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Geddes Automotive Limited / Vehicle and automotive servicing, repairs and mechanics in Onehunga

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  • 0%
    "AVOID THIS COMPANY. This company and owner are untrustworthy. They overcharged me with $2K for replacing 4 spark plugs & 1 coil. After 1-2 days I complained that my car has same problem and not fixed. They said it's another problem and want to charge me again another $1400."
    Rating by: Elvis  |  Rating posted: 13th Sep  |  Contact: Geddes Automotive Limited  |  Job date: Sep, 2024
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Elvis13th SepMore details…
  • 0%
    "Wish I knew bout this website. Worst experience. I had a fair ideal that it was to do with my spark plugs which i told him to his reply it could be a number of things we would need to have a look. I asked but you have that computer diagnostic machine which can tell you. Those where first alarm bells. Held my car for 5 days charged me for 1x coil and 1 x spark plug plus WOF $760. I was happy cause it was fixed and just needed it back. 3 wks later same problem happens i phoned him straight away on the Saturday morning and he wouldn't take my car until Thursday. I said this is urgent its the same problem which i paid u for i cant go without my car for that long as it couldn't be driven at all again. Told me we are fully booked. So i had to find someone else. Which then they found the fault to be there sparkplug and coil as they had used a budget one instead of a compatible one for my car which they said online they specialized in bmw. Plus the other 2 where on there last legs so he should have done all 3. I got the new mechanic to fix he charge me 3x coil and sparkplugs $570 with a full report/photos. I then went back to ask for a refund which they said you should have brought it back to us under the consumer act. I told them i couldn't wait 5 days and didn't trust them to touch my car again. He was rude arrogant repeatedly telling me under consumers act i needed to bring it back for them to check the part. Totally ****s."
    Rating by: Vanessa  |  Rating posted: 8th May  |  Contact: Geddes Automotive Ltd  |  Job date: May, 2024
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Vanessa8th MayMore details…
  • 3%
    "I wish I had come here before letting them look at my car.
    Had my car for three weeks, in that time they managed to inform me that it was an older car and that it had faults on the SRS system. All of that information I gave them on the Fault Sheet when I dropped the car off and it was me contacting them to find out what was going on.

    Three weeks and $160 later it was a painful lesson."

    Rating by: Mike  |  Rating posted: 12th Oct, 2021  |  Contact: Unknown  |  Job date: Oct, 2021
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 10%  |  Value: 0%
    Mike12th Oct, 2021More details…
  • 0%
    "This Company and its owner is NOT to be trusted because i was 1hr 25 mins late for my appointment and contacted him, he made me wait for over 4 hours, and in the end i took myvehicle away.His honesty and Customer Service skills are non existant and relies on his own experience to use non skilled labour .
    Avoid this Company
    "
    Rating by: Mike  |  Rating posted: 11th Jan, 2021  |  Contact: Paul Geddes  |  Job date: Jan, 2021
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Mike11th Jan, 2021More details…
  • 35%
    "I'm not happy of the result of my car get service at Geddes, before I come, I bring the car and the details of the job to do, which is to restore my Exhaust and muffler, we aggreed the amount $250 plus GST, which is the same qoute from other service shop, I bring the car and surprise for the amount is $473, I argue with him about the agreed price, but he ignored my complain and still let me pay the amount. I feel rip off by this Shop. I will never go back and recommend this Auto Shop. Not honest on the price we agreed. When it comes to money, oh no, well very bad experience. Never go there or get a qoute for they don't follow what you have agreed. Thanks anyway , charge it to the air."
    Rating by: Jeff  |  Rating posted: 20th Jun, 2020  |  Contact: The Manager  |  Job date: Jun, 2020
    Communication: 20%  |  Quality: 50%  |  Reliability: 50%  |  Value: 20%
    Jeff20th Jun, 2020More details…
  • 0%
    "DON"T USE THIS GUY - COWBOY 5 STARS!!!
    Charged me over $1000 to change 1 coil and diagnose a supposed a faulty indicator and to fix a seatbelt indicator. 5 hours labour. Took over a week. 2 weeks on and I have power train problems with missing when the car is started. Take 2: I received two days before from Geddes saying they found my sons wallet ($150 Clavin Klein Wallet). I even put this into Microsoft To Do to get in contact after lockdown finished. When I went there he told me they had had a clean out and guess what they now completely deny having called me about it. His dear wife (a liar like him) denied having called about a wallet. You don't forget these things. They probably thought no one was coming back for it, gave it to the nephew and now deny having ever contacted me. They are liars and their workmanship is absolutely shoddy. I'll now need to pay a 'real" mechanic to fic their ****ups. ****ed Off! DON'T SPEND YOUR HARD EARNED DOSH HERE!!!
    "
    Rating by: Glenn Surron  |  Rating posted: 31st May, 2020  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: May, 2020
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Glenn Surron31st May, 2020More details…
  • 0%
    "ABSOLUTE CROOKS! Avoid this place at all cost!!! Charged me over $2100 to do a rear differential on a 2002 hiace, originally said the bearing kit was $800 before saying it was only $400. Also charged 12 hours labour for a simple bearing replacement that should take 2-3 hours!

    This is the worst and experience I have ever had in dealing with a mechanic or any business in my life. Wish I had seen the other reviews before I took my vehicle in at Geddes Automotive.

    If you have your vehicle there and are in a similar situation to me. Where you know your being ripped off but they have already investigated the issue and immobilised your vehicle, then get it towed somewhere else! They only get worse the longer its' there.

    I got the feeling they have been doing this for along time and have become very good at ripping people off.

    And the differential is still making noise! Will need to take to another mechanic to have this looked at again!

    I do a fair days work for a fair days pay, and expect to pay the same for others time and experience. In this instance I feel completely taken advantage of, severely over charged, and disgusted at the lies I was told over the price for parts and labour involved in doing this job!

