Formula One Autocentres - MaidstoneReviews 

I booked online for two tyres to replace, was given an appointment time and date but after waiting was told they had none in stock? This is the second time I have booked online on the first occasion waited over an hour and a half for one tyre to be fitted.Also not very happy with how this has been dealt with maybe a apology would have been nice.

This is the worst MOT experience I ever had.

The summary:
1, For something you don't know how to fix, or you don't want to fix, why did you spend a whole day and give me a call right before 6 o'clock and asked me to fix it somewhere else?

2, Once MOT failed, they will offer you only 2 weeks later time slots for retest.

3, This shop never give you an estimation time on when they will start looking at your car because they won't look into it until something missed their appointments.

3, This shop only fix easy problems.

4, Often, there is no one to answer calls. They don't want you to call them but they will never let you know what was happening.

5, Each time you call, there are different people to pick up the call who don't know what the previous one told me.

6, They said I could claim the car while waiting for a time slot when they are available. When I get the car, the manager said it was not and I could not send in the car for a retest.

The story was this.

On 26th Aug, 2025 at 8:30am, we drove the car to F1 to wait for them to open. They said they would open @ 8:30am, but they were late on that day. We dropped the car for them. Their web site said that the MOT would take 45minutes to 1 hour. However, 90 minutes later, we did not receive anything about the status. At around 10:30am, they called me saying that the car boot could not be opened. I could open the car boot but they said it is not legal. OK, I authorized them to fix it.

At around 4pm, I called them what was the status, they said they don't know. They don't even know when would they look into the issue and told me that they will call me when it is fixed. At around 5:45pm, they called me that they are not going to fix it and asked me to fix it somewhere else.

If you are not going to fix the issue, why not tell me early in time? And I could not claim the car since it is already late.

I took the car the next day. I opened the boot and checked. There were parts separated. I just put them back in and apply some glue and stipe it. It took me less than an hour. I don't know what happened in F1 and they just don't fix it.

I immediately physically go back to the shop and asked for a time slot to retest. That day was 27 Aug, they don't have any available slot until two complete weeks later that was on 9 Sep. They offered me 11:30. I asked if there are other available slots either earlier or later? They said no. The attitude just like you just take it or leave it. OK, you win. I took the slot. However, when I got back home, I checked their website, on 9 Sep, there were other available slots.

Anyway, I waited two weeks. I turned the car in. There were other problems. They said there were cracking on the suspension and the horn did not work. OK, I asked for a quotation.

The quotation took one day and they did not let me know until I called them. OK, I authorized them to fix it.

Then I kep calling them two times a day and asked what is the estimated time the car will be fixed. Each time I called, they replied they will call me back when the car was ready. That meant when? You got to let me know the estimated time. Today? Tomorrow morning, afternoon? Day after tomorrow morning, afternoon? They said they could not give me.

On 12 Sep afternoon, I called them that if you don't know when would you look at the car, can I get the car and return it to continue when you left off when you are available. The technician who the first time talked to me said that he needed to talked to the manager. He then said OK, I could get the car and send it back when they are ready.

When I get the car, the manager told me that they already gave me one free retest and they could not offer again. Then why did you say yes on the phone? I put the car in and they never know when they could look into the car. The manager said it has to be someone who missed his appointment and then they will look into my car. So, it meant when? That could be two months! And they charged me for the fix of the suspension. They will just fix the easy issue, for something that needs troubleshooting like the car boot which I just fixed it in less than 60 minutes, they don't do it. Or ,they are not capable to do it.

I asked them why did they not tell me all the MOT problem at once? They said that when they spotted a major issue, they stop the MOT. I asked other technician and they said it is not unless it is a blocking issue. OK, assuming that when they said is true, why did they not tell me early in time they won't fix/not capable to fix?

I highly NOT recommend this shop to anyone unless you want to give a 1 star rating to it.

Absolutely shocking service,unprofessional lacking expert mechanical knowledge.Brought my corsa in for a service and ended up having to scrap my car as they blew one of my engine valves,handed keys back to
me without a care in the world,soon as I took it off forecourt,they washed there hands of all responsibility.AVOID AT ALL COSTS.cant enter exact date below as long ago now,but felt compelled to write a review.

