Formula One Autocentres - Gloucester Avis 73

Was in a bit of a fix with our camper van fully packed for a trip.... But that was soon sorted by Gloucester formula 1 the gentleman got us sorted on a Sunday afternoon with a wonderful can do attitude. Sorry can't remember your name but a lovely south African accent 🙏

Horrendous experience. We booked our little car in for an MOT and an interim service, because we had used them several times a few years back and had been very satisfied. We were told the MOT was booked for 11.30, but were asked to take the car in at 9. It was a few miles away, we don't live in Gloucester, but got there just after 9. As we live so far away, we asked if there was a rough time the car would be ready, as we were basically just hanging around. I mentioned that I was surprised that we were were asked to be there so early, as the MOT wasn't until 11.30, and was told that it suited THEM, because if there was a cancellation they could do it earlier. Anyway, a few hours passed, and at about 1,30 we checked online, and could see that the car had passed its MOT. Thinking the Interim service may have also been done, or have been well underway, we rang, to try and get an approximate time when we could pick up the car. This is where the real diabolical customer service kicked in. My partner made the call, and the guy on the front desk, was probably the most condescending, rude, patronising, officious and all round hideous human I have encountered in many, many years. Rather than just being helpful, and saying it's scheduled to be looked at at such a time, and will take an hour or so, he opened up a tirade about how "we cannot be rushed, we charge a lot for what we do, I will call you when it's ready! (Which he didn't incidentally, we went back later by chance to see it parked outside). When my partner later went in to pay, and mentioned that he had been slightly less than helpful, he launched another tirade which included the words "just because I'm South African and direct, people think I'm being rude, I've apologised three times (he hadn't) what more do you want!"
Sad really, I don't care how good a business is, but customer service is paramount. This is one business I won't be visiting again.

Nathan at the Gloucester branch was brilliant.
No nonsense and got my car sorted in an emergency on a Sunday.

They were able to book me in straight away, were flexible about pick up and drop off and the pricing was amazing. Was expecting a cost at least a place value higher!
Would definitely use again

I booked my van in to this garage for an MOT and Full Service, after recently moving to the area from Wales. My vehicle failed and £900 later I got it back with a new MOT.

Unfortunately the Tester here does not like vehicle styling products, and for the first time ever had listed 2 tinted windows, a bonnet grill and a steering aid as minor defects (so need removing) on my MOT certificate.

I spoke with the garage in person and contacted customer services online, only to be told on both occasions that it is the testers discretion as to whether these are mentioned or not. I was offered no solution so have had to organise for a 2nd MOT with another garage to get these defects removed.

I am not knocking their workmanship, but if you have a vehicle that is not bog standard do not take it here.

Nathan and his team, were both informative and capable.Excellent service and communication

Booked MOT a week in advance (entered reg and everything), paid, booked the day off for it and 2 hours before I get a phone call they can't take my van! Too large a vehicle - all infos where there the whole week...

My car was booked in for work on the brakes and the team were really helpful at getting this sorted. Ricardo and Nathan were both really helpful as I needed help and support in getting the financial support set up to spread the cost. Thanks again for all your help. I have always found the staff to be really helpful at this centre and would recommend them!

I booked my blue Skoda Fabia in for a service on 18.02.26. The technician found some issues with the car that led to a very large bill. I never once felt pressured to get the work done, and the staff was very helpful. Nathan is the new branch manager and is excellent. He is really setting new standards, and it is becoming one of the best garages I have used.

EDIT: Lovely conversation with Chris the Area Manager who is definitely a credit to Formula One. Great to hear that management are making a point of speaking to customers about their experiences and then making sure essential conversations are had with staff. Thanks to Chris we may use Formula One again in the future.

