AP General Motors: WOF Woes & Unexpected Acts of Kindness

Pros	Cons
Top service, consistently good work for over 10 years.	Failed a WOF for brake pads that had significant life remaining.
Fair prices.	Charged a high price ($200) for front brake pads, potentially a rip-off.
Friendly and transparent service.	Attempted to fail a WOF for a blurry headlight, then offered a questionable cleaning service for $40.
Detailed explanations of work required.	Suspected of using a 'silly old mechanic trick' to scam customers.
Remarkable efficiency – repairs completed in just two days.
Provided a courtesy car.
Generously performed repairs not required for WOF, related to previous theft damage.
Replaced barely functional electric keys with a spare, at no charge.
Easy to arrange repairs and WOF for campervans.
Honoured the initial quote.
Affordable and efficient service.
Friendly staff, especially the owner Ateel.
Thorough vehicle checks and servicing.
Same-day or ASAP appointments available.
Reliable service over the past 5 years.
Efficient service.

Pros

Cons

Top service, consistently good work for over 10 years.

Failed a WOF for brake pads that had significant life remaining.

Fair prices.

Charged a high price ($200) for front brake pads, potentially a rip-off.

Friendly and transparent service.

Attempted to fail a WOF for a blurry headlight, then offered a questionable cleaning service for $40.

Detailed explanations of work required.

Suspected of using a 'silly old mechanic trick' to scam customers.

Remarkable efficiency – repairs completed in just two days.

Provided a courtesy car.

Generously performed repairs not required for WOF, related to previous theft damage.

Replaced barely functional electric keys with a spare, at no charge.

Easy to arrange repairs and WOF for campervans.

Honoured the initial quote.

Affordable and efficient service.

Friendly staff, especially the owner Ateel.

Thorough vehicle checks and servicing.

Same-day or ASAP appointments available.

Reliable service over the past 5 years.

Efficient service.

AP General Motors: A Mixed Bag of Reviews - From Exceptional Service to Questionable WOF Practices

AP General Motors, nestled in New Lynn, Auckland, currently boasts a rating of 4.8 out of 5, fueled by a wave of positive experiences and, more recently, some serious concerns. With over a decade of loyal customers, the workshop, located at Unit 3/10 Portage Road, has built a reputation for generally top-notch service and fair pricing. The convenience of onsite parking, wheelchair accessibility (both entrance and parking), and acceptance of various payment methods (cash, credit, and debit cards) further enhance the customer experience. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with weekend closures. Appointments are strongly recommended to ensure a smooth and timely service. Many reviewers praise the friendly atmosphere and Ateel, the owner, highlighting his helpful advice and the overall personable nature of the team. The workshop also caters to a diverse community, stating a clear commitment to inclusivity as a LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace.

The WOF Controversy: A Growing Concern

While many sing praises of AP General Motors, a recurring theme in recent reviews has raised significant alarm bells regarding Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections. One customer, recounting a husband's experience, alleges being unfairly failed for brake pads seemingly with ample life remaining—a discrepancy confirmed by another mechanic who estimated over 70% life left. This has sparked accusations of deliberately failing vehicles to inflate repair costs. Further adding to the controversy, another customer reported being pressured to pay $40 to clean headlights that passed after a simple wipe, suggesting a potentially deceptive tactic to generate extra revenue. These claims are serious and highlight the need for greater transparency and scrutiny during WOF inspections, prompting one customer to consider reporting the concerns to the NZTA. The customer also implied the risk that many unsuspecting clients were scammed by this deceptive mechanic trick.

Acts of Unexpected Kindness: Beyond the Standard Service

Despite the WOF concerns, numerous reviews showcase AP General Motors’ exceptional generosity and commitment to going above and beyond. One customer, whose car had suffered extensive damage during a theft, received a truly remarkable experience. The workshop not only completed the necessary WOF repairs but also gratuitously fixed damages caused by the theft – repairing a broken window and ignition—all without charge. Furthermore, when the customer's electric keys were malfunctioning, the team proactively replaced them with a spare, again, completely free of charge. This level of unexpected kindness and commitment to customer satisfaction has left a lasting impression on many, demonstrating a genuine desire to help and a refreshing departure from typical business practices.

What Customers Are Saying: A Snapshot of Experience

Here's a summarized overview of what customers are sharing about AP General Motors:

Aspect	Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Service Quality	Top service, great workmanship, detailed and transparent	Potentially unfair WOF failures, pressure to pay for unnecessary repairs
Pricing	Fair prices, unbelievable value	Allegations of inflated costs related to WOF failures
Staff	Friendly, helpful, Ateel (owner) praised for advice	Specific mechanic (mentioned in a WOF failure review) characterisation as potentially deceitful
Efficiency	Quick turnaround times (some services completed in 15 minutes), efficient repairs	-
Extra Services	Lending courtesy cars, unexpected repairs at no charge	-
Overall Impression	Highly recommended, Astonishingly brilliant, true excellence	Concerns about ethical WOF practices requiring further investigation
Campervans	Easy to arrange repairs and WOF	-

Contact Details: Phone: +64 9 826 1339 Address: AP General Motors Unit 3/10 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600, New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions About AP General Motors Auto Repair Services in Auckland

What types of services does AP General Motors offer?

AP General Motors provides a comprehensive range of auto repair services, including WOF (Warrant of Fitness) inspections, servicing, oil changes, and general mechanical repairs. They also offer onsite services and cater to various vehicle types, including campervans. The shop is known for its friendly service and transparent communication throughout the repair process.

Is AP General Motors accessible for customers with mobility needs?

Yes, AP General Motors prioritizes accessibility. The shop features both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all customers. They strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone visiting their New Lynn location.

What payment methods are accepted at AP General Motors?

AP General Motors accepts a variety of payment methods to suit customer preferences. They gladly accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. This flexibility ensures a smooth and hassle-free transaction for all customers seeking auto repair services in Auckland.

What is the general experience like when getting a WOF at AP General Motors?

Customers often report a quick and efficient WOF process at AP General Motors, sometimes completed in as little as 15 minutes. While some have mentioned instances of minor issues being flagged, the shop generally strives for transparency and offers solutions, such as cleaning headlights, to ensure vehicles pass inspection. It's recommended to confirm the latest pricing.

What sets AP General Motors apart from other auto repair shops in Auckland?

AP General Motors is frequently praised for its friendly staff, honest advice, and surprisingly affordable pricing. Notably, they have been known to go above and beyond, performing repairs not strictly required for the WOF, such as fixing damage from vehicle theft, demonstrating a commitment to exceptional customer service and genuine care for their clients’ vehicles.