Dave Tippett Automotive: Invercargill's Trusted Mechanic for 7 Years

Pros	Cons
Smooth service, even during the busy Christmas period.	Initially, the shop was unable to accommodate a service request due to lack of prior booking, despite a WOF appointment.
Humble and accommodating staff.	Requires a return visit to complete additional services.
Fair pricing, with Dave providing upfront quotes over the phone.
Fast turnaround times for repairs, such as timing belt replacement.
Amazing workmanship and consistently great service over 7 years.
Significant cost savings compared to other auto shops (e.g., warrant checks).
Brilliant and friendly service every time.
Convenient drop-off and pick-up service.
Easy payment options.
Reliable and trustworthy, especially for diagnosing and fixing camper van faults.
Knowledgeable mechanics with modern diagnostic equipment.
Reasonable hourly rates.
Good quotations and decent prices.
Recommended by others as a trustworthy and reliable mechanic.

Pros

Cons

Smooth service, even during the busy Christmas period.

Initially, the shop was unable to accommodate a service request due to lack of prior booking, despite a WOF appointment.

Humble and accommodating staff.

Requires a return visit to complete additional services.

Fair pricing, with Dave providing upfront quotes over the phone.

Fast turnaround times for repairs, such as timing belt replacement.

Amazing workmanship and consistently great service over 7 years.

Significant cost savings compared to other auto shops (e.g., warrant checks).

Brilliant and friendly service every time.

Convenient drop-off and pick-up service.

Easy payment options.

Reliable and trustworthy, especially for diagnosing and fixing camper van faults.

Knowledgeable mechanics with modern diagnostic equipment.

Reasonable hourly rates.

Good quotations and decent prices.

Recommended by others as a trustworthy and reliable mechanic.

Dave Tippett Automotive: A Local Legend in Invercargill

Dave Tippett Automotive, nestled on the corner of Mary St & Yarrow St in Richmond, Invercargill, consistently earns rave reviews with a solid 4.8-star rating. More than just an auto repair shop, it's become a cornerstone of the community, known for its honest service, fair pricing, and genuinely helpful staff. Located in the heart of Richmond (postcode 9810), Dave's shop is easily accessible and appreciated by locals for its dependability. You can reach them at +64 3 217 8129. While specific opening hours are currently unavailable, customers emphasize the shop's ability to accommodate schedules with appointments recommended. The facilities are thoughtfully designed, featuring wheelchair accessible entrance and parking – a clear commitment to inclusivity.

Customer Testimonials: Seven Years of Trust & Top-Notch Workmanship

The sheer volume of positive feedback speaks volumes about Dave Tippett Automotive’s reputation. Here’s a taste of what customers are saying:

Remarkable Adaptability: One recent customer highlighted the smooth service provided despite the busy lead-up to Christmas. A slight hiccup with a service booking was graciously resolved within just two hours, demonstrating excellent flexibility and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Timing Belt Triumph: Several customers champion Dave's honesty and transparency regarding pricing. For example, one Mitsubishi L300 owner praised the shop’s fair price for a timing belt replacement and water pump – a job that's been running flawlessly for months.Dave's commitment to providing upfront quotes over the phone, unlike many others, set him apart.
Warrant of Fitness Savings: A notable experience recounts a previous warrant check quote from another shop exceeding $1000, contrasted sharply with the significantly lower, nearly $600, price paid at Dave Tippett Automotive. This underscores the shop’s commitment to affordability.
Campervan Lifesaver: A travelling couple, experiencing a suspension fault with their campervan, were incredibly grateful for Dave's quick diagnosis and repair, allowing them to continue their journey – a true testament to his reliability and trustworthiness.
Modern & Classic Expertise: The shop’s ability to handle both modern and European vehicles using advanced scanning technology is a frequently mentioned advantage. Even panel shops and automotive services rely on Dave’s specialist knowledge!