The MOT and Service was completed well. However, the customer service was poor. Initially I was told they would contact me to let me know my car was ready for collection- they didn't. I turned up anyway (as I was food shopping close by) 30 minutes before closing to ask and explained I needed to know as I had a young baby in my partner's car. The man at the desk said it would be done around 7-7:30 and I could wait for it, it was 5:30. I was very confused saying I thought it would be done and I can't be bringing the baby out again. The other mechanics started laughing and he says he's only joking it'll be about 10-15 minutes and they close at 6pm anyway. I was completely shocked by the interaction and did not find it funny at all. I wish I felt able to stand up for myself, but it's so unprofessional having a laugh at someone else's expense. Shame as this was my second time using Gloucester formula one and the first experience was great and the staff then were lovely. I won't be going back now.

New to the area, I chose this company for my cars MOT. Before I booked the vehicle in, I called the garage to confirm they could do any repair work that was needed. Yes they said, everything apart from welding. So on this premise I made the booking

The vehicle failed on one point. But nothing involving any welding. I asked how soon could they fit the new part. I was then told, no, we can't do that, you’ll have to find another garage to do that. Then bring it back for a retest within a week

After raising this with their area support manager Chris Stanley and not being happy with their response and chance to rectify things, I'm leaving an honest account

Stay away, use another company.......

Took my car in as I had a puncture. (in the evening) I was told it was booked in for the following morning. No call received by 2pm so called to chase, I was told the person was not around and they would call me back. 4pm came and still no call. I went to the garage in person to be told the work had not been done as they were waiting for a part ( no parts are required for a tyre repair only) being absolutely fobbed off. I said I wasn't happy with the communication and was told you can take the car if you want. No customer service, no apology and they really didn't care. I should have listened to a colleague who said they had been exactly the same with her MOT which she ended up taking elsewhere. Go to another garage!!!!!

Driving down the road my tyre pressure alarm went off and I managed to get to F1. This was my first experience with the team and I have to say they were excellent. Whilst they didn't have the tyre I needed they initial suggested another local garage before in the end removing the flat tyre so I could take to another garage and get the tyre replaced. They did all this with a smile, professional attitude and for FREE!

I was initially greeted by the guy at reception by being told my tyres may not be in as they were having trouble with Blackcircles. After confirming they were in fact there, I had to wait 1hr 15minutes for them to fit two tyres. I was handed the keys back by one of the fitters, the guy behind the reception desk didn't even acknowledge it, no apology for the long wait, he was too busy on the phone to his missus for the last 40 minutes, talking loud enough for anyone in the reception area to hear. Very unprofessional service and I will not be using F1 autocentres again.

** In reply to F1 Autocentres reply, No! I don't want to contact you so I can waste more of my time talking to you. There is more than enough information in my review to investigate it. **

I had to call out the AA for a perished punctured tyre whilst staying with a friend in Gloucester. He made a call to Formula One and spoke to Chris who was extremely helpful, he ordered in 4 tyres, we got the car to the garage and all 4 fitted, tracked and balanced within 4 hours. Chris kept me informed at all times. What an amazing service and great gent. Highly recommended. Thank you.

Excellent service, and good value for money. Chris the manager explained everything clearly. So glad he's back in Gloucester

I recently had my car serviced and MOT'd at this garage and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The team was professional, friendly, and explained everything clearly. The work was completed on time and at a competitive price, with no hidden surprises. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a trustworthy garage!

If you’re looking for 1st class customer service and a speedy response then Joe at F1 Gloucester (and the team) are the guys to go to. I have been a loyal customer for the 3 years that I have been motoring and they’ve always been nothing short of fantastic, today was no exception! I called this morning with a wheel balance issue and was booked in for 3pm the same day and the issue was as resolved quickly, efficiently and with a smile. Thank you as always!

Called f1 autocentres Gloucester as main dealer didn’t have an appointment for 3 weeks. Terry got me booked in the same day and advised a free brake check to identify the issue. He showed me the exact problem and listed my options, giving itemised quotes for the work. Technician Luke managed to get all the work done in one afternoon, getting our essential family car back on the road the same day. Great customer service and work all round, can’t fault. Thank you!

Booked car in for a service and called them the day before if it would suit to drop the car off evening before. Which was told it was fine. I was impressed to be told that they would put it into garage to be locked up over night. Full service completed and additional work completed that was needed. Great professional customer service given and happy to recommend and the team.