    This should have cost around $600-$900 max. Geddes charged over $2100.
    "

    Rating by: Joel  |  Rating posted: 29th Feb, 2020  |  Contact: Geddes  |  Job date: Feb, 2020
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Joel29th Feb, 2020More details…
  • 0%
    "Avoid this company/cowboys at all costs! Staff was aggressive and rude (called me "stupid"). Asked to see the evidence of the leak and got told that they do not have to provide evidence to the customer of why they failed a WOF. Can you believe it? Before asking for a second inspection for a failed WOF called LTSA and had a length conversation about what is defined as a leak. What they called a leak is not covered by the LTSA in their own policies and backed up by the LTSA themselves. They did not want to listen to me when I tried to explain the LTSA policy and told me to get lost and go elsewhere. Totally unprofessional and I would never go back to these guys again for any work whatsoever and I advise you not to risk dealing with this company otherwise you will get aggression and no resolution to their bad attitude and lack of understanding about the policy they need to follow for WOF inspections. I am going to file a report with the LTSA about these cowboys and let the LTSA deal with them. I suggest you go elsewhere to have any work done on your car. These guys do not want to sort out any issues like civil persons, bunch of a**holes and worst I have ever dealt with."
    Rating by: Matt  |  Rating posted: 16th Dec, 2019  |  Contact: Grey haired git  |  Job date: Dec, 2019
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Matt16th Dec, 2019More details…
  • 0%
    "Buyer beware - After two weeks of waiting for my car to get repaired and TXT messages back and forth with price changes and excuses for why my car is not ready, today I decided to visit the premises - Geddes Automotive (Onehunga) to discuss/dispute my quote. The owner was condescending, arrogant and adamant he was right, not at all willing to hear from me (customers point of view). I was told that I was taking too much of his time up that I hadn’t booked an appointment to discuss my concern and if I took longer than what was appropriate, he (owner) would end our discussion. To which he did, the owner then served my husband and I with a Trespasses notice and we were legally required to leave the property with the owner retaining our car and keys.

    Where did this leave us? Geddes has possession of our car and we were unable to enter Geddes premises to resolve the situation. If we did, we would have been arrested.

    So, buyer beware, if the owner of Geddes doesn’t like what you have to say, he will be able to legally do this to anyone.

    Thank you to Onehunga Police Constable who we called to help liaise with the owner of Geddes.

    Result - we paid on protest via a third party as we were not legally allowed on Geddes property and arranged a tow truck to remove our car from Geddes premises (parts – exhaust were not returned to the vehicle) and we now have our car at home in pieces were we will need to find a competent mechanic to fix our car.

    I am sure Geddes will have their own version of what took place today and why the dispute was not amicable. However, beware if Geddes don’t like what you have to say, they can compound your vehicle and ask you to leave their premises until the situation is resolved legally which can take weeks, months even longer. Disgusting Customer Service.
    "
    Rating by: Vikki   |  Rating posted: 16th May, 2019  |  Contact: Peter - Owner  |  Job date: May, 2019
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Vikki 16th May, 2019More details…
  • 0%
    "Buyer beware - After two weeks of waiting for my car to get repaired and TXT messages back and forth with price changes and excuses for why my car is not ready, today I decided to visit the premises - Geddes Automotive (Onehunga) to discuss/dispute my quote. The owner was condescending, arrogant and adamant he was right, not at all willing to hear from me (customers point of view). I was told that I was taking too much of his time up that I hadn’t booked an appointment to discuss my concern and if I took longer than what was appropriate, he (owner) would end our discussion. To which he did, the owner then served my husband and I with a Trespasses notice and we were legally required to leave the property with the owner retaining our car and keys.

    Where did this leave us? Geddes has possession of our car and we were unable to enter Geddes premises to resolve the situation. If we did, we would have been arrested.

    So, buyer beware, if the owner of Geddes doesn’t like what you have to say, he will be able to legally do this to anyone.

    Thank you to Onehunga Police Constable who we called to help liaise with the owner of Geddes.

    Result - we paid on protest via a third party as we were not legally allowed on Geddes property and arranged a tow truck to remove our car from Geddes premises (parts – exhaust were not returned to the vehicle) and we now have our car at home in pieces were we will need to find a competent mechanic to fix our car.

    I am sure Geddes will have their own version of what took place today and why the dispute was not amicable. However, beware if Geddes don’t like what you have to say, they can compound your vehicle and ask you to leave their premises until the situation is resolved legally which can take weeks, months even longer. Disgusting Customer Service.
    "
    Rating by: Vikki   |  Rating posted: 16th May, 2019  |  Contact: Peter - Owner  |  Job date: May, 2019
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Vikki 16th May, 2019More details…
  • 0%
    "My fault I ignored all the bad reviews and thought I can't be ripped off for brake pads change + skimming of front rotors.
    Had a quote over the phone, arrived couple of minutes later, written on the contract "FRONT ROTORS MACHINED + ALL BRAKE PADS REPLACED" with quoted price, provided all the parts and signature.
    One hour later came a message the rear brake pads replacement will cost me extra 60$+GST if I want to proceed.
    When I pointed out this was already part of the quote and insisted on original price and work as signed in the contract, as there were no unexpected issues, I was told they "misunderstood" in a phone call and they thought they were quoting just for a front axle. Basically in that case what is written in the contract doesn't really matter. They also refused to hand me back the contract so I took at least quickly the picture so I could later at home find the 2nd sentence at the very top: "This contract nullifies any previous discussions or correspondence I have had with Geddes. The WORK I REQUEST & my PRICE EXPECTATION are listed below" If I would know this at the point they were refusing to give me my car back excusing themselves using "misunderstanding during a phone call" I would have call the police.

    Geddes refused to complete the job for the quoted price, refused to discount when they didn't deliver what was agreed in the contract and I was told if I don't pay what they want they will keep the car and I can just walk away. I have copy of the contract, invoice and all the communication so if someone with similar issues is willing to take this to the district court or Disputes Tribunal I can provide all the evidences and would like to join the case, it's not about money, I lost much more then this, it's the principle.
    "
    Rating by: Pavel  |  Rating posted: 3rd Nov, 2018  |  Contact: Geddes  |  Job date: Nov, 2018
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Pavel3rd Nov, 2018More details…
  • 13%
    "I'm really outraged by how Geddes are conducting their business. Basically I have had to pay more than was originally quoted twice now. The fist time it was for fixing brakes and I reluctantly admitted that the repair was more than expected, I did pay but mention the difference which was fairly substantial. The Santa Clause looking dude told me it was an estimate, not a fixed price...hum...ok, moving on.
    Today (06-06-18) I got an txt/estimate of $445 incl. GST which included a "Budget Service" as well as air filter and a belt. Since I was weary of last time I called just before picking up the car and I asked the old Santa Clause looking dude if it was going to be the price estimated a few hours before. He said yes, as estimated he added! But of course when I picked up the car there was a magical increase of $55 because apparently the belt for my car was longer.

    I told him about the phone conversation we just had but he wouldn't budge. He even mentioned that if I wasn't willing to pay I could ask for the removal of the belt and he would put the old belt back on. Can you believe that? I'm so furious right now. When a man (or a woman) says something regarding a deal or a promise, it should be a solid statement (especially considering that I made the effort to call and asked the final amount to pay just before picking up the car!), We should always cherish the ability to trust in our society so that we feel good about the world and the people we see.

    But it won't happen in the world of Geddes Automotive unfortunately, no accountability whatsoever there, although I firmly raised my point to him it was to no avail.

