Pros 
Cons Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Glenfield: A Mixed Bag of Customer Experiences
Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Glenfield, located at 24 Hillside Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland, has garnered a solid 4.4-star rating based on customer reviews. While many laud the service and value, a recurring theme of potential hidden costs and booking discrepancies surfaces, prompting a closer look at what customers are experiencing. The shop operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, and is closed on Sundays. They offer a range of services including delivery, in-store pickup, onsite services, and same-day delivery, with wheelchair accessibility both at the entrance and in the parking lot. Appointments are recommended, and they happily accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
The Allure of the $39 WOF and Online Booking Headaches
A significant draw for many customers is Tony's Tyre & Auto Care's advertised $39 WOF (WoF - Warrant of Fitness) deal. This competitive price attracts a steady flow of customers keen to save on a necessary vehicle safety check. However, experiences with the online booking system have been less than smooth for some. Several reviews highlight issues with booking confirmations showing dates far into the future, requiring phone calls to rectify. One customer experienced a particularly frustrating situation, struggling to secure a convenient date despite the offer and feeling the call centre response lacked empathy.
Here’s a summary of the challenges encountered:
- Delayed Confirmations: Bookings confirmed with significantly later dates than intended.
- Limited Availability: Online calendars showing limited availability, even for a discounted service.
- Lack of Communication: Some customers report a lack of responsiveness and follow-up regarding inquiries.
- Booking System Concerns: One customer reported the booking process urging them to “go to another company there are only 3 bookings a day."
It's important to note that while other buyers have found the online booking efficient once the pricing was located as the lowest offered.
Service Quality: From Exceptional to Unexpected Expenses
Beyond the WOF, customer experiences with Tony's Tyre & Auto Care regarding other services are diverse. Many praise the professionalism and helpfulness of the staff. Some highlight exceptional instances of going above and beyond.
- Positive Experiences: Several customers report outstanding service and friendly staff, turning around negative days. One reviewer felt the staff were "not only helpful but also incredibly friendly", especially appreciating the informative videos explaining tyre options and services.
- Rapid Service & Accommodation: Even with being 20 minutes late for a booked WOF, the store readily accommodated.
- Problem Resolution: Issues like faulty wipers were addressed effectively with replacements offered after a period of communication.
- Full Service & Tyre Changes: One customer stated, "going for suspension oil change and spark plugs change soon", a testament to receiving comprehensive and reliable service.
- Concerned Tyre Recommendations: One concerning review detailed a $360 expense for three new tires, despite another specialist stating only one was below standard. There was concern raised about the inspection process and whether pre-existing damage was identified only after the assessment. This highlights an area where communication and transparency regarding tyre condition and replacement recommendations could be improved.
- Hidden Costs Issue: A concerning review mentioned being quoted $116 per tyre and $90 for an alignment, but being surprised by a $600 total bill due to undisclosed extra costs. This underscores the importance of explicitly outlining all charges before commencing any work.
Accessibility and Convenient Location – A Bonus for Customers
Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Glenfield appears to have thoughtfully catered to accessibility. The premises offer both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. The Wairau Valley location is easily accessible, catering to a broad range of customers. Here's a quick summary of their facilities:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Service Options | Delivery, In-store pickup, In-store shopping, Onsite services, Same-day delivery |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance & parking lot |
| Amenities | Mechanic, Restroom |
| Planning | Appointments recommended |
| Payments | Credit Cards, Debit Cards, NFC Mobile Payments |
This combination of accessible facilities and a well-regarded location contribute to a generally positive customer experience, reinforcing Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Glenfield's position as a popular choice for tyre and auto services in the Auckland area. However, improvements to the online booking process and transparent pricing are likely to further enhance their reputation and customer satisfaction.
Phone: +64 9 443 5690