Pros 
Cons AA Auto Centre Nelson: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
AA Auto Centre Nelson, located in the City Centre of Nelson South, boasts a solid 4.1-star rating based on customer feedback. With convenient opening hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM Saturday, and closed Sundays), the centre offers accessibility features like wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. They accept debit cards and NFC mobile payments, but not credit cards. While the facility appears well-equipped, recent customer experiences paint a more complex picture – some exceptionally positive, others deeply disappointing, as highlighted by the stark "Absolutely a shame!" note accompanying initial submissions. The contact number for any enquiries is +64 3 539 4690.
The Dark Side: Engine Troubles and Costly Surprises
The most concerning narrative revolves around a customer’s experience with an overheating engine and a blown head gasket. Initially diagnosed on November 19th, the car wasn't seen by AA Auto Centre Nelson until December 2nd due to appointment availability. The repair was initially estimated to take 3 days but stretched to over 10. To compound matters, the final bill was $800 higher than the initial quote – a significant and, according to the customer, unexplained deviation.
Worse still, the car experienced immediate issues upon collection. "Directly after the garage, few kms later the engine signal pop up once again to notify an engine failure," the customer reported. Attempts to reach the mechanic for advice were unsuccessful, leaving the customer feeling abandoned and frustrated. This combination of excessive time, unexpected costs, and incomplete repairs has led the customer to express extreme dissatisfaction and a vow to avoid AA Auto Centre Nelson in the future. This experience raises serious questions about quoting accuracy, quality control, and communication following repairs.
"So at the end I waste a lot of time, I pay much more than it was supposed to be and the repairs were not made properly and complete. I was never as disappointed about a car job, If you have to go in a garage in Nelson please go anywhere else if you don’t want to be cheated. This is the last time where I go in an AA auto centre." – Disappointed Customer
Shining Examples: Praise for Staff and Reliable Service
Despite the severe criticism detailed above, AA Auto Centre Nelson receives a considerable amount of positive feedback. Many customers highlight the exceptional helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, specifically mentioning “Barb” as an outstanding asset to the team. Here's a summary of the frequently mentioned positives:
- Excellent Customer Service: A recurring theme is the genuinely friendly and helpful nature of the staff.
- Reliable Repairs: Long-term customers (spanning 10 years in one case) consistently praise the centre’s competence and ability to stand behind their work.
- Honest Assessments: Some customers appreciate the straightforward and honest assessments provided, particularly regarding Warrant of Fitness (WOF) requirements. One reviewer stated: "They will give it to you straight, and keep your vehicle on road the way it should be."
- Quick and Efficient Service: Anecdotes of quick and efficient service, even without a booking for WOFs, create a beneficial impression.
| Feature | Positive Feedback |
|---|---|
| Staff | Friendly, helpful, especially Barb |
| Repairs | Reliable, competent, stands behind work |
| WOF | Quick, efficient, no booking needed |
| Assessment | Honest and straightforward |
Appointment Issues & Membership Concerns
Not all experiences are positive. One customer reported an appointment booked two weeks in advance for a WOF that was then shuffled due to staff shortages, resulting in a cancelled leave from work. This highlights potential operational challenges with scheduling and communication. Another customer questioned the value of their AA membership, citing “incompetent and useless service centre” behaviour when attempting to rectify a crucial error. This suggests there is an area that requires tighter management, specializing in communication and scheduling.
The disparity in feedback – from severe disappointment regarding an engine repair and unexpected costs to effusive praise for staff and reliable work – suggests a range of quality experiences at AA Auto Centre Nelson. While the positive reviews are plentiful and highlight the commitment of certain employees, the serious complaints relating to cost overruns and incomplete repairs warrant careful consideration.