Pros 
Cons ABB Car Repairs: A Verdict on Value, Honesty, and WOF Accuracy
ABB Car Repairs in Waikiwi, Invercargill, has garnered a solid 4.7-star rating, drawing a mix of praise and cautionary tales from its customers. Located at 22 Howorth Street, and contactable on +64 3 215 8878, this auto repair shop operates Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM, and doesn’t open on weekends. They prioritize appointment bookings, clearly stating, "Appointments recommended," and offer both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, a small but important detail for many. Recent customer feedback reveals a complex picture – one of experienced mechanics, affordable pricing, and exceptional customer service, alongside concerns regarding WOF (Warrant of Fitness) accuracy and communication.
The Good: Honest Service, Speedy Repairs, and Going the Extra Mile
A recurring theme throughout customer reviews is the honesty and expertise of the mechanics at ABB Car Repairs. Many reviewers highlight the affordability of their services and their genuine desire to help. Here's a breakdown of the positive experiences:
- Experienced Mechanic: Several customers specifically mentioned the mechanic's experience and knowledge, noting he “knows his job” and is capable of diagnosing and fixing problems efficiently, even on older vehicles. A reviewer with a 20-year-old car found this particularly reassuring.
- Fast and Efficient: Numerous accounts describe remarkably fast turnaround times. One customer had repairs completed within 30 minutes, while another experienced quick service even when booking an appointment just one day in advance.
- Honest and Transparent: A key differentiating factor seems to be the repair shop’s integrity. Customers appreciate that ABB Car Repairs doesn’t pressure them into unnecessary repairs, a feeling one customer explicitly expressed: "They were honest and didn't try to sell us stuff we don't need."
- Exceptional Customer Service: The staff are consistently described as "very lovely" and helpful. One instance illustrates proactive customer care: a stranded driver with a fuel leak was readily assisted, despite the mechanic being busy, at a “very nice price.” Some other customers have noted the “empathy” of the staff.
- Going Above and Beyond: Lindsay, a member of the team, is particularly commended for his willingness to inspect vehicles on arrival, even without a specific appointment. His referral for a transmission specialist regarding a second-hand car purchase was performed free of charge, evidencing a commitment to customer satisfaction.
The Concern: WOF Accuracy and Communication
While positive feedback dominates, a significant concern arises from one customer’s experience regarding WOF testing. This particular review raises questions about the accuracy of exhaust noise decibel readings and the mechanic's response when challenged.
Here's a summary of the issue:
- Discrepancy in Exhaust Readings: The customer was initially told their exhaust noise registered at 105 decibels, failing the WOF. However, subsequent checks at VTNZ and another garage recorded readings of 91 dB, within the legal limit.
- Dismissive Response: The customer found the mechanic’s reaction to their questioning about the reading to be "very dismissive" and noted a "personal level" complaint about the exhaust noise.
- Potential for Unnecessary Repairs: This discrepancy resulted in the customer being quoted for a complete exhaust system replacement, based on the initial, reportedly inaccurate reading.
- Potential Impact: This incident highlights a potential risk for customers relying on ABB Car Repairs for their WOF, potentially leading to costly and unnecessary repairs if the test results are inaccurate. It also hints at a need for improved communication and objectivity when discussing potential failures.
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostics | Accurate and experienced | Potential for inaccurate WOF readings (exhaust noise) |
| Pricing | Affordable | Potential for unnecessary repairs due to inaccurate readings |
| Communication | Honest and transparent | Potentially dismissive when questioned about findings |
| Service Speed | Fast and efficient | N/A |
Should You Choose ABB Car Repairs? (A Balanced Perspective)
ABB Car Repairs clearly offers valuable services to the Invercargill community. The vast majority of reviewers praise their honesty, expertise, affordability, and customer service. Their accessibility features are a bonus, and the willingness to go above and beyond for customers is admirable.
However, the concerns raised regarding WOF accuracy, particularly exhaust noise testing, are significant and warrant consideration. While it may be an isolated incident, it's crucial to be aware of this potential issue.
Here’s a suggested approach:
- For general repairs and maintenance: ABB Car Repairs appears to be a safe and reliable choice.
- For WOF testing: Consider getting a second opinion, particularly if you have any doubts about the initial assessment. Document readings and ensure the mechanic provides a clear explanation of any potential failures.
- Proactive Communication: If you have concerns or questions about the service provided, don’t hesitate to respectfully ask for clarification and supporting documentation.
ABB Car Repairs sits at 22 Howorth Street, Waikiwi, Invercargill 9810, NZ. Feel free to contact them via telephone at +64 3 215 8878 to book an appointment or discuss your vehicle needs.