Llanishen MOT & Service Centre Ltd (Babbages)

I have two complaints about the customer service I received at these premises. I booked my car in for a service, MOT and brake pad replacement for Monday 15th Sept. 2014 When I made the booking I explained that I would supply my own brake pads. I explained that I had purchased these intending to fit them myself but hadnÔøΩt had time to do so. I asked what the cost would be and if there would be a fitting charge for the brake pads, and was told ÔøΩ225. I asked if that included ALL the service, MOT and brake fitting. Paul told me ÔøΩyesÔøΩ. He explained that the brake pads would be changed at the time of the service because ÔøΩsince the service included stripping and cleaning the brakes, the old pads would simply be replaced by the new pads and would therefore not cost any extraÔøΩ. Complaint 1) I was horrified when I was presented a bill of over ÔøΩ290. This was eventually reduced to ÔøΩ273 which I reluctantly paid. This change of charge is a ÔøΩbreak of contractÔøΩ. The price for the work to be done was verbally agreed over the phone. I am disgusted at the way in which I was treated. If a charge for fitting the brakes had been explained when I made the booking I could have taken this into account at the time. However, I was assured there would be no extra charge. I double checked this with Paul when I made the booking. At the time of payment, if the garage proprietor had admitted a mistake had been made, I could have taken that into account. But NO, they denied the price had been agreed. Complaint 2) When removing / fitting my wheels their mechanic damaged a brand new key for the locking wheel nuts. I discovered this when, due to a puncture the next day, Tuesday 16th, I had to change a wheel. Prior to them servicing my car, the key was brand new and had *never* been used. It was a replacement for one previously damaged by other garage mechanics using compressed air spanners for removal / replacement of the locking wheel nuts. (The damage to the original is one of the reasons I hadnÔøΩt replaced the pads myself as IÔøΩd had to wait for a replacement key from Ford.) I can only presume their mechanic also used a compressed air spanner which caused the damage. Had I received better service I may well have returned to Babbage's to purchase and fit a new tyre (the puncture cannot be repaired).

Having tried a number of Garages in the area, have used Babbage for the last 2 years. Constantly trying to improve their offering and have recently joined the GoodGarageScheme.com that looks like a good effort to improve their offering. They are good at keeping you updated with cars progress whist at the Garage, also very Jolly that makes a change!

Helpful service and proactive. Willing to to resolve the extra niggles.

I have used this company for all our vehicle service and M.O.Ts over a number of years. All my children use them now as well and seem happy with the reception, service and prices that they get.