    I left disgusted and angry. I don't believe in Santa Clause anymore!

    Frank.
    "
    Rating by: Frank  |  Rating posted: 6th Jun, 2018  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Jun, 2018
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 50%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Frank6th Jun, 2018More details…
  • 0%
    "DON'T TRUST THEM! Terrible customer service and communication. They don't listen to your requests, and charge you for things any other decent mechanic wouldn't. I was very, very upset and dissatisfied when I left! Would definitely not recommend going to them. Save yourself the hassle and frustration!"
    Rating by: Anina  |  Rating posted: 19th May, 2018  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Apr, 2018
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Anina19th May, 2018More details…
  • 95%
    "I found Geddes to be very easy to deal with. At all times they kept me informed of how the work was progressing and I was very happy with the new exhaust system. Sounds fantastic and the extra power is great. Thanks Peter and the team!"
    Rating by: Nicholas  |  Rating posted: 15th May, 2017  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: May, 2017
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 80%
    Nicholas15th May, 2017More details…
  • 13%
    "Gawd wish we had seen this site before we used this crowd-
    Basically we were given a price to replace timing chain, which then double due to replacing spark plugs and oil filter- $3961,I spoke to 3 other mechanic in Onehunga - there response was this is what Peter Geddes does to get work- we here it all the time , 1 of the most annoying things is that you recieve txt messages updates - but you have to pay ( txt) to reply-
    I don't know how this out fit stay in business- I should of known from the start with all the BS forms we had to complete- Any major work avoid them- inflated pricing is actroious - needs to do a course in customer services- never again !!' Drive past this auto mechanic - !!!
    "
    Rating by: Dionne  |  Rating posted: 9th May, 2017  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: May, 2017
    Communication: 30%  |  Quality: 10%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 10%
    Dionne9th May, 2017More details…
  • 30%
    "Wow. Wish I'd seen these reviews before. Should have taken it to someone who actually knows exhaust systems. $1260 for 3 inch from turbo back seems fair for such a system with only one flexi and no muffler considering there is a bit of fab work in the turbo flange. These cowboys however just slap a bit of 3 inch onto the down pipe and say the rest is too hard. Would hate to see the price of doing it properly. Had been quoted 1200 with a muffler and fully fabricated dump pipe by someone who does 4x4 exhausts but thought I'd go local and help a business out. Last time I do that. Managed to pull the wool over my eyes with me agreeing to what I thought was a less restrictive system but in the end it still has the most restrictive part at the start of the exhaust.

    Don't bother with these con artists. Seem nice to begin with then screw you. I'll now have to save another 600 to get the front done properly ending up with a 1800 dollar exhaust worth about 1200 max. Save your money and go with someone who knows what they're doing.
    "
    Rating by: Cam  |  Rating posted: 3rd Mar, 2017  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Mar, 2017
    Communication: 30%  |  Quality: 60%  |  Reliability: 30%  |  Value: 0%
    Cam3rd Mar, 2017More details…
  • 0%
    "STAY AWAY FROM GEDDES
    brought in my car to fix an exhaust leak was quoted 80-150
    specifically asked to be informed what needed to be done before undertakeing it
    got a txt saying it will cost $600 and that they had already started without informing me
    have herd from others in the area that he is a con artist who rips people off
    will not be recommending or bringing car back again
    "
    Rating by: moose   |  Rating posted: 22nd Apr, 2016  |  Contact: geddes  |  Job date: Apr, 2016
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    moose 22nd Apr, 2016More details…
  • 0%
    "Caution!!!! Con men don't even consider using them freighted my car there for 4 patches to be wielded to vehicle which were clearly explained in detail over phone which he said was easy at a estimate of $300 each then once it arrives he says it will cost $22000!!!! So decided to get another quote elsewhere and they have sent me a bill for nearly $900 for lifting car up and looking at chassis rails which are completely exposed to view touch etc . I have not once been told I was getting charged nor agreed apon anything as nothing was done they have wasted $600 in freight cost and now trying to charge me for nothing this company needs closing down!!!!"
    Peter Geddes responded:
    "LUKE has failed to write the truth. THE initial contact we had was from his partner SAPPHIRE not LUKE. YES we advised Sapphire chassis repairs usually cost around $300 + GST each, but the estimate was based on the information described over the phone by SAPPHIRE. OUR estimate was conditional on us sighting the damage. WHEN the SKYLINE arrived on a tow truck, we found it was not registered (This alone adds costs to get it complied and roadworthy), the chassis damage was (not as claimed by SAPPHIRE) extensive and extended from the front of the SKYLINE (it certainly required more than “PATCHES”). GEDDES had 2 engineers inspect the SKYLINE and they advised us the SKYLINE had been in a bad accident and poorly repaired, it had failed its compliance at the NZ border and had been advertised on Trademe but failed to sell. SAPPHIRE told us she wanted to take the previous repairer to court and wanted us to write a report for the court. SAPPHIRE asked by TXT, QUOTE: “Hi Peter Sapphire here. All we need is a brief statement with an approximate of how much repairs will cost and how bad the damages are. For example - Due to the bad workmanship and faulty repairs of the vehicle I would estimate the repairs to a compliance standard would cost aprox $20-$22,000 and or be beyond repair. (Must include price for full respray due to metal fillings) thanks Peter. Regards, Sapphire” GEDDES advised SAPPHIRE that this report would cost around $600 + GST. GEDDES emailed SAPPHIRE our report which included, QUOTE: “The Engineer believes we should be able to get compliance for around $9,000 to $12,000 + GST.” THEN another reply from SAPPHIRE by TXT, QUOTE: “Re our chat on Friday we are happy to go ahead!” After many requests by us for SAPPHIRE to pay a deposit, SAPPHIRE asked us to stop work. We did not receive the promised deposit. GEDDES advised SAPPHIRE she needed to pay for the report and as the SKYLINE had been blocking our workshop for weeks, storage would begin if the SKYLINE remained in our workshop. SAPPHIRE filed a complaint to MTA. MTA advised SAPPHIRE and GEDDES her complaint failed and to make an offer of settlement. SAPPHIRE and LUKE offered GEDDES a FULL & FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT which was agreed to and they paid $700 including GST."
    Rating by: Luke  |  Rating posted: 12th Jan, 2016  |  Contact: Peter geddes  |  Job date: Jan, 2016
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Luke12th Jan, 2016More details, one reply…
  • 30%
    "Read the reviews people! This guy is a problem!

    My story: Dissatisfied (much). Requested quote from a number of mechanics for "Replacement of front pads and rotors, front wheel bearings (note the plural, not specific to a side as both needed doing), transmission flush, and to check R/F balljoint (note the specified singular as only one needed doing). Geddes came back with quoted price (says quote on the email) marginally cheaper than the rest, so went out of our way to drop car down there (by quite a way really, considering rest were within 10 minutes of home).

