Forde Auto Services

Forde Auto Services: Transmission Troubles & Kiwi Car Care Tales

Is your car giving you grief? We dove deep into Forde Auto Services, uncovering honest reviews and real-world experiences – from transmission woes to top-notch Kiwi car care.

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Services offered by Forde Auto Services

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Pros icon Pros Cons icon Cons
Approachable and forthcoming with advice. Excessive cost of outsourced work (shaft sleeving).
Excellent customer service, particularly from Andrea. Poor cost control over outsourced work, leading to high total bill.
Friendly and helpful staff. Felt like being 'gouged' on pricing.
Reliable service. Owner (Wayne Kerr) perceived as overly controlling and difficult to deal with.
Good communication regarding repair progress. Prevented customer from explaining issues and showing the mechanic the problem with the car.
Flexible and solution-oriented. Use of health and safety as an excuse to prevent customer interaction.
Strong skill and knowledge demonstrated. Charging a significant fee ($135) just for an inspection without repairs.
Gets WOFs done efficiently. Took an extended period (5 weeks) to replace bearings and re-sleeve a shaft.
Provided a temporary repair that allowed customers to complete a significant journey. Busy and unable to accommodate urgent gearbox replacements.
Went 'outside the square' to provide exceptional service.
Long-standing customer loyalty (over 20 years).
Organised everything well (Andrea).

Forde Auto Services: A Mixed Bag of Kiwi Car Care Experiences

Forde Auto Services, located at 220 Dee Street, Avenal, Invercargill, has garnered a solid 4.5-star rating, demonstrating its popularity amongst local motorists. Operating Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM, they're a convenient choice for many in the Invercargill area. While they don't offer Saturday or Sunday service, they excel in accessibility, offering both wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. Appointments are recommended, and they readily accept credit and debit cards – though cash might be a good backup option. Their phone number is +64 3 214 9388. While considered a robust auto repair shop, the experiences shared by customers reveal a complex picture – one blending exceptional service with some concerning practices, particularly surrounding interactions with the owner.

The Transmission Troubles & Owner Concerns: A Cautionary Tale

One customer's deeply unsettling experience highlights a potential area of concern. Having traveled an hour due to ongoing issues with their vehicle, they report a positive initial interaction with the auto mechanic, only to be met with resistance and what they perceived as manipulative practices from the owner, identified as Wayne Kerr. They were denied the opportunity to explain the transmission issues directly and demonstrate them to the mechanic, which is particularly troubling considering the customer’s spinal disease and the need for a practical examination. The owner, according to the customer, invoked health and safety concerns as a justification for preventing this simple demonstration, a claim the customer firmly rejects, stating that letting them show the mechanics, or driving the car while showing the computer, would be a lot safer than charging money without doing anything. A $135 diagnostic fee was proposed prior to any actual inspection, which prompted the customer to reconsider their support of the business. The experience led to a strong warning to potential customers, advising them to "walk away" if faced with similar situations. The customer, with former car industry experience, describes the owner as the "worst" they've encountered and urges the mechanic to consider starting their own business independent of this management. This individual also had a negative experience regarding outsourced work, specifically the sleeving of a shaft – costing $910 when similar work in 2016 was significantly cheaper ($225). It’s worth noting this anecdote represents a stark contrast to many other testimonials, but it's serious enough to warrant consideration.

Decades of Loyalty & Extraordinary Acts of Kindness: The Positive Side of Forde Auto Services

Despite the concerns detailed above, a substantial number of customers have enjoyed longstanding, positive relationships with Forde Auto Services. One customer, a loyal patron for over 20 years, attests to the quality of service, even when living out of town. This highlights a dedication to customer satisfaction and expertise that goes above and beyond. Another account details a critical situation – a gearbox needing urgent replacement. While unable to immediately accommodate the urgent request due to workload, the shop provided invaluable assistance in sourcing the necessary part and offering solid advice to prolong the gearbox's lifespan on the journey. Perhaps the most remarkable story is that of Brin and Dot, "new to town," who found the staff to be "superb," highlighting clear communication, flexibility, solution-oriented approaches, and strong technical knowledge. Below, a particularly compelling example showcases their commitment to helping customers even beyond standard service:

"To Michael. Your Temporary repair got us to Tuatapere, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Cromwell, Alexandria, Roxborough, Milton, Dunedin. Blueskin Bay, Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Albatross colony at Harrington Point, Dunedin, North Taiere, Clarkes Junction, Middlemarch, Ranfurly, St Bathans, Tarras, Lindus Pass, Omarama, Kurow, Windsor, Weston, Oamaru, Around Oamaru, Glenavy, Ikawai, Kurow, Over Aviemore Dam, Back over Benmore Dam, Omarama, Twizel, Mt Cook, Tekapo, Burkes Pass, Faitlie, Geraldine, Windwistle, Akaroa, Rolleston, Darfield, Christchurch, Waimakariri Gorge, Oxford, Christchurch, Rolleston, Christchurch (Picked up Intercooler but not installed it), Rangiora, Amberley, Hamner Springs, Greymouth, Westport, Murchison, Howard Junction, Kohatu, Woodstock, Lower Motuere, Takaka Hill, Collingwood, Takaka Hill, Nelsonn Rai Valle, Havlock, Kaituna, Spring Creek, Picton, Wellington Waioru,Taumaranui, Otrohanga, Pirongia and home to Ngaruawahia. A top notch service outside of the square and we thank you Guess What - It is still around as a spare"

Reliable Service, Helpful Staff & WOF Expertise: Everyday Excellence

The majority of recent feedback consistently praises the overall professionalism and service quality at Forde Auto Services. Customers frequently mention the friendly and helpful staff, highlighting Andrea's excellent customer service, and noting their ability to organize everything effectively and keep customers happy. Several reviewers specifically commend the reliable WOF (Warrant of Fitness) inspections they receive here. Recurring themes include:

This positive feedback, paired with the high overall rating, suggests that while concerns exist, the majority of customers experience a positive interaction with Forde Auto Services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forde Auto Services in Invercargill

What types of services does Forde Auto Services offer?

Forde Auto Services is a well-regarded auto repair shop in Invercargill, offering a wide range of services. They handle everything from routine WOFs (Warrant of Fitness) and servicing to more complex repairs, including transmission work and gearbox replacements. They're known for their helpful advice and ability to source parts, even when facing urgent situations. They also provide temporary repairs to get you safely on your way.

What is the general customer experience like at Forde Auto Services?

Many customers praise Forde Auto Services for their friendly and approachable staff, particularly mentioning Andrea for her excellent customer service. They are known for communicating well about the progress of repairs, especially on longer jobs. Long-time customers appreciate the team's expertise and reliability, often travelling considerable distances to utilise their services. Some have noted cost control issues with outsourced work.

What are the payment options available at Forde Auto Services?

Forde Auto Services accepts both credit and debit cards for payment. While they strive to provide transparent pricing, some customers have raised concerns about the cost of outsourced work, specifically mentioning a high price for shaft sleeving. It's always recommended to discuss the estimated costs upfront and obtain a written quote before proceeding with any repairs.

What are the opening hours for Forde Auto Services?

Forde Auto Services operates Monday to Thursday and Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It's advisable to book appointments in advance, especially for more involved repairs, as they can get quite busy. Planning ahead ensures Forde Auto Services can accommodate your vehicle's needs efficiently.

Does Forde Auto Services offer accessibility features for customers?

Yes, Forde Auto Services prioritises accessibility. The shop features both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring ease of access for all customers. They also recommend appointments to streamline the service process and provide a more comfortable experience for everyone visiting the Invercargill location.