Queen Street Auto Centre: Honest WOFs & Car Care in Upper Hutt

Services offered by Queen Street Auto Centre

Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections 🚗

Rocket cover gasket replacement ⚙️

Tyre fitting 🛞

Oil changes 🛢️

Power steering repairs 💪

Headlight and wiper repairs 💡🚏

Tow bar replacement and installation 🚜

Steering fluid replacement 💧

Vehicle diagnostics 🔍

Pros	Cons
Amazing service and great guys, especially for fitting tyres at short notice.	Absolutely terrible service regarding a WOF and alleged rocket cover gasket leak.
A breath of fresh air after years of being exploited by other mechanics.	Customers felt taken advantage of, particularly women, with inflated repair quotes.
Great customer service, didn't make customers feel dumb, and fixed the car for a reasonable price.	Rude and dismissive when the customer returned to question the initial diagnosis.
Extremely helpful and local to Upper Hutt.	Attempted to charge over $400 for a repair that was later found to be unnecessary.
Amazing service team and great pricing.	The shop blamed others for the overcharging incident.
Great for oil changes and WOFs.	Difficulty finding suitable tools in the shop.
Went above and beyond to help a customer from Hawkes Bay with a tow bar issue, refusing payment.
Provided a fantastic diagnosis and fix for a heavy steering issue by simply replacing the steering fluid.
Very good and professional help, with excellent services.
Thank you team and Jacob!

Pros

Cons

Amazing service and great guys, especially for fitting tyres at short notice.

Absolutely terrible service regarding a WOF and alleged rocket cover gasket leak.

A breath of fresh air after years of being exploited by other mechanics.

Customers felt taken advantage of, particularly women, with inflated repair quotes.

Great customer service, didn't make customers feel dumb, and fixed the car for a reasonable price.

Rude and dismissive when the customer returned to question the initial diagnosis.

Extremely helpful and local to Upper Hutt.

Attempted to charge over $400 for a repair that was later found to be unnecessary.

Amazing service team and great pricing.

The shop blamed others for the overcharging incident.

Great for oil changes and WOFs.

Difficulty finding suitable tools in the shop.

Went above and beyond to help a customer from Hawkes Bay with a tow bar issue, refusing payment.

Provided a fantastic diagnosis and fix for a heavy steering issue by simply replacing the steering fluid.

Very good and professional help, with excellent services.

Thank you team and Jacob!

Queen Street Auto Centre: A Mixed Bag of Experiences in Upper Hutt

Queen Street Auto Centre, located at 43 Queen Street in Upper Hutt Central, has garnered a substantial 4.8-star rating, indicating generally positive experiences. This auto repair shop, serving Upper Hutt and beyond, boasts convenient opening hours (8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday, and 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM on Saturdays, closed Sundays). They cater to accessibility needs with wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, and recommend appointments for planning. Payment options include debit and credit cards. Reaching them is easy at +64 4 528 9770. However, as the following reviews reveal, the quality of service appears to be variable, raising important considerations for potential customers.

Navigating the Controversy: WOF Concerns and Pricing

Several reviews highlight concerning experiences regarding Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspections. One customer reported a failed WOF due to a purportedly leaking rocket cover gasket and a hefty $470 repair quote. Following a second opinion, this customer discovered no leak existed and described being dismissed rudely when returning to Queen Street Auto Centre to discuss the issue. The customer felt they were targeted due to their gender and accused the centre of attempting to overcharge them. This is a serious allegation that potential customers should be aware of.

Here's a breakdown of the core issue:

Issue	Description	Potential Impact
Suspected Overcharging	Customer alleges significant overpricing for a repair that wasn't needed.	Financial burden, distrust in the centre.
Dismissive Attitude	Feeling dismissed and ignored when concerns about initial assessment were raised.	Negative customer experience, potential reluctance to return.
WOF Accuracy	Discrepancy between Queen Street Auto Centre’s WOF assessment and subsequent evaluations elsewhere.	Questionable accuracy of assessments, potential safety concerns.