    Get a text later in the day saying actual price will be $250 more as they only quoted bearings for one side. This despite other quotes clearly quoting for both sides or itemised cost for each side. Needed car for weekend so no time to drive back out that day or book anywhere else.

    While "legally" correct, it is annoying to end up paying significantly more than any of the other accurate quotes. Therefore have to assume they are generally expensive in comparison.

    I would recommend being very wary about getting quotes from these guys, and make absolutely sure they itemise their quote - leave no room for them to translate it later. Will not return, do not recommend, advise caution. KL (only giving the second star as I have no idea what the workmanship is like so am assuming it is fine - at that price it should be! If it isn't I will repost with an update).

    . . . . . . . . . . . . Annnnnd, here is the update (two days later). My son (the person who I authorised to organise the repair as I was busy) was rung up today by a certain person, threatening all sorts of nonsense legal action about this review, as in his opinion it is illegal to post a negative review on Google Review. . . Rude, aggressive, bullyish. Smart enough to ensure No Caller ID on his phone (but at 4.24pm, lasting 6 minutes. Noted for future reference), but perhaps not so much, as we have a full email and txt record of the dealings, and can substantiate everything stated in this review. Go for it Peter, best of luck!

    The last type of person I would recommend anyone to entrust with their car. Second star rightfully removed. Run a mile people!
    "

    Rating by: Keith  |  Rating posted: 10th Aug, 2015  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Aug, 2015
    Communication: 10%  |  Quality: 50%  |  Reliability: 50%  |  Value: 10%
    Keith10th Aug, 2015More details…
  • 100%
    "Got an exhaust system fitted , excellent job and the result has exceeded my expectations. Good communication and car was ready a day early. If you want good service and a job well done then use Geddes. "
    Rating by: craig  |  Rating posted: 8th Jul, 2015  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Jul, 2015
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    craig8th Jul, 2015More details…
  • 100%
    "I recently put my car into geddes automotive to get my exhaust fixed, I was rang by the owner Peter later in the morning saying that they had found another piece of exhaust that needed fixing and advice me to get the job done well the car was on the hoist, I am very pleased with the workmanship and professional service that geddes automotive gave me.Job well done Thanks geddes automotive. "
    Rating by: steve  |  Rating posted: 30th Mar, 2015  |  Contact: geddes automotive  |  Job date: Mar, 2015
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    steve30th Mar, 2015More details…
  • 95%
    "Don't know what some of these poor reviews on here are about? I did read them and then thought I'd give Geddes Automotive the benefit of the doubt - just as well I did. The guys at Geddes Automotive went the extra mile to find a (very hard to find) second-hand seatbelt for my Chevrolet Cruze when other places put this in the too hard basket. The communication I had from Geddes was second to none, I always knew where things were at while they were sourcing the seat belt. They stuck to the estimate given to me and did a fantastic job. I will certainly go back there."
    Rating by: Daniela  |  Rating posted: 18th Feb, 2015  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Feb, 2015
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 90%  |  Value: 90%
    Daniela18th Feb, 2015More details…
  • 100%
    "Got CV boot replaced and was happy with job"
    Rating by: Jeff  |  Rating posted: 30th Nov, 2014  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Oct, 2014
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Jeff30th Nov, 2014More details…
  • 95%
    "I could not find a driver’s seatbelt for my Mitsubishi Outlander. Geddes Automotive provided a quote. The price was exactly what they said it would be. Saved me a lot of money. I am very happy with the service and their workmanship. Very good communication 100%. I will use them again."
    Rating by: Dave  |  Rating posted: 24th Nov, 2014  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Nov, 2014
    Communication: 90%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 90%  |  Value: 100%
    Dave24th Nov, 2014More details…
  • 100%
    "I took my Alfa Romeo into Geddes in may and had my Exhaust repaired and also had a rust repair at the same time. The job was done quickly and at a great price. They even gave me a courtesy while my car was being repaired. When I took it for a WOF recheck the WOF testers at the Testing station said it was a nice tidy repair, Thanks Geddes team"
    Rating by: Paul  |  Rating posted: 27th Sep, 2014  |  Contact: Allan  |  Job date: May, 2014
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Paul27th Sep, 2014More details…
  • 100%
    "It's not easy for females entering into a workshop. But GEDDES AUTOMOTIVE PROVIDED A BRILLIANT SERVICE THE LAST TIME AND EVERY OTHER TIME THEY HAVE SERVICED MY CAR.

    My brakes were squealing as well and now they are brilliant. I was given a courtesy car as well only cost me for petrol but that’s OK as I would need to fill my car anyway. Definitely recommend them 5 star."

    Rating by: Kylie  |  Rating posted: 13th Mar, 2014  |  Contact: Allan  |  Job date: Apr, 2010
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Kylie13th Mar, 2014More details…
  • 50%
    "The original wording of this review has been edited by me today (18.6.2015) due to being threatened with legal action for defamation by Peter Geddes if I did not remove the original review of 25.5.2013.
    My 2006 Toyota Hiace van had a high pitched resonating type noise at low revs/low gear on take off from stopped or low speed, the noise appeared to be coming from the lower right side of the motor in the region where the exhaust exits the motor. The van was taken to Geddes Automotive to diagnose the problem. Geddes Automotive test drove the vehicle and verified the noise. Geddes Automotive then proceeded to diagnose the problem by cutting the exhaust system and bypassing the catalytic convertor and muffler to isolate the problem, I agreed to this approach on their recommendation as they are the “professionals” and I am not a mechanic. After around 2 hours of diagnosis my exhaust system was welded back together. The professional opinion of Peter Geddes was that the muffler was likely to be the problem and should be replaced at a cost of around $600 but it was also stated (when asked) that it was not guaranteed to fix the noise, I declined the muffler replacement based on this fact.

    I was charged $286 for the above diagnosis.

    A few weeks later the noise was diagnosed and fixed by another repairer.The noise was in fact caused by the alternator clutch. The alternator is located on the right side of the motor in front of the exhaust. Apparently alternator clutches causing noise is not an uncommon fault. The alternator was replaced at a cost of $550. It’s now 2 years later and still no noise from the alternator or the muffler.

