Formula One Autocentres - Basildon Avis 87

Visited the Basildon branch after hitting an island and my steering was well off.

All of the staff members I came across were very friendly and helpful. I'd been there around 4 years ago for tyre fitting and kicking myself for not going back sooner for MOT's etc.

I was shown the damage and what parts needed replacing and advised to mirror and replace the parts on the othe side, due to age and corrosion.

The car was ready on time even though they took the time to ensure a minor issue with a warning light was resolved. I left happy and DID NOT feel like I'd been BS'd to or ripped off. 10/10

I had my tyres changed 3 weeks ago here and had a tyre pressure sensor malfunction ever since. I’ve called the garage 3 times now and on each occasion they’ve said they need to order it in. When I’ve called them back they haven’t got it still and say they need to order it again. I’ve given up now as don't trust them to fix it.

I booked my van for its MOT recently and everything went well but around halfway through i was asked by the tester if I had a moment to look at something, he pointed out that the rubber gaiters on the steering had come loose,he said he wouldn't fail it on that especially as almost to the day they had carried out the work to put them back on,Sean who was doing the testing said I can't fail the MOT on this point and passed my van and promptly had one of the staff fit them back on again, well done Formula One and especially Sean.

Any so called tyre fitters who have a car on a four poster ramp and take an hour and 20 minutes to change two tyres are a joke, I think at one point two fitters on it. A job for one guy and a trolly Jack 15 mins
Formular 1 , Formular rubbish service

I booked a repair through WhoCanFixMyCar and was given a bespoke labour-only price because I was supplying my own parts. Everything was confirmed on my end… or so I thought. The day before I was due to bring my vehicle in, I called the garage and someone called Chris from the garage answered claiming they had received no emails or booking confirmation at all.

This makes absolutely no sense considering I had already been provided with a price specifically based on me supplying my own parts and the garage only doing the labour. If they never received anything, how did I get a tailored quote in the first place?

I’m honestly glad this happened the day before and not after I’d already turned up, wasting even more of my time. Completely unprofessional and unreliable.

Disgusting service. Would not recommend to anyone.

FORMULA ONE (Basildon)
Background:
My door mirror was damaged by a 3rd party, I needed a new indicator cover for it.
My MOT was due in a few weeks, so, as usual I phoned these, felt they could be trusted as my partner & I have used them over the last  few years for our MOT's/Services & tyres etc & they have always been friendly & helpful. I've  even given them a positive review before.

I contacted them as usual to book the MOT & Service, both needed & they give a £20 discount on the MOT if booked/completed on the same day. I told him about the door mirror indicator cover/bulb, "not a problem, it's  a quick job, we'll do that at the same time, no charge."
I thought that was nice & helpful. It was agreed that I just had to wait for the cover to be delivered before I confirm any booking.
It arrived, and I booked it.

HOW THINGS CHANGE!
A different member of staff stated that:
" The indicator cover/bulb isn't  as straight forward as that, I don't  know why he said that."

I took my car in late Tuesday, 2nd/12/25, for the booking the next day. About 15 mins later I got a call stating that I'd need a completely new door  mirror as the bulb "keeps blowing & the part the bulb goes in can't be purchased on it's  own" & to fit it would be 30 mins labour.
I questioned this as the door mirror functions perfectly in every way, but APPARENTLY, this can happen regardless of that.
We decided to turn back & collect the car that same night in order to buy a new door mirror & rebook.
We spoke to the mechanic who confirmed that although it works perfectly in every way, there is an electrical fault to the bulb that can't  be rectified.
I phoned the company that was recommended, who stated it would cost £150.

OUT OF THE BLUE:
Whilst driving onto somewhere else, I decided to contact another company we know  of to see if they can advise, told them my problem & what I'd been told, IMMEDIATELY he said that CAN'T  NOT correct & if it's  working so should the bulb part & suggested we pop by & they will look at it, they close at 10, so we went straight there.
When we arrived, he said to his colleague what I'd  told him & he also said that ISNT right. They not only put a bulb in but also put the whole unit back together, including the indicator cover WITHIN AROUND 90 SECONDS (so it IS a very quick job), they tested it.  WORKED PERFECTLY!!!

I thanked them & went to pay for the bulb, was told not to worry as I'd  clearly  had a stressful time (what a very nice thing to do/say). I asked how much their MOT/Services cost, (IT'S CHEAPER) & that's with Formula One's  £20 discount (£45 saving if the jobs done on seperate day's).
I contacted Formular One the next day & asked  how much the labour would be, told £40, so that would cost £190 in total plus the cost of the MOT/Service.
I informed him of the above & all he said was 'that's  good, no problem, when  you bring it in", I reminded him that he told me the casing/bulb would be a harder job than the 1st person told me but it wasn't, he didn't  have an answer!!
I also asked how the mechanic got it wrong about the unit, he just said
'Sir, it's working fine now, though, isn't  it!", I confirmed it was, but if it hadn't been looked at that night & I hadn't had the sudden idea of getting a 2nd opinion, it would have cost me £190!!
He just repeated what he said previously & that it's "probably an Intermittent problem"
, told him he's  missing the point & that 'mistake' cost me a lot of running around & stress, AGAIN, he just repeated (for the 3rd time), what he'd  already said, told him he sounded  very defensive which he obviously denied. I told him to cancel  my appointment. & put the phone down.
IT'S NOT AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM & IT'S  STILL WORKING FINE!!!
'Strange' how the other company put a bulb in & it didn't blow,  but when Formular One tried it a  few times, every bulb did!!!