While this story is concerning, it's important to note there are other experiences related to WOFs which are described on the testimonials below.

Shining Examples: Exceptional Service & Problem Solving

Despite the reports of issues, many customers praise Queen Street Auto Centre for its outstanding service and willingness to go the extra mile. A customer from Hawkes Bay lauded the team’s generosity, having them quickly replace a tow bar, without charge, after struggling to find tools elsewhere. This act of kindness generated significant praise. Beyond this, numerous testimonials highlight:

Excellent Customer Service: Customers consistently mention friendly, helpful staff who don't make them feel intimidated or “dumb.”
Fair Pricing: Multiple reviews emphasize the centre’s affordable rates compared to other mechanics, with one customer saving over $2,000 on repairs.
Accurate Diagnosis & Repair: Several instances of correct diagnoses and efficient repairs were noted, like replacing just the steering fluid rather than an expensive part, or promptly fixing power steering issues.
Convenience & Speed: One review mentions a remarkably quick tyre fitting service, even with short notice.
Local Expertise: Appreciation for having a reliable, locally-owned auto shop in Upper Hutt.

What Customers are Saying: A Snapshot of Reviews

Here’s a compilation of testimonials showcasing the range of experiences customers have had with Queen Street Auto Centre:

"Honestly a great crew… Local to Upper Hutt and extremely helpful. Amazing service team and great pricing." – Jacob
“These fellas are legends… Wouldn’t take any money for it. Merry Xmas!” - Anonymous
"After years of getting exploited by mechanics these guys are a breath of fresh air! Great customer service... only cost me about $170 for my WOF." - Satisfied Customer
"Drove from Hawkes Bay… These boys gave them call explained what had happened… They said call around within 5 minutes they had the old one off and the new one on." – Caravan Owner
"Very good and professional help. Their services are excellent and would recommend them to anyone…" - Happy Customer

Disclaimer: This article reflects a compilation of publicly available reviews and information regarding Queen Street Auto Centre. It is not an endorsement of their services and aims to provide a balanced overview of customer experiences. Recent feedback regarding WOF accuracy and pricing, as detailed in one particular review, should be considered seriously by prospective customers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Street Auto Centre's Services and Expertise

What types of services does Queen Street Auto Centre offer in Upper Hutt?

Queen Street Auto Centre provides a comprehensive range of auto repair services, including WOF inspections, oil changes, tyre fitting, tow bar replacements, and general vehicle maintenance. They're known for their diagnostic skills, often identifying and resolving issues efficiently, like a steering fluid replacement instead of a costly part repair. They also handle urgent repairs, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to customer needs.

I've heard mixed reviews about Queen Street Auto Centre. What should I expect?

Customer experiences with Queen Street Auto Centre appear varied. Some customers praise the team's excellent service, helpfulness, and fair pricing, particularly when facing inflated quotes elsewhere. However, there have been concerns raised regarding potential overcharging and misdiagnosis. It's advisable to seek multiple quotes and thoroughly understand any recommended repairs before proceeding.

Does Queen Street Auto Centre accept appointments, and what are their operating hours?

Yes, Queen Street Auto Centre recommends appointments to ensure efficient service. They are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The shop is closed on Sundays. Customers appreciate their ability to accommodate urgent requests, even with short notice, as demonstrated by their assistance with a tow bar replacement.

What payment methods are accepted at Queen Street Auto Centre?

Queen Street Auto Centre generally accepts credit and debit cards for payment. It's always a good idea to confirm accepted payment methods when booking an appointment or discussing a repair estimate. The shop's commitment to customer satisfaction extends to providing convenient payment options.

Is Queen Street Auto Centre accessible for customers with mobility needs?

Queen Street Auto Centre prioritizes accessibility. The facility features both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all customers. They strive to create an inclusive environment for everyone seeking vehicle repair services in Upper Hutt.