Possum Bourne Motorsport: A Kiwi Legend in Performance Automotive
Possum Bourne Motorsport, located at 159c Manukau Road, Pukekohe 2120, NZ, has established itself as a premier destination for car enthusiasts and performance-focused vehicle owners in the Auckland region. Boasting a stellar 4.8-star rating, this mechanic shop isn't just about routine servicing; they're deeply involved in tuning, engine building, and providing a high level of expertise that sets them apart. Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, they offer top-notch service during the workweek and are closed on weekends. The shop prioritizes accessibility, with both wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, and accepts major credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments. Phone: +64 9 238 5732.
Rave Reviews: A Culture of Trust and Expertise
The overwhelming sentiment from customers is one of profound satisfaction. Many praise the professionalism and trustworthiness of Patrick and his team. Here’s a breakdown of what owners are saying:
- Exceptional Tuning & Performance: Numerous reviews highlight PBMS’s ability to coax significant power gains from vehicles. One customer saw their 2011 WRX, with only minor modifications, achieve an impressive 219KW at the wheels – significantly exceeding expectations. Another experienced a custom tune expertly tailored to their specific needs.
- Knowledgeable & Friendly Team: Customers consistently mention the team's depth of knowledge and approachable manner. Daniel, specifically, receives repeated mentions for his dyno tuning expertise, with one customer even being invited to observe the process - a testament to their dedication to educating their clients.
- Quality Workmanship & Parts: A key differentiator is PBMS’s commitment to using high-quality parts sourced from reputable manufacturers in the UK, US, and Australia – avoiding cheaper, potentially unreliable alternatives. Their engine rebuilds, like the Renault F4R Turbo motor mentioned, are a showcase of their skills.
- Customisation & Communication: Owners appreciate Patrick's willingness to listen to their specific requests and provide knowledgeable feedback. The team's conservative tuning approach prioritises engine longevity and avoids stressing components.
- Beyond Expectations: The rebuilding of a classic WRX STI v5 GC8 by Thomas shows the workshop’s capabilities and the quality of workmanship. Thomas explained Patrick maintained excellent communication throughout the complete short block build, keeping him up-to-date at every stage.
"Honestly their services is very educational, and utmost friendly. I would love to keep working with them for my car needs however they took over 1 year just for their own dyno since Gary left. And their pricing can be over the moon as well. I would love to return, but I have already begun work with E & H, otherwise I would come here and I can only stay loyal to 1 company.” – A Loyal but Ultimately Disappointed Customer
Services & Facilities: More Than Just a Mechanic
Possum Bourne Motorsport offers a comprehensive suite of services, far surpassing that of a typical mechanic. This detailed table outlines the key aspects:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Service Options | Primarily focuses on onsite services, tailoring solutions directly to the vehicle’s needs. |
Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot ensuring inclusivity. |
Payment Methods | Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for customer convenience. |
Specializations | Engine Tuning (ECU remaps, custom tunes), Engine Rebuilds (including short block builds), Performance Upgrades, General Mechanical Repairs & Servicing. |
Dyno Services | In-house dyno for precise tuning and performance measurement. Currently experiencing a temporary service disruption (requiring planned external dyno usage). |
Quality Components | Sourcing of parts from UK, US, and Australian suppliers guaranteeing high-quality materials. |
Addressing Customer Concerns & Future Outlook
While overwhelmingly positive, some customer feedback reveals areas for potential improvement. The most consistently raised concern revolves around communication and planning aspects - a consequence, according to some reviewers, of their high demand and busy workshop schedule. The prolonged period where the dyno testing service wasn’t operational, due to personnel changes, also proved frustrating for some. Another aspect mentioned was the potentially high pricing, though this is generally justified by the quality of workmanship and expertise provided.
Despite these challenges, the legacy and reputation of Possum Bourne Motorsport remain strong. The ongoing commitment to quality parts, a skilled team, and a customer-centric approach suggest a continued trajectory of success within the New Zealand performance automotive scene. Potential future improvements could focus on streamlining their communication process and managing customer expectations regarding lead times, while maintaining their renowned levels of quality.