NOTICE:
NO APOLOGY!!!
Their 'mistake', so at LEAST apologise as, again, that 'mistake' would have cost me £190 PLUS all the running around & grief.

I'VE BOOKED WITH THE OTHER COMPANY.
My partner will also from now on.
TWO CUSTOMERS LOST!!!

UPDATE: THEY GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME, STATING 'COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN!!'
No breakdown, just either a lie or/& incompetence.
This email is an insult & shows they STILL don't get it.

This is the reply:
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review on for us regarding your experience.

We apologise that there was a breakdown of communication between the staff in the centre regarding your light bulb, this will be dealt with internally regarding staff involved to improve our customer service in future. I'm glad that your vehicle was repaired albeit 3rd party.

To recognise you as a loyal customer we would like to see you return next year for a more improved experience, so please do accept my offer of a 25% off service next year voucher. Can you confirm your postal address so that we can get one sent First Class Royal Mail for you.
I did reply to you!😒

Matt gave me helpful advice and great service !

Hi
Took my disco 3 in as it was say on the dash that the pads needed checking
Took it into Basildon formula 1 at 4/30 on Friday afternoon, Chris the guy behind the counter said he would get it on the ramp and check it for me while I was waiting he had ordered a new set of pad ready, to go on after about half an hour the guy checking the car told me that the pads were ok it was just a broken wire to the sensor
Which was replaced at about the quarter of the cost of a whole set of rear pads, well done for being honest
Other places may just have fitted the pads regardless I would not have known I have used this branch of formula 1 several times before for tyre tracking etc they are always very helpful and would recommend them

Brilliant service again at the Basildon unit. Highly recommend them. Very friendly and always explain everything as to what they are going to do.

30th June 2025:
I am writing to express my disappointment following a recent experience at your Basildon branch.

Despite having a confirmed appointment for an Air-Conditioning Re-Gas/Clean, I was informed upon arrival that I could not be attended to and would need to rebook for another day. This was not only inconvenient but reflects poor customer service, especially as no prior communication was made to inform me of any issues with my booking.

It gives the impression that Formula One Basildon is overwhelmed with customers to the point that appointments are not honoured, and customers are treated with disregard. This is unacceptable and undermines confidence in your service reliability.
I got a refund, made a booking at Kwikfit at even a cheaper rate and quality service was provided instantly.

I would appreciate an explanation for this incident and assurance that such occurrences will be avoided in the future.

Update - 7th July 2025
Thank you to Mr. Ewan Elliott, Regional Manager, for reaching out and clearly communicating the steps being taken to prevent a recurrence of the issue I experienced.

I appreciate that my feedback was taken seriously. I understand that Formula One is working to improve communication with customers and enhance service reliability especially during busy periods. I was pleased to learn that changes have already been implemented in the branch’s procedures and equipment, which should help increase capacity and reduce the chances of customers being turned away in future.

Come to your Business Basildon to get the aircon regas after doing leak.check.on.aircon.this didnt work after saying its been. recharged with new gas
This didnt work.the aircon.didnt
Blow cold.air took.it to independent garage they check after doing same leak check then say its was low on pressure garage vac the gas out of the car they said there was only 61g of gas recoved and should be 480 g paid 145 pounds for the work.to be done by your engineers this was a rubbish service

Lovely people, MOTHER was done quick and thorough. Definitely going back again

Came in for a tyre patch after I had a screw picked up. The guys were all very friendly. Saw to me quickly. Very fast and efficient service, will definitely be back!

I can’t recommend Matt and the team at F1 Auto Basildon highly enough! From start to finish, their service was outstanding. They were incredibly helpful, genuinely friendly, and extremely professional throughout. After dealing with some disappointing experiences at other MOT centres, it was a real breath of fresh air to find a team that truly cares about their customers. F1 Auto Basildon made the whole process smooth and stress-free — an absolute pleasure to deal with. I’ll definitely be returning and recommending them to others without hesitation!

Brandon was very helpful, quick service.

I've used these guys for the past 3 years and always found their service and advice to be first class.

Abul conducted a very thorough MOT on my car this morning; the best ever! His approach to me was respectful. I will definitely return to Formula One.

Took the car in for wheel alignment came back with steering wheel shake took it back done it again 3 months down the line tyres board on the in side took it to Jets and tracking was 15 out

Upon arrival staff are friendly and arrived 15 mins before my appointment. Abul was very helpful and understanding and did an amazing job with the services he provided. I would highly recommend.

Super service from Chris & John. A simple reseal. Highly recommended.