Car Repair Garage Recommendation? Post Reply

[MMmmm]

Can anyone recommend a competent and well priced car repair garage, ideally in and around the Clapham area?

Many thanks in advance.

[Horsa]

Auto Centre in Balham (just off Bedford Hill) seem quite good.

[Tilly&Roo]

These guys are good. Just off latchmere rd, close to the leisure centre. Nice guys and I've never felt ripped off there.

http://www.mwrmotors.co.uk

[MMmmm]

Many thanks both, your suggestions are much appreciated. I'll give them a call.

[MMmmm]

Just to update in case anyone uses this thread in the future...

I called MWR and would have booked in with them on the basis of the call but they weren't able to take the car for a week.

We ended up using Autocentre South in Balham who were able to take the car the same day. We walked away with a fixed car and a bill for 150 pounds on a 9 year old car that wouldn't start and had to be towed to them. They could have easily come up with a whole host of "issues" and we would probably have been non the wiser so we're happy with the service received and would use them again.

[chezzie]

Re Auto Centre South in Balham.
I have used them on and off for years. I have never been entirely sure what to make of their services. Went again last week as I had a feeling there was something slightly wrong with the breaks…. Nothing major. We were called up and informed a long list of expensive jobs had to be made or alternatively get a new car.... We said we needed to think about this as we've just done our house. Couldn't pick up till the next day. When I picked up - they had discovered yet another issue - and I was warned this would be the first I'd need to deal with - to do with the batteries - demonstrated the noise the car made and that the battery light was flashing (this was not the case before handing it to them). The day after picking up the car, it wouldn't start - his prophecy had come true…. We called AA and they said that they have dealt with lots of cars which had been in the hands of Auto Centre South… Won't be using them again. Up to you...

[outnumbered]

Just spotted this thread and wanted to add my voice to support Autocentre South.

We used them recently on the recommendation of friends who were sick of spending so much at the official dealer. I found them incredibly helpful, competitively priced (I got a couple of other quotes for the same big job) and efficient. A great, neighbourhood garage who tells it like it is and doesn't try to rip you off with astronomical labour charges. They use the same parts as all the main dealers, just not branded, and are very clear on the various costs. Very pleased to have found them and have already used again for a small job that they were really quick and reasonable in dealing with.

I did my own research before going ahead and would say the 78 glowing Google reviews speak volumes. Of course there's the occasional gripe - no business is perfect and I appreciate we can all have different experiences - but from my perspective, I've been very pleased so far and our lovely old car keeps on rolling..(certainly a whole lot cheaper than buying a new/second hand one!)

[Balhamicvinegar]

I've been using Oldridge Motors for 15 years. I trust them and have never had any shocking bills they are friendly and transparent about what they are doing. I once used Autocentre South at short notice as they could fit it in that morning. I wasn't left with a lot of confidence in them, they seemed unsure if the problem was fixed when I left and the bill was rather hefty compared to what I'm used to. Personally I'd only use them as a last resort.