Formula One Autocentres - Redditch Reviews 68

Took my daughter's car in for an MOT, but it didn't make it to the garage. The alternator had packed in, with only a mile or so to go. I let F1 know we'd be late, as I tried to work out a way of getting the car to the garage. Within 20 minutes one of the mechanics turned up and managed to jump start the car off the dual carriageway and we got it to the autocentre. Within a few hours a new alternator was ordered and fitted and the car was back on the road with an MOT. The team at the autocentre were incredibly helpful and I couldn't thank them enough for helping us out of a very tricky situation.

Had a minor knock on my car so called to see if I could bring it into the centre to get it checked out.
The gentleman who answered the phone was polite and courteous and told me to bring it in so I took the car to him 15 minutes later.
Despite seeing how busy the staff were Ben called me less than 2 hours later with his findings! Great service!
I was very impressed and will definitely use the garage again.

Have just been to the Redditch branch, absolute brilliant service. All staff really helpful and friendly, quickly diagnosed the exhaust problem, had the back box delivered and fitted within the hour, thank you all for such a helpful and pleasant experience.

Really poor service from F1 Autocentre at Redditch. My son took his car into F1 Autocentre Redditch for a puncture repair, on checking the puncture couldn’t be repaired and a new tyre was need, I had gone with my son at this time and totally agreed that it was not repairable, the guys at F1 Autocentre Redditch said that the other rear tyre was near the legal limit which again I agreed with so we accepted that two new tyres were required, the guys at the centre had to order them so an appointment was arranged for my son to return to have a tyres changed. Upto this point I had no issues with the team and service received.

When my son returned a few days later I wasn’t able to accompany him, whilst there the garage told him he needed new rear brakes and they quoted just over £1,000 for the work and that it needed to be done right away as they were in a dangerous condition. They explained that the brakes were quite expensive because it was a special model. The car is a 1 series BMW with a 1.5 litre 3 cylinder engine, but they explained that as it was a Shadow Edition it had special brakes. They could however offer an interest-free credit facility; thankfully he declined.

I didn’t find out about this until the evening and I was shocked at the price the garage had charged, on reviewing the invoice they had charged £840 for the discs alone.

The following day I spoke to a BMW main dealer and asked for a quote for the same job and they quoted £534 for everything almost half the prices of F1 Autocentre.

I have spoken to the garage and they have denied that they took advantage of a young inexperienced driver. I asked to see the old parts but was told they had been scrapped already, the work had been completed at around 4pm on Thursday and I asked at midday on the Friday which seems a very quick turnaround.

I have also spoken the F1 Autocentre head office who were very helpful and put me in touch with the Area Manager, who I spoke to, he didn’t seem to care about the issue but said to claim under the Price Promise Guarantee which I have tried however emails are ignored.

Please beware and aways get a second opinion

I ordered the wrong tyre online. Took the car down the day before it was due to be changed as the staff agreed to change it a day early (which was good of them) and when I arrived I was politely advised I had bought the wrong tyre. They didn’t make a fuss that I’d made a mistake and refunded the money straight away. They helped me find a suitable tyre and fitted it quickly the next day. All the staff were polite, friendly and helpful. I couldn’t fault anything about the service. We live in a day and age when everyone is quick to complain and moan, but I really think the guys down at the Redditch store give a great service. I would go back again and highly recommend them.

Fantastic customer service. Booked my car in for break issues. Manager on reception was excellent with lots of knowledge and with one visit the problem is now resolved. Highly recommend will definitely use them again

I always took my car here but now would not trust them tried to charge me over £1000 for parts I didn't need in March 2025. Then while my son was waiting for his car to go for MOT my partner changed my wipers and paid £50 for them to clear the light on the dash then they did the MOT and failed it on the the new wipers and the light on the dash. The fact new wipers were put on and the fault code cleared at a cost of £50 they failed it on the MOT on these 2 things. Unbelievable

Full service costing £195 here 3 weeks ago and huge list of ‘issues’ to the sum of over £800, declined the work and they called me back twice in the next half hour to say they’ve found ‘cheaper parts’ and can do the work that day for £750 then £650. Declined again. Today has had MOT elsewhere, passed with no advisories. Would avoid at all costs - clearly out to just get money out of people.

EDIT

Following this review I was contacted by an area manager who “apologised” and asked me to take this review down if they sent me vouchers to the sum of £35 as an apology. 2 weeks later the vouchers arrived however I will not be removing my review as I feel people need an honest opinion of this garage. Money is tight for everyone right now, we don’t need to be taken advantage of and lied to for them to make money.

Why send vouchers if everything was correct and above board, admission of guilt?? Please, go elsewhere

Booked (two weeks ago) for replacement of 4 tyres to be replaced today.
Arrived early to be told "tyres not in stock", when we asked "why did you
not let us know" the response was a blasé "I was busy". Agent then proceeded
to offer (surprise, surprise) an alternative more expensive tyre brand could
be fitted "tomorrow". Of course it could.

Why is the customer so important as to NOT be updated in advance? What
shoddy, couldn't-care-less attitude. Don't waste your time with "Formula None"

Lewis and the team were exceptional helping me out when my valve broke and I had a flat tyre. They got me back on the road and then offered to fit the sensor back on once I had replaced from the retailer. Amazing service with a smile 😀

Nice and polite, very helpful, great communication and punctual as fk. Thank you 🙏

This is the second time I’ve used this branch as they’d been so open and honest last time out. Friendly greeting on arrival and good communication throughout transaction. Would definitely recommend

Had MOT booked at Redditch branch I got a phone call day before telling me it was cancelled and they would refund my money as no future dates available ,I had also had a reminder that morning from them
Absolutely abysmal service

Fantastic service by the team at Redditch today. Thank you so much. No hesitation to recommend them 100%.

Branch - Redditch. Great quick service by Ben one of the managers. Really helpful and great advice. Nice to have such good customer service and not be ripped off. Would recommend ..

Had the car's air con system cleaned and gas replaced today. Service couldn't have been better. Pleasant and polite telephone conversation with Lewis led to immediate appointment. Pleasant reception. Comfortable waiting area and quick and efficient service

First time having an MOT and a service from here.. Will continue to do so! 5*

Formula one autocentre is excellent. We've had many good experiences. Usually the best value in town. They're reliable in their assessment of work needed. Work is carried out efficiently. We get friendly reception and great communication. Well done.

Good prices for my van tyres.
Louis in Redditch,very helpful as were the rest of the staff.
Doubt i'll go anywhere else now.