Halfords Autocentre Colchester (Angora)

Wow! An amazing service with spot on communication always kept up to date with everything. Polite friendly staff - the business should be extremely proud of the service that the Peartree centre has provided! To top all of this off I couldn’t thank Gary enough for taking time out of his day to give my car a full valet inside and out this was the cherry on top to a fantastic experience. You have a very happy customer and now a regular one that will be returning for future work. Once again many thanks to the wonderful staff.

Disappointing to be leaving this review as someone who has regularly used Halford’s since being a vehicle owner. However after my experience the last 2 weeks I can only summarise that I feel I have been ripped off. I booked my vehicle in for a ‘free’ cambelt/timing belt check which ended up costing me £764. After an hour I received a call to say that by comparing the mileage done with my vehicles age they would recommend a replacement belt, which would be £175 and they could fit me in that day with no charge for labour along with the ancillary drive belt. To me that seemed very reasonable so I happily agreed. 2 and a half hours later I get another call saying my vehicle was ready for collection. You can imagine my shock when I heard “that will be £764 please….” After speaking to others about this I was told the price was extortionate and having looked on Halfords own website at the cost of a timing belt for my car it showed it to be just £103.99. I went into the centre to request a breakdown on the cost and why I was charged the amount that I had. I was told that yes the belt and kit wasn’t expensive however as standard Halfords charge £400+ for 4.5 hours labour. When I said I had the calls to confirm the labour only took 2.5 hours I was informed that regardless Halfords charge 4.5 hours labour (make that make sense/fair). They then got the person I spoke with over the phone to speak with me. He never denied telling me it would only cost £175 and agreed he said I wouldn’t be charged labour but then added that I was still charged labour for the drive belt and perhaps I was confused by his ‘accent’ (He didn’t have one.) I do feel like maybe as a young female they thought they could get away with ripping me off. Fortunately I work in vehicle logistics and refurb and have a relative whose a retired mechanic who confirmed I was right to question the cost. My advice to a prospective customer would be do not use Halfords for your car repairs and shop around for prices.

Unfortunately I recently had my catalytic converter stolen, the thevies made a terrible mess under my car, which ment I needed not only a new cat, but extra exhaust and new sensors.. Halfords were amazing as usual, kept informed throughout the repair prosses. It was quite an expensive repair, but my car is back on the road and with all the new parts and a diagnostic, I'm actually getting better miles to the gallon (48.5mpg and 43.1mpg before) I'd Especially like too thank - Charlie, Frank, Tom & James and the rest of the team. An amazing experience, Highly Recommended. They are even on occasions able to offer customers a lift home, using their electric VW Eup & have a dedicated driver - what an awesome place..

Neil undertook my MOT and sorted out a minor issue. Thanks Neil. His colleague discussed tyres with me-thanks for the information and another colleague remembered my car servicing a few months back. Thanks for the good customer service

Already had a tyre order booked at another Halfords auto centre, had a blow out and recovered it to Colchester and they went above and beyond my expectations. Order and tyres were transferred to Colchester and fitted asap no problem. Special mention to the man on reception from initial visit on a Sunday who done all he could to take care of my mum and the car. It really does pay for good customer care.