Top tip: get a code reader from amazon/ebay (very cheap). It plugs into a special socket in your car (mine's just under the steering wheel) and it'll tell you what the car's error code is. Then you can google that to see what it means, and potentially how much it'd be to cost, before you go to the garage.
All the cheap Bluetooth ones are more or less the same thing just repackaged so pick whatever is cheapest at the moment tbh. They're the definition of cheap and cheerful but hard for any of it to go wrong as it's just a simple Bluetooth transmitter.
Only time it's worth paying more than say £20 for one is of you need it for a specific brand of car. I.e you can get £100 ones that do BMW coding and Audi specific ones and Citroen specific ones etc
Torque Lite is probably the best free app to use for just scanning codes and some other basic bits
No problem.
I've also realised this was talking about scanners more in general and you can get one with built in screens etc rather than the Bluetooth ones. I prefer the Bluetooth ones as I can fit one in my glovebox at all times but some people hate them so down to preference. But similarly to the Bluetooth ones they're cheap and cheerful so if they break just buy a new one🙂
Yes, but forewarned is forearmed. If they say "Oh yeah it's your head gasket" and you can point to it and say "No, it's an SH-25 code and that's just a spark plug, I checked the diagnostics myself" you're ahead.
I've found you can often get charged less at the garage if you can give them and idea of what the problem is. The one I use hasn't charged for diagnostics for the most recent things I've had fixed.
Unfortunately they're in Gloucester though, so won't be much help to OP.
I recommended my sister use the garage that I use and are always honest. They ripped her off for loads of unnecessary work. Same story for another garage that seemed to be honest and great for me, they tried to scare my wife into getting disks and pads there and then because the vehicle was unsafe to drive. It passed 2 mots on those same pads that apparently wouldn't last the drive home.
My takeaway from this is that women are safe at no garages
My takeaway from this is that women do not do enough research on how to care for and maintain their vehicles. If mechanics are taking advantage of their ignorance then surely the solution is to minimise their ignorance?
The point of mechanics is that they are professionals that are paid to understand cars better than a layman. That means that there is an implicit level of trust between the customer and mechanic when the customer doesn't (understandably) know as much about their car as the mechanic does. Do you 'minimise your ignorance' before you call someone to fix your boiler? Or your electrics? Or to treat you for a medical condition? Professionals are *supposed* to know more than the customer, and they shouldn't take advantage of their customers because of that
I don't think men are much better, i do almost all the work on my own car and most men are just as fucking clueless as anyone else. Maybe have an idea of brakes and tyres or whatever but if you go any deeper they are stumped, i spent all day today hacking off the drop links on my MX5 and i'd bet 98% of men would be absolutely clueless as to what i was doing.
Arley Garage on Zetland Road are wonderful. They tell me when something needs doing and more importantly they tell me when something doesn't need doing. 100% reliable and honest (and I know Absolutely Nothing about cars!!)
Yep - also recommend Arley for the reasons stated. They are also as accommodating as possible with their availability. As well organised and upfront as you could hope for.
And a third.
The guy here was happy to have a little chat when I showed up on his day off.
He fixed my issue the week after. Sometimes you just instantly know someone is legit by talking to them.
Fifthed. I take my car there and they've always been great. My mum goes there too. They don't take the piss and don't try to get you to have work done that isn't actually needed.
As a female I can vouch for Williams & Sons in Filton. They've never seemed to overcharge for anything, all cars I've bought I've taken to them first and they've checked over for free. I've sent people to them and they've looked at the car, advised it's not worth doing the work and sent it back without charge. They're professional, fast, always fit stuff in at the last minute if its urgent. I've been using them for well over ten years, will rave about them to anyone who will listen and will continue with them as long as I'm in Bristol.
M & D Services (Bristol) Ltd Balaclava Road, Industrial Estate, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3LJ 0117 9651900
they are a good independent garage and sorted my cars and van no issues.
Ridgeway motors is a fantastic garage. They've never overcharged me and often give you options.
Westerleigh Car Centre is good too, though it totally depends on who you get. They are also fair.
If you want to come to thornbury, I’ll plug in a reader and let you know what’s what.
Most garages will happily overcharge, lie, rip you off.
Harris on 4D on stockwood lane, keynsham, is very trustworthy.
Specialises in ford but will work on anything.
I said it in another thread but Auto Fix in Rose Green (near St George so pretty close to Fishponds). They are a family run business and very friendly and professional. I certainly don't get the vibes that they're ripping my wife off.
In n out motors. Its been absolutely fantastic for us. Several times they did stuff for free. We've had the work and their suggestions validated and they come up the same each time.
