street in New Minas. We serve drivers and vehicle owners across the Annapolis Valley region.

8814 Commercial Street, New Minas, NS

New Minas, Nova Scotia

Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Labour: $80/hour

Service area details

Reviews & Reputation

Whatdriverssayaboutthework.

Real feedback from vehicle owners across New Minas and the Annapolis Valley. Honest service, backed by reputation.

Verified reviews

Every review below is collected through our reputation platform. If we've worked on your vehicle, we'd value your honest feedback — it helps your neighbours choose a shop they can trust.

Iron Horse Automotive

8814 Commercial Street, New Minas, NS, Nova Scotia

Mon–Fri · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Request a Service
Iron Horse Automotive workshop banner

Ready when you are

Tell us what your vehicle needs.

Send a service request and Steve will follow up to confirm a time. This is a request — not an automatic appointment.