Pros 
Cons Auto Services Mt Eden: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Auto Services Mt Eden, located at 32 Altham Avenue, Mount Eden, Auckland, has garnered a rating of 4.7 out of 5, boasting convenient opening hours from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday, and closed on weekends. They offer onsite services and accept credit cards. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, but not restrooms or seating. The shop prides itself on being LGBTQ+ friendly and uses a gender-neutral restroom. While they offer services like oil changes, recent customer reviews reveal a concerning pattern of mixed experiences, ranging from exceptional service to accusations of overcharging and misdiagnosis. This raises questions about consistency and transparency in their repair practices.
The Price of Diagnosis: A Customer's Disappointment
One customer's account paints a particularly worrying picture. They initially sought assistance with car issues and were charged a hefty $90 for a diagnostic test and $69 for labor before a supposed airflow sensor replacement was even quoted at $103, with an additional 45 minutes of labour charged. The customer, suspecting exorbitant labor costs, replaced the sensor themselves, only to discover the initial diagnosis was incorrect. A subsequent inspection by another mechanic confirmed the original sensor was fully functional, meaning Auto Services Mt Eden charged a total of $159 for a seemingly baseless misdiagnosis. This experience brings to light concerns about accurate diagnostics and potentially inflated labor charges. The customer also echoed concerns highlighted in other reviews – a suspicion that female customers are charged higher prices, though whether this is intentional discrimination remains unverified.
WOOFs, Praise & Kindness: The Upsides of Auto Services Mt Eden
Despite the negative experiences, Auto Services Mt Eden also receives genuinely positive feedback. Several customers rave about the welcoming atmosphere, professional service, and fair prices. Here's a breakdown of the positive sentiments:
- Exceptional Service: Multiple reviewers praise the team's work, highlighting smooth-running cars and a feeling of trust in their expertise. "Excellent work from the boys! Never doubted these guys from the start, got the job done perfectly."
- Outstanding Customer Care: Isaac, in particular, receives consistent praise for his kindness, professionalism, and willingness to explain repairs clearly.
- Genuine Honesty: One customer was profoundly touched by Jeremy's refusal to charge for finding and inflating a low tyre pressure, demonstrating a remarkable level of integrity.
- Generosity & Speed: Another customer recounts having a back wiper replaced for free, showcasing a willingness to go the extra mile and a speed of service that's rare.
| Reviewer Highlight | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bruce Knight | Expressed gratitude for Jeremy's service and refusal of payment. |
| Multiple Customers | Praised Isaac and his team for being welcoming and explaining repairs. |
| Several Customers | Commended the team for fair prices and great work. |
However, one review cautions potential customers considering a WOF (Warrant of Fitness) stating they were failed for issues two other mechanics deemed unnecessary, aligning with VTNZ's assessment after audit. While the quoted repair cost was considered reasonable, the initial failure cast doubt on the accuracy of their WOF inspection process.
Transparency & Pricing: What Customers Should Know
The varied customer experiences at Auto Services Mt Eden emphasize the importance of transparency and clear communication. Potential customers considering using their services should be aware of the following:
- Diagnostic Costs: Understand the potential cost of diagnostic tests before authorizing them.
- Labor Rates: Inquire about labor rates upfront and get a detailed quote for any proposed repairs.
- Second Opinions: If a significant repair is suggested, consider getting a second opinion from another mechanic for verification.
- WOOF Inspection: If seeking a WOF, be prepared for potential disagreements with inspection findings and the possibility of needing a VTNZ audit.
- Potential for Price Discrepancies: Be mindful of concerns regarding potential pricing differences based on gender and clarify all charges before agreeing to any work.
The mix of positive and negative feedback highlights Auto Services Mt Eden as a potentially valuable resource for Auckland drivers, however, due diligence and clear communication are vital for ensuring a positive and cost-effective service experience. Contact them directly at +64 9 522 5111 to discuss your car's needs and pricing before committing to any services.