    I will not be using Geddes Automotive again.
    "
    Rating by: David  |  Rating posted: 25th May, 2013  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: May, 2013
    Communication: 50%  |  Quality: 50%  |  Reliability: 50%  |  Value: 50%
    David25th May, 2013More details…
  • 0%
    "DO NOT TOUCH THIS COWBOY. Peter Geddes has NO idea about fixing new or late model cars. Maybe if your car was prior to 1947 then he may have some idea how to fix it, but he knows nothing about new cars, but the best part about it is he will charge you for his time while he tries to figure it out, $90 an hour in fact while he ummmms and arrrrrssss and takes all the wrong parts to pieces. Honestly, he lures you in with a false low quote (as other reviewers have explain) and then call you to tell you the quote is actually more. When you say \"don\'t bother\" he\'ll charge you for taking your car to bits and leaving it in disarray. Then your next mechanic will tell you what a mess he has made (again common theme with other reviewers). IF ONLY I HAD READ THIS SITE BEFORE I WENT THERE, IF I CAN SAVE ONE OTHER PERSON FROM VISITING THIS COWBOY IT WILL BE WORTH THE $100 I HAD TO PAY JUST TO GET MY CAR BACK IN AN ABSOLUTE SHAMBLES SO I COULD TAKE IT TO A PROPER UPSKILLED MECHANIC THAT KNOWS THINGS ABOUT CARS POST 1947. Oh and this guy has a response to everything, just watch, he\'ll have a response to this!! PETER A MESSAGE TO YOU, retire and make the road safer for everyone on it!!"
    Peter Geddes responded:
    "REBECCA rang & was provided a quote. SHE BOOKED in her vehicle. REBECCA RANG again and changed the booking day. HER partner Matt arrived with the vehicle. MATT was again provided the quote. I EXPLAINED to Matt that once the vehicle was stripped sufficient to identify the damaged part we would confirm the price to him. MATT SIGNED the booking in form I wrote the quoted price on the booking form and again discussed the price with Matt. WE STRIPPED the vehicle and identified the part (no new parts available in NZ). WE WORKED out how we could overcome the part problem. I TXT confirming the price to Matt which was within our quote. MATT RANG and asked us to not proceed until he had spoken to Rebecca. REBECCA RANG and asked me not to proceed and to reassemble her vehicle. I SUGGESTED it would be cheaper for her to take it in the stripped down condition (it was still driveable). MATT TOLD us the agents were cheaper than us. I CHECKED, their price with labour added was approximately $100 dearer but because of the age of the vehicle parts were no longer available in NZ. REBECCA did not want to pay for our time. WE HAVE videos and recordings of conversations and it is clear as to what was said. I HAVE BEEN in business for more than 45 years. I AM currently the chairman of the advisory committee to Unitec (Trainers of the automotive industry). WE ARE MTA members. WE MODIFY and repair cars that have not yet been delivered to the first owner for a number of franchise dealers. WE HAVE fixed cars that the dealers have not been able to. I TOTALLY REFUTE REBECCA’S WILD AND UNTRUE STATEMENTS. "
    Rating by: Rebecca  |  Rating posted: 6th Nov, 2012  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Nov, 2012
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Rebecca6th Nov, 2012More details, one reply…
  • 45%
    "Charged $48 plus GST for consumables that they were not willing to itemise. This is excessive. I asked Peter Geddes for a breakdown but he told me it was for welding rods and gas. I have since checked with another mechanic and they don\'t charge for welding rods etc as they feel this is covered by the hourly rate.

    Geddes have a UNIFORM charge of $38.50 for consumables that EVERY cvonstomer is charged regardless of what materials they use.

    When I questioned the bill he told me that I had signan agreement and I had no choice.

    I would not recommend entering any contract with Peter Geddes.
    "

    Peter Geddes responded:
    "GLEN was given a price to repair his exhaust. WE repaired his exhaust and charged the estimated price. GLEN tried to get a reduction in the price after the job was completed. GLEN brought his vehicle to us for an estimate on resealing part of his exhaust and welding the cracks in his stainless intermediate muffler (we recommended replacement). WE gave Glen an estimate. GLEN returned later without an appointment (He could have had the repairs done by his other mechanic but chose to come back to us). GLEN filled in and signed the booking in sheet. IN the area “MY PRICE EXPECTATION” Glen entered the ESTIMATED PRICE. GLEN also signed that he had read our terms & conditions. OUR TERMS are posted on our window beside where Glen stood and passed during the time we estimated the costs and when he booked in his vehicle and again when paying his account. WHILE welding his stainless muffler the heat opened up more cracks than were originally showing. WE completed the welds and resealing. WE charged Glen the estimated price (THE PRICE GLEN EXPECTED TO PAY), the price Glen wrote down prior to the repairs. (THE CONTRACT) THE consumables (sundries) are clearly set out in our TERMS. THE amount of $38.50 quoted by Glen is set out in the TERMS. GLEN had to have read our TERMS to be able to quote this value. GLEN accepted & signed that he accepted that he would be charged for sundries. THE sundries also covers the cost of keeping our equipment up to a high standard. A high standard of equipment and welder/technician helps to provide a high standard of repair. THIS information is also provided in our TERMS. I DID show Glen how the sundries were itemised, Glen walked away while I was explaining. "
    Rating by: Glenn  |  Rating posted: 30th Sep, 2012  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Sep, 2012
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 80%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 0%
    Glenn30th Sep, 2012More details, one reply…
  • 50%
    "Firstly, I would like to say that my car was remedied of the symptoms that were presented and to that end, I do not have an issue with the quality of workmanship provided by Geddes Automotive.

    On presenting the car to the workshop, the clutch pedal was not returning when held to the floor for more than a couple of seconds. I had replaced the master cylinder and put a second hand slave cylinder on myself but that had not fixed the problem so I took it to a workshop as I did not have the time to keep searching for fault.

    I filled out the form with the authorised repair amount limits and had put $200gst as a rough guide, thinking that should be enough for diagnosis and if the problem is fairly minor, then repair. I drove off in the loan car which was great, and thanks for providing it!

    That afternoon I received a text saying the repair was complete and cost $675. I rang to confirm and was shocked to learn that this was indeed the case. There was a split hose that had needed replacing as well as rebuilding of the slave cylinder. At first attempt at coming to some sort of agreement Peter agreed to take $5 off the price of the repair, and then later $25. He said that he could not put the car back to how it was that day so if I wanted it, I would need to just pay. At this point I spoke with a lawyer and was told that Geddes Automotive were in clear breech of contract.