Some of the best service I have ever received. I will never go anywhere else!

A huge “THANK YOU” to the staff at Maidstone depot for your ‘advice’ regarding the exhaust on my Jaguar XE. These guys offer an honest and friendly service with a smile and most importantly get the job done. Highly recommended. Thank you.

The manager at the Maidstone site went the extra mile to help my husband and I, which was hugely appreciated, thank you!

Formula One Autocentres would appear to have two review sites which provide contrasting opinions of this company. This has been commented on by at least one other reviewer. I am posting my review on this site as it is here that I left a 5 star review reflecting a positive booking experience and recognition of a competitive pricing structure but with the caveat that the proof would be in the fitting of the 4 tyres I had ordered.

The day before I took my vehicle into their Maidstone branch I washed my car and paid particular attention to the wheel rims which I noted did not have a mark on them. In handing my car over I specifically made reference to the absence of scuffs or marks on the rims and was reassured that my rims would not be damaged.

I agreed that the wheel alignment should be adjusted and when the car was returned to me I noticed that 3 of the rims had been damaged and upon reporting this I was told that the fitter cannot possibly have caused the damage. I was generally treated in a dismissive and unprofessional manner. I escalated my complaint through their complaints procedure but they have maintained their repudiation. I should have photographed the rims before I took my car in.

I have reduced my scoring of 5 stars to 1 because:-

1. My rims were damaged and no responsibility accepted.

2. The manner in which I was treated by their staff.

3. The cost of repairing the rims will far outweigh the cost saving I achieved by using them.

4. Such is my lack of confidence in this company I am paying to have the wheel alignment checked elsewhere to make sure it has been done correctly - it might have been, I just don't know.

Of course Formula One Autocentres do get 5 star reviews and I am sure these are well deserved but for me it was a lesson learned the hard way. Look at the reviews on both sites.

Very helpful and highly skilled staff.Problem with the car effectively sorted with a high level of service and skill.One of Maidstones premier Garages.Easily rates 5/5 customer satisfaction.😀

I had 4 tyres replaced at F1 autocentre maidstone and a week later 1 got a puncture, I tried to change the wheel but couldn't get it off cos of the locking wheel nut, I phoned F1 and they sent a guy out called Ty, he was amazing he got the whrel off within 2 mins and them took all the other locking wheel nuts off aswell, he then put the spare wheel on and I went back to F1 where Ty repaired the tyre free of charge, can't say enough of this guy, great service, friendly and knew exactly what he was doing, if I could give him 10 stars I would

Had a puncture on one of my tyres and reinflating it over a couple of days in quick succession.
I called up Formula One Maidstone and they technician told me to pop car round.
I arrived within the hour and same technician passed my key on to another technician whom promptly took car into garage.
Within 15 minutes puncture was fixed and i was told there was no charge.
Greatly impressed with the prompt and professional service and the friendliness of the staff. Will definitely recommend Formula One Maidstone to all.

I have used F1 in Maidstone for a number of years. They are always very dependable - I really trust them on price and quality of work. Staff are always very friendly and professional. 10/10

I had a nail in my tyre , but from the moment I called to speak to Liam I was welcomed , come down straight away we’ll have a look !!

I was seen promptly, the service was first class, whilst I was waiting the team were working hard friendly to all Customers, my observation was that it was very genuine

Thank you very much for fixing my tyre timely and with great service

Very much appreciated

I will definitely return, highly recommend Maidstone Formula One

Could Formula 1 customer service contact me like they have done on all 1 star ratings but not on mine .
There must be as good as the Garages
Again poor customer service .

I received a first class service from Phillip and his team at the Maidstone branch. Car went in for a MOT which unfortunately failed but they explained in great detail the follow up procedure for getting the repairs done. All at a reasonable price.