Here’s a summarized table of key customer comments:

Feature	Customer Feedback
Pricing	Fair, Honest, Upfront quotes over the phone
Workmanship	Amazing, Goes above and beyond
Service	Friendly, Knowledgeable, Accommodating, Flexible
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible entrance & parking available
Tech Expertise	Handles modern & European vehicles, advanced scanning
Convenience	Easy drop-off and pick-up, convenient payment options

Convenient Features & Planning Your Visit

Dave Tippett Automotive understands the importance of a seamless customer experience. Several features contribute to this:

Accessibility: The shop’s facilities are designed to be inclusive, with both wheelchair accessible entrance and plenty of accessible parking.
Appointment Recommended: While walk-ins may be accommodated, booking an appointment is strongly advised, especially during peak times (like the run-up to Christmas, as noted in one review).
Payment Options: Easy payment options are available, simplifying the process for customers.
Location: Strategically located at Cnr Mary St & Yarrow St, Richmond, Invercargill 9810, it's easily accessible from across the city.

It’s worth noting that a customer emphasised the "easy peasy" drop-off and pick-up system, ideal for those needing to get their vehicles serviced while working.

Beyond Repairs: A Commitment to Community & Integrity

What truly sets Dave Tippett Automotive apart isn’t just the skilled mechanics or the competitive pricing, but the unwavering commitment to integrity and customer satisfaction. Customers consistently describe Dave and his team as friendly and knowledgeable.

"Dave is friendly, one of the best garage in Invercargill. He gave me a good quotation with decent price." – A satisfied customer.

This isn’t just a tagline; it’s a consistent theme throughout the reviews. Dave’s leadership seems to foster a culture of respect, honesty, and a genuine desire to help his customers. The fact that other automotive businesses rely on his expertise further solidifies his position as a trusted professional within the Invercargill automotive industry. For motorists seeking a reliable mechanic with demonstrable skill, courteous service and a transparent approach, Dave Tippett Automotive appears to be an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dave Tippett Automotive's Services and Expertise

What types of services does Dave Tippett Automotive offer, and are they equipped for modern vehicles?

Dave Tippett Automotive provides a comprehensive range of auto repair services, from routine maintenance like WOFs and servicing to more complex repairs, including timing belt replacements and suspension work. They possess the technology to scan and diagnose issues in both modern and European vehicles, ensuring your car receives the appropriate care regardless of its make or model. Many other auto industries rely on Dave Tippett Automotive's expertise.

How does Dave Tippett Automotive's pricing compare to other auto repair shops in Invercargill, and what's the process for getting a quote?

Customers consistently praise Dave Tippett Automotive for its reasonable and transparent pricing. Unlike some shops, Dave provides final price quotes directly over the phone, avoiding lengthy email exchanges or unexpected charges. One customer experienced a significant cost difference for a warrant check, paying considerably less with Dave Tippett Automotive than at another establishment. This upfront honesty and fair pricing are key differentiators.

What do customers say about the quality of workmanship and customer service at Dave Tippett Automotive?

The overwhelming consensus is that Dave Tippett Automotive delivers exceptional workmanship and friendly, accommodating service. Customers highlight Dave's going 'above and beyond' and consistently doing a 'great job'. Many have been loyal customers for years, appreciating the easy drop-off and pick-up options. The staff are described as humble and knowledgeable, creating a positive and trustworthy experience for every visitor.

I need my campervan repaired urgently. Can Dave Tippett Automotive handle unexpected breakdowns and provide quick solutions?

Absolutely. Dave Tippett Automotive has a proven track record of assisting customers in urgent situations. One customer's campervan developed a suspension fault, and Dave quickly diagnosed and resolved the issue, enabling them to continue their journey. His reliability and trustworthiness are highly regarded, making him a go-to choice for those needing prompt and effective repairs, even during busy periods like the Christmas holidays.

Does Dave Tippett Automotive offer convenient appointment options and payment methods?

Appointments are recommended at Dave Tippett Automotive to ensure efficient service. While walk-ins may be accommodated depending on availability, scheduling an appointment guarantees prompt attention. The shop also offers easy payment options, adding to the overall convenience for customers. Dave Tippett Automotive strives to make the repair process as seamless and stress-free as possible.