Formula One Autocentres - Chelmsford Reviews 

I won't go anywhere else now. Have been using F1 Chelmsford for a number of years now. Always cheapest on price but top for quality of work and customer service.
Won't do any repairs on your car without explaining everything through with you and getting your consent.
Don't hesitate to use this company. Brilliant.

Great service, was inspecting a replacement exhaust but it turned out to be a heat shield that was removed at no charge to me. Took approx 10 mins, they fitted me in within an hour as I needed the car. Very pleased and highly recommend

Staff very friendly and helpful, and the work on the car was done quickly and efficiently.

Owen the manger and a guy called fuller saved the day for me I had a blow out and they was quick and efficient in getting the tyre changed and back on in no time and was really happy with the price and the customer service I received I would 100% be recommending formula One to friends and family and iwill be using these guys again

I had a puncture and they were able to fit me in to repair at such short notice and on a Sunday as well.
Very efficient and professional and I would definitely recommend Formula One at Chelmsford. Owen Powell was brilliant and kept me informed throughout.

I booked my Ford Puma in on 11/03/24 to have my front & rear brake pads renewed. This was on a recommendation from Halfords a couple of months prior. The quote from Formula One to carry out this work was actually much more affordable.

Having left the vehicle with Formula One for the work to be done. Within an hour I actually received a phone call to inform me that the brake pads did not actually need changing for another few months.

Fantastic garage, friendly staff and obviously very trustworthy. Highly recommend.

Excellent service, fitted me in to check my tyre as concerned it would deflate if waited till the next day. Really helpful!

Had my Mot done here and was fair and understanding.

The team were really helpful and able to fix the fault efficiently

Booked service and mot in advance, dropped vehicle off at 8am. Turned up at 5pm to collect and had to wait another hour and a half for the work to be complete…next day, looked at the work they claimed to have done, and noticed things had not been done they charged me for. Phoned up, spoke with the manager, and they offered no defence, admitted hands down the work was not done (said they had reviewed cctv and the operative was at fault). Well, two things; one..where’s the quality control and checks..two..if a vehicle has been there all day due to being booked, give it priority, don’t leave it until closing time and rush it out the door. Overall, mediocre customer service. I would advise you check what they say they have done.

Unfortunate experience. I don't know much about cars. I went there in good faith. They gave me diagnosis over the phone and quoted £545.40. I only had the car for a week as well. I agreed on basis that they promised me it would be fully fixed. Then they called me later to say that they done the work ro fix other issue but the car still won't run smoothly. Apparently gearbox issue. I went back next day and charged all that money then told I need to go to gearbox specialists. So that's not what we agreed. They offered no discount, apologies of any sorts. Then to rub salt to the wound they told me car is still running although not over 40mph but that was a lie. When I tried to take the car back it wouldn't go over 5mph so the car was given back in a worse condition than when I left for repair. So I had to pay £150 to get it recovered back to dealer. Not only they didn't keep their promise, they also lied and charged me all that money. I put a complaint on and they didn't even bother to get a 3rd party or someone independent to review and investigate. Instead I had the same person call me back and explaining things but it didn't help and no apology or resolution. Disappointed at how they handle their complaints. If they actually had someone else investigating and listened to the calls recorded then they would have upheld my complaint and at least offered me some refund if not all. But got absolutely nothing and I requested a letter or email to confirm they don't uphold my complaint. The gentleman said he would and even that wasn't done. Overall its such a appalling experience and services. I still dint have car abd basically i paid all that money to have more expenses and be in a worse position. I have now gone to motor ombudsman which could take up to 6 months. If F1 had any integrity then they would do the right thing and refund me at least.

Things didn't start well.
I had purchased 2 Uniroyal tyres on line, from My Tyres.co.uk and they were due to be fitted at Chelmsford F1
My appointment was for 08.30hr and I was there on time.
I handed my key to the lady at the front desk at 08.20, told her that the locking wheel nut was on the passenger seat and took my book into the waiting room.
At 08.50, my car was still exactly where I had parked it.

I went to reception and explained that, as I had arrived on time and had a number of things to do before lunch, would they be good enough to start the work on my car.
At 08.55 it was moved into the workshop and put on a ramp, where it stayed, untouched until 09.05.

Already, I'm 35 minutes into my appointed time and nothing has been done.
There has been a lot of chatter and some considerable walking around, but very little work done.

My key was finally presented to me at 09.45, a full hour and 25 minutes after I arrived and 75 minutes into the appointment.
An hour and a quarter to change 2 tyres, it's absurd.
No explanation for the delay and no apology

On top of that, no paperwork was offered.
From what I could see, none had been done

16-02-24
Well, I replied to the comment below and received an email saying that the local management team had been notified and it could take them up to 72hrs to reply.
That was 10 days ago.
It just confirms all my prejudices regarding Formula 1Autocentres

Owen assisted me with refitting a car battery. Owen was very helpful on the phone and in person. I will definitely be using F1 again.

Thank you
SC

Big thank you to the young lad at Robjohns Road centre from the lady in the red mini after prompt tyre check. Thanks again from Julie

Though I have Been a customer for few years I haven’t been recently after the new management

I have to say that I’m amazed of how Helpful , ***Owen and Glen***have been.

Took my car the very last minute before closing time that It was really crucial for me to fix my lights otherwise I would had been unable to work and would lose my shift .

They helped me without second thoughts.
I’m grateful !

Many many thanks x

Last week I wasted 2.5 hours in Formula ones waiting room only to be told they could not get the part. Was quoted a price of £167 for new exhaust. Then was quoted £122 through ‘who can fix my car’ for the same exhaust inc vat at Formula One. Once it was fitted Formula One charged me £145. I argued the point that the quote I had accepted was not being honoured. These garages are cowboys who pluck prices out of the air. They are out to scam customers. Avoid!

Awful service had to keep coming back to get 1 thing fixed

Just wasted two & a half hours of my life sitting in a waiting room of the Chelmsford branch. Pre booked appointment 4pm for two tyres to be fitted.Checked in upon arrival .When asking why it’s taking so long I’m told they didn’t know I was there. No apology or explanation.
Won’t be returning anytime soon

One to avoid unless you're desperate.
Poor customer service and management. Never again!

Ps. I have already contacted customer care and am awaiting a response from the relevant area manager. My full contact details have also been provided via TrustPilot.

Simply the worst tyre company in England. Two hour wait to simply inspect tyres, and work only performed when I returned to the garage to chase delay. No stock (except one of the most expense tyres on website) to replace damaged tyre and no explanation, when booking, that tyres would need to be ordered for next day delivery if repair of puncture was not possible.