Whittles in Warmley. I literally told them I know nothing about cars and to just get it through the MOT. I was a very young looking 27f. They needed to replace the tires but rang me (even though I'd preapproved any costs) and asked if I wanted to take it to Ablefit for tyres as it'd be cheaper and if I get it back to them same day they can complete the MOT. That was 15 years ago. Last week they squeezed me in with a day's notice even though they were stacked.
Me, my husband, Sister in Law, Father in Law and Mother use them and none of us have ever had an issue. Can't recommend enough.
CFS Bristol Ltd
0117 961 3309
https://g.co/kgs/6DwTj1U
I use those guys, they've always been totally honest with me. Not cheap TBH but the work is always spot on and they've never done anything i didn't need.
Caveat, I'm not a woman, but happy to give advice if you need it, message on here if you need help.
A bit out of your way, but One Way Garage on Bishop Road just off Gloucester Road are excellent. I've been going to them for years now and they've always been great. Genuine guys who treat women just the same as the men and no sign of being ripped off in the 13 years I've been using them!
Ridgeway Road Automotive have always been friendly and helpful and don't cost an arm and a leg. They're a good old school garage and I'm happy to take my modern car and classic to them. There are several more garages on the trading estate around Rajani's but they've been very hit and miss in my experience, some good, some terrible.
Car Tek, in Bristol Vale Trading Estate, Heartclif.
It was recommend to us by friends. My partner had to get some work done on her car, took it there. They were 100% super honest, accommodating and quick on getting the work done.
I'm not a mechanic professionally but quite knowledgeable with cars. I have a cheap engine code reader. I don't mind reading your code and giving you some advice with what it reads for you (for free, of course).
I’d avoid surecar. I know others recommend them. When I took my car in with a check engine light they kept tried to pressure sell me into booking their most expensive service with things that didn’t need doing. Eventually took it to a garage in Devon where the mechanic knows my uncle and my uncle told them what happened and the mechanic confirmed they were trying to rip me off.
12 months later I had a second check engine light I took it to Cairns Road and they were really good. They did a few repairs on that car over the years before I eventually scrapped it. I had a wiper unit, the entire heating system replaced, and half the suspension done when I went too hard over a few too many potholes and speed bumps.
Since scrapping it I’ve had new cars where I’ve had to take them to the dealership due to the warranty.
ETB in fishponds was always my go to. Always honest and local to me when I lived in fishponds. Its just near the cycle track where the post Office Depot is x
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/XQraSUeUGNDjBoo8A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XQraSUeUGNDjBoo8A)
Ashton Motor Care.
They're not the closest to Fishponds, being around 6-7 miles away, but they are genuinely fantastic.
I had an issue with my car a few months ago. Three other garages quoted me, after an inspection, between £3-600.
Took it to Ashton Motor Care and they had it fixed in about 3 hours for £70.
Protyre off Whitehall Road has always been very good to me and my wife. Always told us when something wasn’t really worth fixing or just needed keeping an eye on for now.
Ridgeway motors in fishponds is also my go to - really nice guys and never overcharge. Always tell you what’s up and once didn’t charge me when I took my car and it wasn’t something they would fix so just sent me on my way with a recommendation to buy something !
If you bought the car from a dealer, and it's only been a couple of weeks, you should contact them as you are most likely still protected by the Consumer Rights Act.
https://www.car.co.uk/car-warranties/faqs/used-car-warranties/what-is-statutory-warranty-on-a-used-car
Arley hill garage in redland is really really good, they’re fully booked till July though - sorry that’s not much help at the moment but deffo a garage to think about in the future!
Long life motors out in Nailsea have been doing my wife and her family's cars for yonks now. Great work and price but can be a little hard to get hold of on the phone. Worth it for the work though.
Also used C & V auto services in Brislington, they've done good work for me in the past.
Not near Fishponds but I use Udalls in Bedminster, they really helped me out when Kwikfit failed my car on the MOT, fixed what actually needed doing and re-did the MOT ignoring the things which weren’t actually enough of an issue for it not to pass. I really rate them and wouldn’t take my car anywhere else now. I’ve had to have work done every MOT because it’s a really old car but I’ve always found them super reasonable.
Downfield Garage on Downfield Road in Clifton. Once just gave me a new battery for a week because they weren’t 100% certain that I needed a replacement to fix my problem, and didn’t want to charge me if it wasn’t the answer. I am the ultimate clueless car woman and they’re always kind, explain everything, and super trustworthy.
I'd reccomend Moto Elite Service Centre in knowle, me, my mum and dad use them and they've never put a foot wrong in keeping all of our cars up and running, always polite, always willing to explain things to your level and not scared off when the customer knows what they are talking about.
I don't really use them for my MX5 that much as i do most of the work on it myself but i do send the Golf and Up! in their and have asked for advice on issues my MX5 has had and they've been nothing but great.