    I immediately left work and went to Geddes as I wanted this to be sorted out. I never questioned the prices of parts and said I was more than happy to pay for any of the parts that were replaced, but my issue was with 4 hours of labour for what is a relatively simple job. Given that I had received no communication as to how steep the repair was going to cost, surely we could meet on some middle ground, Peter replied that he had budged to $650 and would now do $640. Peter replied that they had spent hours driving around Auckland trying to find a suitable hose to fit and that they were charging me for all that time. Once again I questioned would they not let their customer know \"hey, we might have to spend a lot of time trying to replace this hose as no one seems to stock them...do you want yours left on the car so you can at least come and pick it up, or do you want us to go ahead\". I did have a friend in my car at that point with a spare set of keys which Peter removed. At that point I said I would pay the $675 but that I would be taking the issue to disputes tribunal. Peter replied with \"if you go to disputes, it\'s three of us, against one of you\". He then offered to replace the hose with the split one but stated I would be unable to drive the car as they would not rebleed the clutch to the point it was at when I came in. He stated the hole was so large fluid was pouring out and all over the mechanic when he took the under engine shield off. I asked to see the hose and the split and the mechanic that was actually doing the work said you could only see it under pressure...which I have no doubt about. Surely if the split was so large, how is there still fluid in there to leak all over the mechanic after driving from Beachlands to Onehunga...but anyway.

    In the end we agreed on a price of $550 which is still probably a little on the high side and not much movement on their part when they made such a crucial lapse in judgement, however it was some movement none the less. And as I said to Peter I don\'t doubt that the work has been done to a high standard. I am able to do mechanical work myself but after replacing a couple of things with little luck I tried the \"experts\" as I didn\'t want to spend anymore time on it. If I had of received a call that morning saying the hose is split and that is where your issues are coming from, we can try and get one but it will be hard to find and could rack up a few hours labour, or we can leave your car as is and you come and pick it up, I would have paid Peter for his time and came and got the car. I again stress, my issue is not with Geddes workmanship, just the lack of communication I as the customer received.

    As always, there are two versions of fact, I am just presenting mine from the point of view of the customer. I am sure Peter will share his.
    "

    Peter Geddes responded:
    "WE MADE A MISTAKE. I apologised a number of times to Ben. As compensation for our mistake we agreed to accept the amount Ben offered. THIS happened the Friday before Labour weekend. We had worked to midnight the night before and had started very early Friday morning. We had completed a number of cars so the customers had them for the long weekend. IT WORKED OUT that we could accept another job that day. Ben called at approximately 7:15am. Ben explained that his slave cylinder was leaking fluid and the clutch pedal would not return from the floor. BEN ASKED IF HE could have his vehicle back before the weekend – that afternoon. Ben did not ask for a price at all. I told him so long as he could leave it with us for the day he should get it back that day. Ben arrived just before 8am when I was talking to other customers. I handed Ben a booking in form, Ben filled in his particulars. Ben also wrote “INVESTIGATE CLUTCH PEDAL NOT RETURNING. BLEED CLUTCH SYSTEM IF NECESSARY. REPLACE SLAVE IF NECESSARY”. At the bottom of the form he also wrote in very small writing “200”. Ben handed me the form and the keys and did not discuss any prices at all and nor did I. Ben left. I DID NOT see the “200” and nor did the staff member who worked on the Atenza. What I understood we had to achieve was to fix his clutch hydraulics before the end of the day. Our staff went to drive the vehicle into the workshop. There was a pool of oil under the car and the clutch pedal would not disengage the clutch. Three of us pushed it into the workshop. The vehicle was raised, the fluid level was checked, the master cylinder was empty. STAFF FILLED the master cylinder and tried the pedal; again it went to the floor. Staff had to remove the filter housing and shields just to see the clutch line. There was oil running down the clutch hose and slave cylinder and oil had been sprayed over the bell housing and underside of the vehicle. To locate all the leaks, two staff were required, one to pump the clutch pedal and the other to look for all fluid leaks. We had to partially bleed the clutch to get pressure into the line. THE SLAVE cylinder was leaking and the clutch hose was also leaking. We rang our suppliers and the agents in search of the parts. The parts were not available in NZ and were approximately 10 days from Japan. We did not have time to allow for couriers to get the samples to other importers and suppliers for them to check and see if they had a hose close enough to be able to be modified. STAFF DROVE to a number of our suppliers with the samples, dropped the slave cylinder into the rebuilders so that could be rebuilt before they closed at noon. Staff found another hose that had the right threads and was the right length. They found one only but it did not fit the vehicles locating bracket and the retaining clip. IT WAS OUR ONLY choice in the time limit we had. Staff machined the hose to fit the bracket. This took three attempts at partially fitting it to the vehicle to get it to fit the bracket and clip. The hose is in a difficult position. STAFF THEN DROVE and collected the rebuilt cylinder, returned and fitted both parts. 2 staff re-bled the system and one had to clean up all the sprayed oil. I Texted Ben that his vehicle was ready and included the price. This repair was not minor or simple as claimed by Ben. BENN ARRIVED and showed me where he had written the 200. I apologised and ask him what he would like us do. At first Ben stated he would only pay the 200 + GST. I suggested that if he wanted to go to that contract then we would remove the modified hose and refit his and bleed the system as best we could but explained that as the hose was split he still would not have a releasing clutch. We gave Ben his hose and showed him the swelling and the split. Ben stated he tried to get new parts as well and found they were not available. There was a lot of discussion. Ben offered 5. I said you mean $5 discount. Ben corrected and said $500. We both agreed on the reduced amount of $550. Ben did not pay for our time to find suitable parts. Ben paid $550. I think he has had exceptional value for money and should score us 120. I agree communication was poor between Ben and Geddes and Geddes and Ben. "
    Rating by: Ben  |  Rating posted: 21st Oct, 2011  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Oct, 2011
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 0%
    Ben21st Oct, 2011More details, one reply…
  • 100%
    "I’ve been to Geddes Automotive with my BMW a number of times now. They have always explained what my car needs and then fixed it for me. Their service is great. I’ve had brake repairs and pads, my SRS airbag light came on – they fixed that and they have serviced my car. I will definitely go back next time I need my car repaired."
    Rating by: Doreen  |  Rating posted: 24th Sep, 2011  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Sep, 2011
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Doreen24th Sep, 2011More details…
  • 95%
    (no comment)
    Rating by: Allan  |  Rating posted: 10th Sep, 2011  |  Contact: Peter Geddes  |  Job date: Sep, 2011
    Communication: 80%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Allan10th Sep, 2011More details…
  • 100%
    "It was necessary for the driver\'s seatbelt to be chamged as it had not passed a WOF. I took it to Geddes Automotive and they fitted a second hand seat belt for me. I found their service to be exceptional and the seat belt works well. I recommend anyone to put their business with Geddes Automotive.
    "
    Rating by: Terry  |  Rating posted: 9th Sep, 2011  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Aug, 2011
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Terry9th Sep, 2011More details…
  • 98%
    "I’ve been going to Geddes Automotive with most of my vehicles over many years. They have always done a great job. The last time I went they fitted new brake pads and machined the brake drums. I turned up that day without a booking and they fitted me in straight away.
    I work in the retail trade and know great service when I see it.
    I highly recommend them.”
    "
    Rating by: Bronwyn  |  Rating posted: 18th Aug, 2011  |  Contact: Allan Geddes  |  Job date: Jul, 2011
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 90%
    Bronwyn18th Aug, 2011More details…
  • 100%
    "Peter was extremely helpful. He gave me the option of texting with updates on my car. I felt better knowing exactly what repairs were needed and having updates. Friendly customer service. Well priced.
    GEDDES AUTOMOTIVE PROVIDED A BRILLIANT SERVICE THE LAST TIME AND EVERY OTHER TIME THEY HAVE SERVICED MY CAR. My brakes were squealing as well and now they are brilliant. I was given a courtesy car as well only cost me for petrol but that’s OK as I would need to fill my car anyway. Definitely recommend them 5 star.
    "
    Rating by: Kylie  |  Rating posted: 11th Aug, 2011  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Apr, 2010
    Communication: 100%  |  Quality: 100%  |  Reliability: 100%  |  Value: 100%
    Kylie11th Aug, 2011More details…
  • 0%
    "Geddes Limited is one company, i will never go to and you shouldn\'t to. I searched for the company on google for a rear left seatbelt replacement.

