Stellar Service & Friendly Faces: What Customers Love About Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Tauriko
Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Tauriko consistently earns high praise from customers, boasting a solid 4.8-star rating. The overwhelmingly positive reviews highlight a team known for their exceptional service and genuine helpfulness. Many customers specifically mention feeling relieved and reassured, especially those less familiar with automotive repairs. Here's a breakdown of what keeps people coming back:
- Going the Extra Mile: Numerous mentions detail acts of kindness and going above and beyond. One customer struggling with a bike rack fitting received unexpected assistance with a smile, demonstrating a willingness to help beyond the typical tyre service.
- Female-Friendly Service: One review particularly stands out praising the experience being female. The customer felt respected and not taken advantage of, a sentiment echoed by several others who appreciate the clear and honest communication.
- Efficiency & Speed: Routine services like battery replacements are handled quickly and efficiently, and WOFs (Warrant of Fitness) are readily available.
- Convenience & Accessibility: Tony’s in Tauriko offers a range of conveniences aimed at making the experience easy:
- In-store pickup & shopping
- Onsite services
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking
- Acceptance of credit, debit, and NFC mobile payments.
- Opening Hours: Tony's provides extended hours Monday to Friday (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM), and Saturday morning (9 AM – 1 PM), making it accessible for most schedules. Sunday is closed. Appointments are recommended to ensure prompt service.
- Key Services: They offer oil changes, wheel alignment, and of course, tyre sales and repairs. Mack and the team get special mention for exceptional attention.
The Puncture Price Puzzle: Transparency Concerns Arise
While overwhelmingly positive, a thread of concern regarding pricing transparency has emerged. A recent review details a frustrating experience where the initial quote for a puncture repair ($55) doubled to $110 upon pickup, due to the repair of two punctures in the same tyre. The customer wasn't contacted for approval of the additional work, leading to a feeling of being overcharged.
"I recently visited Tony’s Tyres in Tauriko to repair a puncture in one tyre. The price quoted when booking the car was $55. When I returned to pick up my car, I was informed that two punctures in the same tyre were repaired, and I was charged $110—double the initial quote. At no point was I contacted to approve this additional cost, which is unacceptable.”
Following the initial review, the manager contacted the customer, acknowledging the issue and explaining the standard charge is $55 per puncture. While a partial refund was offered, the need for an additional store visit was a barrier to resolution. This scenario highlights a clear need for:
- Proactive Communication: Contacting customers for approval before exceeding the original quote.
- Clearer Pricing Structure: Explicitly outlining the pricing for multiple punctures within a single tyre.
- Transparency On All Charges: Provide a full breakdown of charges before any work commences, allowing informed decision-making.
The SUV Repair Dilemma: A Significant Customer Disappointment
A particularly concerning review details a significant financial loss experienced by a family who spent over $2,500 trying to repair their SUV at Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Tauriko. The family claims that after the considerable expenditure, the shop now refuses to continue working on the vehicle, and a refund is being denied. This experience represents a stark contrast to the typically positive feedback.
“Our family spent over $2.5k trying to repair our SUV with Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Tauriko, and now after we have spent all that money they are saying they don't want anything to do with SUV because they can't fix it and we will not get our money back… I DO NOT recommend this company and I hope you take your business else where.”
This review raises serious questions about:
- Repair Capabilities: Advertising services without the ability to complete them.
- Customer Service in Difficult Situations: Handling situations where a repair proves more complex than initially anticipated.
- Financial Responsibility: Addressing customer investments when repairs aren’t successful, even partially disclosed at the onset.
- Refund Processes: Clear and fair policies for refunds in situations where services cannot be completed.
Contacting Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Tauriko
If you're considering Tony's Tyre & Auto Care - Tauriko for your vehicle's needs, here's the essential information:
- Phone: +64 7 543 2582
- Address: 2 Rakiraki Way, Tauriko, Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
- Location: Tauriko, Tauranga, NZ
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
- Sunday: Closed