Rogue Traders
We originally wrote a comprehensive and detailed review, but due to character limits, this is a brief summary of our experience.
MB Motors charges £108 to diagnose issues with your vehicle. Following this, they provide a quote for the necessary work so you can decide whether to proceed, which is fair enough in principle.
However, this is where our concerns began. The original quote changed dramatically once work commenced. Two of their mechanics later confirmed on separate occasions that it is not uncommon for their “Mercedes customers” to spend excessively once repairs begin. This leads us to question whether this is a business practice rather than simple incompetence.
After being extremely diligent and dealing directly with the owner, it was accepted that the initial conversation and quote had been misleading. A small amount was removed from the bill on the basis that we proceeded with the repair.
We made it very clear that we would only authorise a full service if the repair was successful. The owner later called to say the car was fully fixed and asked whether we would like to go ahead with the service. On the back of that call, we agreed.
When we collected the vehicle, within two minutes, it was stalling and not driving correctly. We returned immediately. The mechanic then advised that the car would need to be driven for a couple of months and that there were no guarantees it would be fixed. He also advised that the owner was aware of this.
Had this been communicated before, we would not have authorised the service, which was in excess of £600. We would have driven the vehicle first to ensure the repair was successful before throwing good money after bad.
The most concerning part was the owner’s response. Through the receptionist via email, we were told that we had been advised not to proceed with the service and that the owner was surprised we insisted on the service taking place. This is simply not accurate. If the owner is prepared to rewrite events in this way, it raises serious concerns about the culture and integrity of the business. These are tactics that rogue traders use.
In summary, if you are looking for an honest, independent and transparent garage, we would advise caution. Quotes increase significantly once work begins.
After paying over £2,000, we are left with a car that is still not properly repaired, and issues are being addressed elsewhere. The owner’s position was simply, “It’s driving better than it was?, a mind-blowing response.
MB Motors also owns Chester Auto Services next door, and their reviews are more aligned with our experience. So, if you are doing your research, it is worth checking their one-star reviews. Interestingly, management chooses not to respond to its customers, shedding light on the attitude of a business that clearly doesn't put its customers first.
We have taken legal advice and have grounds for a small claims case. Our only decision now is whether we wish to spend any more of our time and energy on this outfit.
We welcome a response or phone call from the owner regarding the events, but judging by our experience, we are not hopeful.