Formula One Autocentres - Ipswich Reviews 6

Booked in to have all 4 tyres changed. Been getting a TPMS warning on my car due to batteries dying I assume so thought best get them done at same time as they would be taking all tyres off anyway. Rung them up the day before and asked if I provided the sensors (aftermarket but quality known brand Schrader) would they be able to fit them to which I was told it should not be problem. Purchased the sensors and turned up on the day (Ipswich branch) and was flat out told they won’t change them. I advised I called the day before to confirm and they said the person on the phone shouldn’t have said that as they would only work with direct from Ford parts. I then said that an internet search would show the brand I bought are used by Ford to which they said to not believe anything Google says which is a ridiculous statement in itself. Basically told me they won’t do it and said to get a refund on the tyres if I wasn’t happy with that. I needed the tyres done that day due to a long drive the next day so had no choice in staying. Was there almost 2 hours to change 4 tyres and now have to find a different garage to take them all off again just to fit 4 clip in sensors which will cost more and take more time out of my day. Wasn’t the best experience and still can’t see the issue in just fitting them even if I had to just get them programmed elsewhere.

Took my car to the Ipswich branch for an MOT. They changed the lightbulb in my headlight as it wasn’t working. Apparently the lightbulb wasn’t working still so they failed my MOT. Turns out they just didint plug my headlight in properly. When I came back and complained staff were very rude and denied any fault. Will not be returning ever again.

I had new tyres fitted and a wheel alignment done at F1 Autocentres Ipswich. Before the alignment, my car was fine and the tyres were not wearing on the inside.

After the alignment, I immediately noticed that the steering wheel was crooked. I went back the next day and they adjusted it again. It was slightly better, but still not straight.

Three months later, I discovered that my tyres were severely worn on the inside. The wear was so bad that I had to replace them because the car would not pass the MOT. I told them that the previous alignment was done incorrectly and that this is what caused the excessive tyre wear. Instead of taking responsibility, they wanted to charge me again and refused to redo the alignment properly.

I do not recommend getting your wheel alignment done here. Very unprofessional and disappointing service.

The Ipswich depot really isn't what it used to be. Of the last 5 tyres fitted I've had to have 2 reseated and then on the last visit they had no one to fit the tyres even though I had pre booked. They seem to be more interested in selling you extras than doing the basics.

Cliched to say, I know, but I would choose no stars if it was at all possible for this company. I paid what I thought was a reasonable price at the time for a full service of £164, only to be told that a car I had only purchased a few months earlier, required £1500 worth of work - brake callipers, pads, discs, filters etc. I kind of just accepted that I know nothing about cars and therefore the work probably needed doing - probably helped by saying they would give me a friendly discount down to £1350. Subsequently, have spoken to friends and colleagues about Formula 1 who had similar horror stories and said to avoid them. Horrendous customer service when I called back to query the payment plan I had set up with them for it too, with the best bit them telling me the original service price was not included on my invoice but the upselling was - couldn't believe my ears when I heard it described as this. Won't be returning and will be lodging a formal complaint with their head office.

Ipswich Branch were excellent despite me being late for my service and being very short staffed. They pulled the stops out to sort the car that day. Very grateful and appreciate their help!