Village Automotive & Exhaust: Havelock North's Honest Mechanic or a Risky Fix?

Pros	Cons
Reliable and honest with good prices.	Reported instances of dishonesty and overcharging, significantly above estimates.
Great service and easy to book.	Allegations of aggressive and unprofessional behaviour, including interrupting customers and becoming angry.
Super professional and a pleasure to deal with.	Claims of performing unauthorised work and refusing to allow a second opinion.
Awesome service, especially helpful in emergencies (e.g., puncture repair).	Concerns about verbal abuse, derogatory comments, and threatening behaviour.
Fantastic and knowledgeable mechanics.	Accusations of instability and potentially being under the influence of drugs.
Found and fixed an old issue other mechanics missed.	Vehicle held for an unreasonably long time for a simple job.
Took the time to explain the work clearly, even with photos for non-English speakers.	Reported attempts to intimidate and exploit a vulnerable customer (single mother and student).
Fast service.

Village Automotive & Exhaust: A Tale of Two Experiences in Havelock North

Village Automotive & Exhaust, located at 3 Cooper Street, Havelock North, operates Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and boasts a solid 4.8-star rating based on customer reviews. This mechanic specialises in automotive repair and exhaust services in the Hawke's Bay region. The workshop is equipped for accessibility, featuring both wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. Conveniently, they accept debit cards, though credit card payments are not currently supported. It’s clear from the outset that Village Automotive & Exhaust aims to provide service to a wide range of customers, focusing on accessibility and common payment methods. This central Havelock North location makes them easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Rave Reviews & a Reputation for Reliability

The overwhelmingly positive feedback paints a picture of a trustworthy and competent mechanic. Many customers highlight the honesty and reliability of Village Automotive & Exhaust. Here's a breakdown of what people are saying:

Straightforward & Fair Pricing: Multiple reviewers praised the good prices and transparent dealings. “Best mechanic I've been too. Reliable and honest and good prices as well.”
Exceptional Customer Service: Numerous mentions of friendly, professional, and helpful interactions. “Great service, easy to book and well priced.” One customer travelling from France particularly appreciated the mechanic’s efforts to explain the work done with pictures.
Expert Problem Solving: Customers highlight the mechanic's skill in diagnosing and resolving complex issues. "Went for a WOF and they fixed an old issue that other mechanics had struggled to find and did it effortlessly.”
Speedy Service: The ability to quickly address urgent needs, like a puncture repair, was also a significant positive. “Within 30 minutes we were on our way.”
Knowledgeable & Honest Advice: Several reviewers emphasized the trustworthy and informed advice provided.

"The best I've met on the road, don't hesitate to do it!" - A delighted customer.

Disturbing Complaints: A Shadow on the Reputation

However, the picture isn't entirely positive. A small but concerning number of reviews raise serious allegations of unprofessional and potentially unethical behaviour. These criticisms significantly contrast with the glowing praise and warrant careful consideration:

Aggressive and Threatening Conduct: Several customers allege aggressive behaviour, verbal abuse, cutting off conversations, and creating a hostile environment.
Unauthorised Work & Price Gouging: The most serious accusations involve performing work without consent, inflating prices significantly beyond initial estimates (sometimes by 40%), and refusing to provide a clear explanation of charges.
Barricading Vehicles & Refusal of Second Opinions: One reviewer reported being prevented from taking their vehicle elsewhere for a second opinion and had their vehicle effectively barricaded.
Threats and Manipulation: The most alarming accusations include threats of impounding vehicles, derogatory remarks, claims of instability, and potentially exploiting vulnerable customers. A single mother student claims she was targeted.
Consumer Law Violations: One review mentions potential violations of consumer rights and a generally intimidating and confrontational approach.

It's crucial to note that these are individual accounts and require further investigation. However, the consistency of certain complaints—particularly regarding unauthorised work and aggressive behavior—cannot be ignored.

What to Consider Before Using Village Automotive & Exhaust

Given the mixed reviews, potential customers of Village Automotive & Exhaust (+64 6 877 1633) need to proceed with caution. Here’s a summary of recommendations:

Get Detailed Estimates in Writing: Before any work begins, insist on a written, itemized estimate that details each repair/service and the associated cost.
Clearly Authorise Work: Do not allow any work to be performed without your explicit written consent.
Discuss Concerns Openly: If you feel uncomfortable or pressured at any point, politely but firmly express your concerns. Consider seeking a second opinion.
Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with New Zealand’s Consumer Guarantees Act.
Document Everything: Keep records of all communication, estimates, invoices, and any agreements made.
Consider Alternatives: There are other reputable mechanics in the Havelock North area; explore those options if you have any reservations.
Accessibility is a Plus: If accessibility is a requirement, Village Automotive & Exhaust does offer wheelchair access and parking.

Ultimately, the decision to entrust your vehicle to Village Automotive & Exhaust rests with you. Weigh the positive feedback about reliability and expertise against the serious concerns raised in the negative reviews.