Franklin Motors

Franklin Motors: Pukekohe Mechanic – Praises, Warrant Woes & Gripes

Is Franklin Motors your go-to Pukekohe mechanic? Locals are singing its praises, but are there warrant issues or gripes to know about? Let's dive in.

Call Now Website Google View Location

Services offered by Franklin Motors

🏙️ See more Auto repair shops in pukekohe
Pros icon Pros Cons icon Cons
Great service, honest, and would recommend. Broke rain guard during glass replacement and didn't take responsibility.
Helped match paint for touching up. Rain guard not properly attached after replacement.
Sharp prices compared to competitors. Unreasonable about rain guard damage and poor customer service.
Always accommodating with WOF bookings. Found additional issues (steering shroud/light switch) without prior communication and charged extra ($187 NZD).
Great price compared to most. Failed WOF for minor window chips (easily passable).
Very professional and a great bunch of guys. Failed WOF for unnecessary issues (tailgate, suspension bushes, hub assembly).
Wouldn’t go anywhere else. Scamming accusations - failed WOF when it should have passed.
Good customer service (Lall). Overpriced repairs (sensor quote significantly higher than elsewhere).
Charged $99 for a single fog lamp bulb replacement.
Rear brake imbalance quote ($100) with no work done after an hour.
Inflated labour costs compared to other mechanics.
Incorrectly identified a wheel as 'stuck' due to misunderstanding reverse thread.
Some customers feel reviews are skewed by older demographics.

A Mixed Bag of Experiences at Franklin Motors

Franklin Motors, located at 42 Crosbie Road in Pukekohe, has garnered a diverse range of opinions from its clientele. Boasting a respectable 4.0-star rating, the shop offers a variety of services including oil changes, onsite support, and is equipped to accommodate wheelchair users with both entrance and parking accessibility. They accept a range of payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, though their system appears to have issues getting a credit card payment to process correctly. However, the reviews paint a complex picture – a blend of positive experiences with consistent complaints regarding pricing transparency, warrant of fitness (WOF) rejections, and alleged questionable repair practices. Their operating hours are Monday to Wednesday and Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 12 PM and closed on Friday’s and Sundays. Phone: +64 9 238 4423.

The Dark Side: Costly Errors and Lack of Accountability

Several customers have voiced significant frustration with Franklin Motors' handling of repairs and WOF inspections. A particularly concerning account highlights a rear quarter glass replacement incident where the mechanic broke a rain guard during the process. Rather than accepting responsibility, the shop allegedly blamed the customer and initially refused to replace it. Even after reluctant agreement, the replacement was poorly fitted. This narrative exemplifies a broader pattern of perceived lack of accountability. Another customer described a scenario where unexpected repair needs surfaced relating to a steering shroud, only to be informed of the unexpected $187 NZD cost after the car was ready for pickup – a lacking of pre-approval and transparent communication.

However, a recurring theme centres on WOF rejections that seem questionable. One customer reported taking their vehicle to another shop the following day and receiving a passing WOF without issue, suggesting a potential pattern of unnecessary rejections to generate more repair work. This is further supported by a review citing a $1500 quote for a sensor replacement that the customer obtained for $50 NZD and installed themselves, and a rear brake imbalance repair quoted at $100 with no actual fix performed after an hour of waiting. These instances fuel concerns about inflated labour costs and artificially creating repair needs.

Glimmers of Positivity: Honest Service & Competitive Pricing

Despite the criticisms, Franklin Motors does have its supporters. Multiple reviewers praise the shop for its honesty, professional attitude, and competitive pricing. One customer highlighted their positive experience with paint matching for their vehicle’s touch-ups, and another was impressed with Lall’s sharp pricing compared to other mechanics. A satisfied customer with a classic Plymouth Fury specifically mentioned the 'great customer service' and felt comfortable having his vehicle serviced there. Another praised the shop for accommodating bookings and quoted a past experience where issues were clearly explained and parts/labour costs were upfront. A returning customer with a 1996 Prado was also satisfied with the transparency of the costs despite failing the WOF initially. These positive experiences suggest that the quality of service can vary significantly, and some customers have undoubtedly benefited from Franklin Motors' expertise.

Suspect Practices and Management Concerns

A significant number of negative reviews focus on what appears to be manipulative pricing strategies and potentially unethical practices. The $99 charge for replacing a single fog lamp bulb is a prime example, leaving customers feeling blatantly ripped off. Similar accusations involve excessive quotes – one customer receiving a $1400 quote for a repair that was completed for $400 at another shop. The quoting of inaccurate components e.g. the mechanic claiming a wheel needed to be removed but in fact it had a reverse thread and came off easily further raises concerns around the competence and/or integrity of the workshops team. Several reviews, while praising the initial friendliness of the owner/manager, hint that this pleasant demeanor is masking attempts to inflate costs and take advantage of customers, particularly regarding WOF inspections designed to generate unnecessary repairs. There is a claim that positive reviews are dominated by "boomers" suggesting there are more issues with younger customers being unfairly treated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mechanic Franklin Motors and Their Services

What is the general reputation of Mechanic Franklin Motors based on customer reviews?

Customer reviews for Mechanic Franklin Motors are quite mixed. While some praise the service, honesty, and competitive pricing, particularly mentioning Lall, a significant number report negative experiences. These include accusations of inflated repair quotes, unnecessary WOF failures, and a lack of professionalism. Some customers feel they were overcharged for simple repairs or failed inspections for minor issues.

What types of services does Mechanic Franklin Motors offer, according to their listed facilities and offerings?

Mechanic Franklin Motors provides a range of services. They offer onsite services and have wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. Their offerings include oil changes. They accept credit and debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. They also perform WOF (Warrant of Fitness) inspections and general mechanical repairs, as indicated by customer testimonials.

What are some specific concerns raised by customers regarding the quality of work performed at Mechanic Franklin Motors?

Several customers have expressed concerns about the quality of work. One customer reported a poorly attached rain guard after a rear quarter glass replacement, despite raising the issue. Another experienced unexpected additional costs for a steering shroud repair, not communicated beforehand. These incidents suggest a potential lack of attention to detail and transparency in the repair process.

What are the opening hours of Mechanic Franklin Motors throughout the week?

Mechanic Franklin Motors operates Monday through Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. They are open on Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The workshop is closed on Fridays and Sundays. It's always best to book an appointment in advance to ensure availability, given potential booking wait times.

How does Mechanic Franklin Motors handle unexpected repair costs or additional issues discovered during a service?

Based on customer feedback, Mechanic Franklin Motors' handling of unexpected costs appears inconsistent. One customer was not informed of additional repair costs until pickup, resulting in a significant price increase. This lack of communication and transparency is a recurring concern, highlighting a need for clearer communication regarding potential additional work and associated costs.