Poor service supported by a range of excuses
Took car for a service and MOT at 830
Service was completed at 5pm but no MOT due to ongoing ramp problems
Promised slot 3 days later for MOT at 830
Returned car again as a “priority “ customer at 830 - it will completed within an hour - it’s now 430 and no news !!!! Excuses we are having problems with ramp
Poor customer service - avoid

Very unhappy after being told they cannot MOT my vehicle due to weight and their ramp struggling! My vehicle has been there for MOT for last 2 years with no issues .. leaving me 2 days to book and complete it’s MOT.
If the ramp is struggling then get the ramp fixed .. I note there have been ‘issues’ with the ramp in recent weeks. Been a customer for years but won’t be using this garage again.

Maidstone Branch - Appointment booked to replace a tyre for 10.45am. Arrived at 10.30am as instructed. Car driven into bay by a mechanic at 11.35am (I was told they were short staffed). The mechanic comes out at 11.50 to say the locking wheel nut key won't lock onto the looking wheel nut and informs me that I'd need to take the car somewhere else. I drove home and tried the looking wheel nut key myself. After about 10 seconds of wiggling it, it went on fine so I phoned the garage and took the car back straight away. I then waited about 10 mins, before the mechanic took the car back into the bay. The mechanic comes out 5 mins later and says that the tyre is almost brand new and repairable so suggests it is repaired rather than replaced. As I'd already paid for a replacement we agreed he would put a new tyre on and chuck the repairable one in the boot. 10 or so mins later it's done, but when the mechanic hands over the keys I'm now informed that the old tyre wasn't repairable, so he hasn't put it in the boot as agreed. I finally drive off about 2 hours after my initial appointment time.

My car was booked in for an MOT/Service today at 08.30. During the morning I had a call to say the MOT equipment was broken and therefore the MOT couldn’t be done. I agreed to the service still being carried out. Later in the afternoon I had a further call to advise that there were other problems with the vehicle on top of those included in the RAC service plan. At that point, I felt I had no other option than agree to paying an extra £288 & I still
have to find another garage for the MOT.

I have just received a phone from F1 customer service, asking how they can help me on my next visit. He explained how complicated the MOT equipment is & apologised. I’m pleased to note F1 take any customer comments seriously, and no doubt use them for my MOT/Svc next year,

After coming home from a sick relative at the weekend my rear exhaust box decided to give up the ghost. I phoned around on the Monday at got various quotes and when I phoned formula 1 autocentres at rocky hill maidstone they matched the lowest quote. I went there today (Tuesday) put the car in was nicely greeted by Phil on reception desk who checked my booking time and amount agreed then sat down while a nice lad(Calvin) took my car keys and started on my vehicle.
In no major time job was professionally down and Calvin give me my car and keys and I was ready to go. Paid the bill as agreed and off I went. First class service by all those mentioned I will definitely use again. Only thing which would make it a better visit would be to have a tea coffee machine in the waiting area and a television would certainly help the time waiting go even quicker.
But apart from that a great and helpful bunch of lads

The Customer Service and General professionalism at this Branch (Maidstone London Road) of F1 Autocentres is awful...! I spent 90 mins sitting in which can only be described as a Greenhouse of a Customer Seating Area 28/09/2024 waiting for the Manager to evaluate the condition of my tyres and give me a price. When i queried why it was taking so long. I got the "I'm on my own here - Sob Story" I would of had a degree of sympathy with him had he been a little bit more civil and polite, however he was goading for confrontation. I did not oblige, we agreed the price and my car was booked in the next day at 2:30pm - NEXT DAY 29/02024 - I arrived on time 2:30pm I was greeted by the Manager who's day had clearly not improved much from the day before "there's a 2.5hr wait minimum mate" I asked why he did not ring me to let me know there was a delay, he said "I ain't got time for that mate" at that point i was ready to explode #imnotyourmate, I was then asked to move my car by one of his fitters, i said "one moment please" The Manager then shouted move your car now I've got MOT's to get out"..... I said no I'm going for a walk I'll move when I return... With that I went across the Road to SETYRES who were professional and polite they matched the price of F1 Tyres and they will be fitting my tyres tomorrow 30/08/2024.. I returned to F1 I did not go back in as I guessed the Formula for Disaster that is the Manager would have welcomed that and used me as a vehicle to vent all of his own issues out on me. I have contacted Customer Services and I'm waiting on a call to discuss with the regional Manager.