Convince me not to use kwik fit/ ATS etc

Scrimps

...you dont have to of course!

Im sure I regularly pick up the message that these places are rip offs but Im considering using them for the annual service.

I recently returned to my regular garage for an MOT to get my usual iffy service from them. They have a good rep but I have found them to be a garage who tend not do a complete job - e.g. full services get booked but repeatedly havent changed the fuel filter ("probably because itll cost you £60" is what im told as if theyre doing me a favour, even when the write in the book "change fuel filter next service" it still isnt done and yes I have mentioned it and get the above response) its one example but there are honestly lots that are just too boring to go into.

I just want to take my car for a service, for it to cost what its supposed to cost and for a complete job to have been done. I want to maintain my cars, I have nothing flash but want to look after them, I dont have time or money to muck about with this nonsence. Im thinking ATS/kwik fit might be the way forward? am i wrong?

consumers_revenge

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/kwikfit.co.uk

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Arklight

I used Kwik Fit twice and they forked my car up, twice. The first time I gave up taking it back to them and paid for a real garage not staffed by baboons to fix what they'd done to my car (ruining the alignment and utterly screwing up a tyre fitting). The second time I went to a different garage for an oil change and they utterly ballsed that up too by hugely overfilling it.

One of my friends went to one in North London for an MOT. They told her about the obligatory defects to her car they'd made up, passed her MOT and charged her and let her drive off. A man flagged her down and told her none of her lights were working. Which they weren't.

She went straight back to the baboons who promised they'd fix it. When she went and collected her car two days later she turned on the ignition and every light on the car went on and wouldn't turn off.

There are thousands of stories like this out there.

They cannot do anything right even when they aren't ripping you off don't go there just don't.

fred246

The only way to know it has been serviced properly is to do it yourself. Next best would be a mobile mechanic who you could watch to see what has been done.

EssexExile

I have a good local garage that I have used for 20 years, they have never let me down or tried to fleece me. They're happy to talk through what needs doing & even tell me when nothing needs doing, without charging me for looking. You need one of those.

It helps if they are just at the end of your road too.

jimbo6977

I have used National and ATS. There was the odd issue but I was overall pleased with both.

I would avoid KF and any Arnold Clark except Ashton in Makerfield where I received good service.

Johnmcl7

I was in a rush at one point and wanted to get a brake issue resolved quickly so decided to use a nearby Kwik-Fit thinking you only see the worst on forums and they can't be that bad. I was wrong as I quickly found out my car was in a dangerous condition and not only needed the rear brake with the issue fixed but four new tyres and two new discs at the front as well. I knew there was no issue with the tyres or discs which were under six months old and in good condition but KF were adamant they all needed replaced. It got a bit heated so I told them I was taking the car to another garage, they reluctantly agreed to do only the work required which I agreed with as I needed it done.

They didn't even do that properly so it was back in later although they couldn't find any issue but it had mysteriously disappeared when I got the car back. I've only myself to blame and never made that mistake since, absolutely no way I'd trust them with a service although in fairness I wouldn't use any of that type of garage and instead use a local mechanic I trust.

Supersonos

fred246 wrote: »

The only way to know it has been serviced properly is to do it yourself.

I can assure you, if I serviced my car myself, it would absolutely not be done correctly.

Astrozombies

Just ask people you know for recommendations and try a smaller, independent garage. Once you find one you like then stick with it. I've used the same place since I passed my test in 1988. My dad still uses the same place and my Wife uses them. We know the blokes who work in there from using their garage for do long and so they are happy to help us out, doing jobs slightly cheaper, sometimes even small jobs for free. They have even let me use their ramps and welder to do a few repairs.
Finding an honest, reliable garage is a very useful thing and can save you a lot of money and worry.

Noree

There’s always a great independent garage you can go to. Why bother with chains/dealers? Unless of course, you need a recall/software upgrade.

benbay001

I have used me local ATS (in Eastleigh) multiple time for air con regas and tyres. Every time ive been satisfied.