Pros 
Cons AA Auto Centre New Plymouth: A Mixed Bag of Kiwi Car Care
AA Auto Centre New Plymouth, located centrally at 147 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth, has garnered a solid 4.3-star rating, a testament to its popularity among local vehicle owners. This article dives into the reviews and experiences shared by customers, highlighting both the exceptional service and areas needing improvement. Whether you require a Warrant of Fitness (WOF), routine servicing, or mechanical repairs, understanding the perspectives of fellow motorists is crucial. They’re open Monday to Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM, and closed Sundays, providing convenient service hours. You can reach them at +64 6 759 4242. Accessibility is a strong point, with both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking available. Payments are accepted via debit cards and NFC mobile payments – credit cards are currently not accepted.
The Good Oil: What Customers Love About AA Auto Centre
The overwhelming sentiment from many reviewers paints a picture of a friendly, helpful, and customer-focused business. Here are some key takeaways from the positive experiences:
Exceptional Customer Service: A recurring theme is the welcoming and reassuring nature of the reception staff. Many customers specifically mentioned the "lovely lady" at reception, praising her excellent customer service skills. She’s often cited for clearly explaining procedures and making new customers feel comfortable - a particularly nice touch for those experiencing car servicing for the first time.
Going the Extra Mile: Several reviewers recount instances where AA Auto Centre New Plymouth went above and beyond. This includes finding unexpected slots for servicing, accommodating last-minute requests, and even offering complimentary checks and services (like the instance of a customer's transmission fluid being checked and found not to require topping up – with no charge!).
Expert Advice & Workmanship: Customers consistently praise the expertise of the mechanics and the quality of the workmanship. Long-term customers particularly value the consistent, reliable service received over the years.
Reactive Problem Solving: One reviewer wrote about a L300, with a huge thanks to everyone involved, suggesting a memorable and successful repair experience.
Efficiency & Quick Turnaround: Maintaining a balance between assurance and essential car-based services, with quick turnarounds and efficient service as mentioned especially in situations regarding batteries.
Here's a table summarizing common praise:
Aspect Example Quote Customer Service "The lady at the reception is lovely and has great customer service." Going Above & Beyond "They actually found some free time... to complete the service!" Expertise "Always such friendly service and expert advice." Efficiency "Efficient and quickly"
Brake It Down: Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
While the majority of experiences are positive, a concerning thread emerges regarding the quality of mechanical repairs, specifically brake work. One reviewer details a frustrating experience requiring four return visits to correct faulty brake repairs, with ongoing concerns about the brakes’ performance. This highlights a significant area needing attention.
Beyond the brake issue, there’s also mention of inconsistencies in communication:
- Phone Communication Bottlenecks: Several reviews point to inaccurate or misleading information provided over the phone. One customer stated that “someone answering the phone needs to be brought up to speed on what to tell people,” suggesting a lack of clear communication protocols within the office. Misleading information in regard to how much something will cost and it’s time frame brings an element of distrust against the business.
- Potential Quality Control Issues: While overall workmanship is praised, the repeated issues with the brake repairs raise questions about quality control processes and thoroughness of checks.
- Need for Standardized Advice: Improvement in aligning responses over the phone and in person.
Accessibility, Payments, and Overall Impression
AA Auto Centre New Plymouth caters to a diverse customer base with accessibility in mind. They offers wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, a valuable asset for customers with mobility needs. Payment options are convenient for most, accepting debit cards and NFC mobile payments. However, the absence of credit card processing may be a drawback for some customers.
“Have used the AA Auto Centre for a number of years for WOF and servicing. Always such friendly service and expert advice…”
Despite the noted criticisms, particularly relating to repair quality and phone communication, AA Auto Centre New Plymouth maintains a respectable rating. The consistent positives highlight a team committed to friendly service and customer satisfaction. Addressing the concerns about repair quality and improving phone communication could elevate the experience for all customers further, solidifying AA Auto Centre New Plymouth’s position as a trusted auto repair destination in New Plymouth.