The MOT Clinic - Houghton le Spring

lord L.

May I take this opportunity to thank mick and Steve once again for a first class service, my Audi developed a problem self induced by myself (attempting car DIY) at very short notice my vehicle was booked in diagnosed and work completed ; mick took the time to explain to myself what the actual problem was and how they went about rectifying it, I was treated with the upmost courtesy and professionalism you would expect to find in all well ran businesses. If your looking for a friendly reliable service try these as I’ve used many main dealers garages over the years and these guys never fail to impress.

Jenny T.

Horrendous treatment at this garage!!

I went to this garage two weeks ago asking for help as my back seat had become jammed due to the seat belt locking and I need it fixed ASAP as my MOT was due soon.
I explained and apologised that my car was dirty inside but that I was wanting to wait until the job had been done before getting it cleaned so that the seat that was jammed down could also be cleaned too. I was told this was ok and to ring on Monday morning. The owner of the garage neither looked at me nor was very friendly which didn’t give a good impression but I was just happy that he said he could do the job.

I rang on Monday morning and was given an appointment for a week and half later.
I dropped my car off in the morning and received a phone to say that nothing could be done to fix the problem. I asked why not (as I had been told the job could be done!) and I was told it was too big a job and he ‘couldn’t be bothered with it’. I was taken aback and asked if he could recommend anywhere else and he said ‘no and you’d have to clean the car first’. I asked if the car being dirty was the reason he wouldn’t do the job and he said ‘partly, but also that he couldn’t be bothered to get it on the ramp’. I said to him that I was very happy to pick the car and get it cleaned and return it for the job to which he replied, ‘no just come and pick it up’.

At this point I was getting really upset. There was no apology about the fact that I’d been waiting to have the car done for over a week and half and given I had explained in the first place that the car was dirty I found it really unprofessional to decide on the day that this was a problem- especially as I had offered to get my car cleaned then return it!!

When I reached the garage I asked again what the issue had been as I was upset that the car had been in the garage and that I’d missed taking my daughter somewhere she needed to go. There was no apology but I was told that again it was because the the car was dirty.
This escalated, as I said that I’d already told him about the car being dirty and that he should have checked the vehicle when I had originally gone if this was a problem. I again offered to have the car cleaned and he stated no amount of cleaning would mean he would go anywhere near my car and that ‘anything could be in there’. At this point the owner of the garage started using expletives to describe the state of my car which was extremely upsetting. (I can’t say what they were as Google don’t allow swear words even though they were his words not mine!!!).

A garage is well within their rights to refuse a job but the manner in which I was treated at the MOT clinic was absolutely disgusting. I agreed the car was not in a good state but being a single mum on a single wage with health problems including a bad back makes it very difficult sometimes. I’m the first to put myself down for not being able to look after everything as it should be so to be talked to like this was awful. I was left feeling physically sick and crying for a very long time. If the owner had explained the situation nicely I would have totally seen their point of view and left with embarrassment but it was the way that I was spoken to that was absolutely shocking.

I’d like to add that the back seat was also left unfixed so it moves when you sit on it!!! I won’t be returning to ask them to sort this but going elsewhere.

I would never recommend this garage to anyone! There was no kindness, professionalism or customer service. Just rudeness and swearing.

This garage may treat those with flash, clean cars and money with courtesy and respect, but in my case I was treated with nothing but contempt even though I was polite and offered to clean my car.

Really abhorrent treatment!!!

Natascia G.

Incredibly friendly and as a female who knows nothing about cars I felt like I could trust them as they explained things to me in a way I could understand . Would highly recommend them .

Lewis R.

Fantastic service, quick, efficient and extremely professional. Would highly recommend 👍🏼

Brian W.

Mick and his team have supplied a first class service every time I've needed them. Can't praise them enough. Excellent!!

John W.

Excellent service and honest quotes. Keeps you fully informed and excellent standard of quality and workmanship.

Jonathan F.

Had my vehicle in many times and always been good and honest. Wouldn't go anywhere else

michael J.

Usually get my car serviced and mot'd here, they are reasonably priced and above all honest and reliable.