    I got two quotes. One from Mazda South Auckland which was 140$ bucks and one from Geddes of $70 bucks.

    So I chose the cheaper option. I took my car in. I had an instinct that I am going to be robbed off here. Still I gave my car plus the seat belt to fit it in only. They told me it will take and hour to fix it.

    So went away - came back in an hour. Waited and waited. Peter came and told me, its going to take more than 2 hours to fix it. I said thats ok. Just fix it. But he NEVER told me that the cost of 70$ will go up as well. So I said all good - just fix it.

    He came back again running - told me that the top cover is broken and they will fix it. I was now begining to get worried. Are they fixing my car or breaking my car.

    After 2.5 hours 3 hours, they managed to put it together and finally they its done. I took my 70 bucks out and when I went to the counter they said - Its $250 bucks thanks. I almost fainted.

    They said, if i dont pay, they wont release the car etc. I fought back but they said u signed the contract, they told me the cost will go up and all that ****. I paid and disappeared. I was horrified. If I was there any longer I would have died of heart attack.

    So number1.

    - They lied to me of the quotation. Instead of charging me $70 bucks - they charge me $250 bucks.

    - They didnt return the car in the condition it was given. They broke the leather top cover of a late model Mazda Sports Car. They even drilled a screw thru the leather seats to hold the plastic top cover.

    And guess what - They even charged me $15.00 for the screw.

    - They even threatened me that if I talk to media about it, I might be charged for libel laws. I still have that txt message from Peter.

    - After I complained to them of the worst job they said the plastic cover was already broken.

    - After few days - when I threatened them I will take them to court and consumer council - they said come we will try to fix it. I didnt go because i was scared they might break something else.

    - They than txted me that I can buy the second hand part for 50$ something and will get it fitted for a fee. I was horrified again.

    - They never returned my money, destroyed my leather seats, did one of the worst jobs and charged me $250 bucks on a 70$ quotation.

    - I went to Mazda South Auckland next day - showed them the job and relayed them the story. They laughed and laughed and told me never ever go to shady places like Onehunga Geddes.

    They said WOF would have been failed straight away as u never put a screw near the seat belt as it will tear it. It was tested and alas, they were right. And they said, The top plastic cover should never be broken if its done correctly or by licenced engineers.

    Or if its broken by the engineer, than it must be replaced straight away with a new one. Its only $7.00 bucks.

    - Mazda NZ quoted me $140 bucks for a clean job initially. I would have been better off with them. Iam so regretting.

    - But Mazda NZ - South Auckland - got the original top leather cover for (brand new one) for $7.00 only and fitted it perfectly.

    - They threw away the screw which Geddes charged me $15.00.

    - They fixed the leather seat. They tested the seat belt and fixed it. All for FREE.

    I WILL NEVER GO TO GEDDES ONEHUNGA EVER IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE TOLD MY 4000 FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK, AND 7000 FOLLOWERS ON TWITTER AS WELL.

    AND U SHOULDN\'T GO THERE EITHER.
    "

    Peter responded:
    "*Anish’s claims are false. Geddes Automotive Ltd (Geddes) would welcome that Anish do take his claims to court as threatened. Geddes has the evidence to prove his claims are false. *We have: the booking in form Anish filled in and signed, the invoice, copies of all TXTS, the eftpos slip, photos of the damaged seatbelt. Anish supplied his own new seatbelt. Anish checked his seatbelt in front of staff and camera’s before paying his account. It was working properly after Geddes fitted it – seatbelts take a little use to settle in. All evidence is available to be put before a Judge to decide who is telling the truth. *Anish did not get a quote from us, he may have rung and could have been given a phone estimate but he told us his car was new. *If we give phone estimates we rely on the customer providing the correct information. If we are not given the correct information then our estimates can be very different to what it would be for the correct year – month - model. *Anish filled in our booking in form with his name address, phone number, and in the area VEHICLE YEAR” wrote 2004. On our booking in form, in the area “WORK I REQUEST (Contract)” Anish wrote “REAR LEFT HAND” This is all Anish wrote in this area. In the area on our form which reads “AGREED PRICE: I authorise work up to a ROUGH ESTIMATE of:-Anish DID NOT FILL THIS IN” – he left it blank. Anish signed our Booking In Form and dated it. Anish signed that he would pay our hourly rates. *We drove the vehicle into our workshop. We found that the seatbelt was damaged, part of the seatbelt had been cut off (photos available). The “top cover” plastic belt guide had been exposed to sunlight and cracked. This is most likely the cause of the damaged belt. *We told Anish we could drill a hole through the seatbelt guide (cover) and fit a screw as a temporary repair. Anish asked us to continue. *Anish claims we charged $15 for the screw – the invoice is clear, Geddes did not charge for the screw - it was free. *We showed Anish that on this model of vehicle the seat belt was inside the seat and that to get to it we would need to remove the seat back and the upholstery, to expose the seatbelt and that this would take longer than other seatbelts. *We did not destroy his leather seats as claimed by Anish. We did not drill a hole in the leather as claimed by Anish. Before refitting the leather we drilled and fitted the screw into the seat frame. *The top covers are very hard to get. We later emailed more than 30 Mazda wreckers and could only find 1 good top cover. The wreckers told us that the top covers do break, they go brittle in the sun and are a highly sort after part. *We later TXT Anish to advise him we had located a second hand cover and provided the name and phone number of the wrecking company who had a cover and that it was available for $20, we did not discuss a fee for fitting. *In Anish’s complaint Anish admits he was told it would take 2 hours, he writes “I SAID THAT’S OK. … … SO I SAID ALL GOOD – JUST FIX IT.” At this point Anish could have taken his vehicle away – he did not. We charged Anish less than 2 hours labour. *Our hourly rates are posted on the windows where Anish stood and he signed that he had read them. *Geddes’ contract was to fit the seatbelt supplied by Anish, drill a hole in the top cover and seat frame and fit a screw in the top cover at a cost of 2 hours at our posted hourly rates. The final charge was less than the agreed amount and far less than what Anish has claimed above – we have his eftpos slip to prove it."
    Rating by: Anish  |  Rating posted: 21st May, 2011  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Apr, 2011
    Communication: 0%  |  Quality: 0%  |  Reliability: 0%  |  Value: 0%
    Anish21st May, 2011More details, one reply…
  • 20%
    "An unexpected fail on my WOF led me to drop into Geddes for a quote to fix a rear brake caliper. Peter advised me that very rarely do the pistons need replacing, usually just the seals and a good clean out so depending on the damage, provided me with a quote for $180 - $300 incl. gst. I was led to believe that the $300 was for the worse case scenario of the piston needing replacing. Got home and rang around for two more quotes for comparison. Midas Onehunga sounded on to it and were talking the same talk i.e. that if one caliper goes, you can expect the other will fail in the next year or so, and our Geddes price seemed fair.

