Pros 
Cons Auto Super Shoppe Onekawa: A Mixed Bag of Kiwi Car Care
Auto Super Shoppe Onekawa in Napier, New Zealand, consistently earns a solid 4.4-star rating, garnering a volume of reviews reflecting a wide range of experiences. Located at 68 Austin Street, Onekawa, Napier 4110, and operating Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, this Auto Super Shoppe offers a convenient service schedule for busy clients. They proudly boast wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, plus offer services like oil changes and appointments are highly recommended. Their payment options are extensive, accepting credit and debit cards, plus NFC mobile payments – a real ease for customers. But what do the reviews really say? Let's break down the good, the concerning, and the consistently appreciated aspects of Auto Super Shoppe Onekawa.
Shining Stars: Customer Appreciation and Going the Extra Mile
A considerable portion of reviews highlight exceptional service experiences that have cemented Auto Super Shoppe Onekawa as a trusted mechanic for many. Here's a breakdown of common praises:
- Emergency Repairs & Beyond: Several customers commend the team's responsiveness and comprehensive approach to emergency repairs. One reviewer recounts how they “went above and beyond to keep myself and my vehicle safe,” leaving them “blown away.” This level of dedication resonates strongly within the reviews.
- Reasonable Pricing & Thorough Diagnostics: Happy customers celebrate the fair pricing and detailed diagnostics offered, particularly with older vehicles. One person noted their Swift was sorted "quickly" and at a "extremely reasonable price," after a diagnostic process that involved scanning and thorough testing.
- Friendly & Helpful Staff: A recurring theme is the positive and approachable nature of the staff. Many reviewers describe interactions as "lovely," "super helpful," and "friendly," contributing significantly to a positive customer experience. Even Doris the Turtle gets a mention!
- Unexpected Acts of Service: One standout review highlights the team's willingness to go above and beyond, specifically mentioning that they “even charged my cars battery while servicing (they did not have to but did so just because…)”. This proactive and considerate approach speaks volumes about their dedication.
- Reliable Service for High-Mileage Drivers: A driver highlighting his extensive mileage (25,000km+ annually) praises the team's willingness to handle frequent maintenance and servicing, keeping his vehicle running smoothly and enabling him to "stay productive travelling up and down the country for work."
Table: Summary of Praises:
| Aspect of Service | Example from Reviews |
|---|---|
| Emergency Repairs | “Went above and beyond to keep myself and my vehicle safe.” |
| Pricing | "Extremely reasonable price" |
| Staff | "Super helpful and friendly." |
| Proactive Service | "Even charged my car’s battery…” |
| Reliability | "Keep my car running super smooth..." |
Areas for Improvement: Communication & Transparency Concerns
Despite the numerous positive experiences, a significant number of reviews express concern regarding communication and transparency. These issues, while seemingly isolated, create a sense of mistrust and frustration for affected customers.
- Lack of Updates & Long Wait Times for Quotes: The primary complaint revolves around the lack of communication regarding repair progress and quote delivery. A customer suggests they "sat in the waiting room the whole time...just to give me a not so sure answer...and send me a quote within that same day," but the quote never arrived. Several others report repeated attempts to contact the shop for updates.
- Unexpected Referrals to Specialists: A particularly frustrating experience involved being informed after waiting days for a quote that the issue required a specialist—a situation one customer feels could have been avoided with clearer initial communication.
- Disagreement over Assessment Fees: The assessment fee, particularly when assessment results are unclear or lead to external referrals, is a contested point. One reviewer refused to pay the $132.24 assessment fee, citing the lack of a “clear answer to the problem.”
- Potential for Upselling & Questionable Advice: One negative review alleges "short man syndrome very rude!!" and suggests the mechanic attempted to sell unnecessary parts, a concern that raises doubts over the impartiality of their diagnostics.
Accessibility & Facilities: Streamlining the Customer Journey
Auto Super Shoppe Onekawa appears to offer a comfortable and accessible environment for its clientele. Their facilities are well-equipped to support a varied customer base.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Notably, the shop is committed to inclusivity, providing both wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking. This caters to customers with mobility challenges, demonstrating a consideration for diverse needs.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments simplifies the payment process, catering to modern payment preferences.
- Core Services Available: As highlighted in their offerings, they provide oil changes, a key service for vehicle maintenance.
- Basic Amenities: Restrooms are available on-site for customer convenience.
- Practical Considerations: Staying informed that appointments are recommended gives them capacity to attend your issues and making time for your automotive needs.