    Having dropped my car to them later that afternoon, I called Geddes before close of business for an update and was told by a mechanic that the job was straightforward, seals needed replacing (parts would be picked up from the supplier in the morning) and it had a heap of dirt/crap to be cleaned out. Great I thought, it should be on the lower end of the quote. I asked the mechanic to clarify where we were sitting price wise and he said I would need to talk to Peter about that in the morning.

    At this time the mechanic also added that our rear brake pads were "paper thin" and gave me a price of $80 for fit and supply. I questioned why if they were paper thin, had they not failed at the WOF and he replied that its because they wouldn't have been able to seem them! This set off alarm bells for me... a WOF inspector is required to check brake pads as part of the braking system, and how can they spot a leaking brake caliper but not a "paper thin" brake pad. Moreover, we had had the car serviced in July (only 4 months earlier) and had the front brake pads replaced, rear pads were checked too and ok'd for now... from ok to "paper thin" in 4 months didn't sound right either.

    I said I would call back first thing next morning to confirm whether we wanted to go ahead with the rear brake pads. Overnight I read through the remaining google results for Geddes and came across the No Cowboys website, which only confirmed my breeding fears. Gutted! Moreover, because Midas Onehunga has such fantastic reviews.

    Needless to say I opted not to get the rear brake pads done.

    What I learnt that next morning however was my straightforward caliper job was actually going to cost me $324 (remember my quote was $180 - $300, the latter price for a more complex job of replacing the piston). I asked why it was more given that it turned out to be a straight forward job in the end and Peter replied it was because the caliper kit was more than expected. I asked where we were at with the job and he said it just needed putting back together, so I didn't feel I had any choice other than to have him complete the job and get the hell outta there!

    The car was ready (and warranted) by midday which was 'just' acceptable given the timeframe I had originally been given: 2 hours - half a day's work usually, a full day for something complex.

    The itemised receipt showed the caliper kit cost $58.25 gst, a pretty small cost to 'blow out' a job which should have been on the cheaper side of the $180 - $300 quote.

    Next business day I paid a visit to Midas Onehunga for a second (3rd) opinion on the rear brake pads. Grant could check them by looking through the rear wheels and said they were at about 10 - 15%, which was in line with the reading we got 4 months ago at our service. So no, they are not "paper thin" and yes, they would have failed at the WOF if they were that bad.

    Grant also gave me a number for Autostop so I could get a price for the caliper kit that blew out the cost of our job. The trade price Autostop quoted me was between $23.60 - $37 gst for a single kit. Even a whole new piston was barely more than what Geddes charged us for a single kit at $60 gst. So given that Geddes charges us $58.25 gst makes me think they overcharged us or got a double kit and kept the spare parts, at our expense.

    Obviously I am very unhappy with the overall experience and will NOT be returning. Will head to Midas Onehunga in future.
    "
    Peter responded:
    "\"Sarah rang and asked for a price to repair her rear brake cylinder. I told her if it was a cylinder it would cost around $180 but if a calliper would be around $300 plus GST. We suggested that it would be wise to repair LH & RH rear cylinders. Sara said she could only afford to do one side now. Sarah booked her car with us. Inspecting brake pads and linings by peering through a wheel is not always accurate Whereas having them in your hand is far more reliable. We welcome that customers inspect the parts while out. The Diary states: “FAMILIA REAR CYLINDER DO 1 NOW LEAVE OTHER.” Sarah brought her car to us for an estimate to repair a leaking rear brake cylinder. I looked at her vehicle and told her it had a calliper. We would disassemble her car, strip the parts so that we could measure the piston and get the correct kit. Once stripped and parts located we would provide a firm quote. Sara filled in our booking in form with her name address, phone numbers, and in the area “WORK I REQUEST (Contract)” wrote “REMEDY LEFT REAR CALIPER LEAKING.” In the area “If possible Time Vehicle Required:” Sarah left this area blank. In the area on our form which reads “AGREED PRICE: I authorise work up to a ROUGH ESTIMATE of:-“ Sarah wrote “$180 - $300 incl gst” Sarah signed our form and dated it. Sarah contacted us that afternoon and was advised that her Familia rear brake pads were very low, almost on the tell tales. (At this stage we had them out and easily examined) Tell tales are the warning device which causes the brakes to squeal as a warning they are low. We told her that we had not been able to locate a kit and we are still searching. (We checked with Autostop again today, they again informed us they do not have the kit anywhere in NZ and have not had them for some time). Sarah rang back at 8:05 a.m. the next morning and we discussed the cost of fitting new pads now approximately $50, against the cost later of around $80 + GST. Sarah advised she could not afford it now. At 10:25 a.m. that morning I phoned Sarah and advised that we now had located a calliper kit. To clean out the hardened debris, clean up the piston, clean up her slides and grease them, fit the new kit, refit her calliper, refit her old pads, bleed, adjust and road test her vehicle would be $324. Sarah asked us to continue. Once completed, we took her car through for a WOF recheck and it passed. We rang Sarah again, advised her car was ready and was it convenient for us to collect her now. It was. Sara was collected, arrived at our workshop, thanked me for the service we had provided, paid and left.\" "
    Rating by: Sarah  |  Rating posted: 15th Nov, 2010  |  Contact: Peter  |  Job date: Nov, 2010
    Communication: 10%  |  Quality: 40%  |  Reliability: 30%  |  Value: 0%
    Sarah15th Nov, 2010More details, one reply…