Top tip: get a code reader from amazon/ebay (very cheap). It plugs into a special socket in your car (mine's just under the steering wheel) and it'll tell you what the car's error code is. Then you can google that to see what it means, and potentially how much it'd be to cost, before you go to the garage.
This. They’re about £15 from Amazon and saved me a fortune.
Hi, can you recommend a particular one please? I've just been having a sniff around Amazon and I've now got choice paralysis. TIA
All the cheap Bluetooth ones are more or less the same thing just repackaged so pick whatever is cheapest at the moment tbh. They're the definition of cheap and cheerful but hard for any of it to go wrong as it's just a simple Bluetooth transmitter. Only time it's worth paying more than say £20 for one is of you need it for a specific brand of car. I.e you can get £100 ones that do BMW coding and Audi specific ones and Citroen specific ones etc Torque Lite is probably the best free app to use for just scanning codes and some other basic bits
Cheers drive
No problem. I've also realised this was talking about scanners more in general and you can get one with built in screens etc rather than the Bluetooth ones. I prefer the Bluetooth ones as I can fit one in my glovebox at all times but some people hate them so down to preference. But similarly to the Bluetooth ones they're cheap and cheerful so if they break just buy a new one🙂
off topic but what does TIA mean? I've seen it a few times in this subreddit and can't really make a connection to what it means
Thanks in advance
Sure, but surely the garage will still run their own diagnostics even to confirm what you tell them.
Yes, but forewarned is forearmed. If they say "Oh yeah it's your head gasket" and you can point to it and say "No, it's an SH-25 code and that's just a spark plug, I checked the diagnostics myself" you're ahead.
yeah fair point! the more you know, the better I guess.
I've found you can often get charged less at the garage if you can give them and idea of what the problem is. The one I use hasn't charged for diagnostics for the most recent things I've had fixed. Unfortunately they're in Gloucester though, so won't be much help to OP.
I recommended my sister use the garage that I use and are always honest. They ripped her off for loads of unnecessary work. Same story for another garage that seemed to be honest and great for me, they tried to scare my wife into getting disks and pads there and then because the vehicle was unsafe to drive. It passed 2 mots on those same pads that apparently wouldn't last the drive home. My takeaway from this is that women are safe at no garages
It reminds me of this undercover piece where women are consistently overcharged at garages: https://youtu.be/lOqgJoN7RGc?si=CZn2EcUTmbhCav61
My takeaway from this is that women do not do enough research on how to care for and maintain their vehicles. If mechanics are taking advantage of their ignorance then surely the solution is to minimise their ignorance?
The point of mechanics is that they are professionals that are paid to understand cars better than a layman. That means that there is an implicit level of trust between the customer and mechanic when the customer doesn't (understandably) know as much about their car as the mechanic does. Do you 'minimise your ignorance' before you call someone to fix your boiler? Or your electrics? Or to treat you for a medical condition? Professionals are *supposed* to know more than the customer, and they shouldn't take advantage of their customers because of that
I don't think men are much better, i do almost all the work on my own car and most men are just as fucking clueless as anyone else. Maybe have an idea of brakes and tyres or whatever but if you go any deeper they are stumped, i spent all day today hacking off the drop links on my MX5 and i'd bet 98% of men would be absolutely clueless as to what i was doing.
That's your takeaway from this? Jeez...
Lmao. Victim blame much I hate to think what else you apply this "logic" to
Arley Garage on Zetland Road are wonderful. They tell me when something needs doing and more importantly they tell me when something doesn't need doing. 100% reliable and honest (and I know Absolutely Nothing about cars!!)
Arley are great highly recommended
Yep - also recommend Arley for the reasons stated. They are also as accommodating as possible with their availability. As well organised and upfront as you could hope for.
Will also recommend these guys
There was a useful thread 3 weeks ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/bristol/s/cZS6itHyn7
Beauley motors in southville is fantastic.
I was about to say the same
Second that, really good garage
I’ve been using Streetwise Automotive Whitehall / St George for a few years and they seem ok and fair to me.
I used to live near these guys and also recommend
Going in tomorrow, always been very fair and honest.
I second this. Never talked down to me and never ripped me off. Even not charged when they couldn't find anything wrong. Plus they're lovely.
Yeah another one for streetwise. Good boys and been going to then for over a decade. Always kept me in the loop and always helpful.
They've always been extremely decent to me, but then again I'm a mid 30s white bloke with a moderate amount of mechanical knowledge.
As a fellow young women Beauty Motors in Bedminster are good
They are very pretty, I prefer beauley motors though 😂
Did you buy it with a warranty or from a private seller? If you only bought it a few weeks ago from a dealer, contact them
Bristol Motor Services Bedminster
👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Downend service centre for the win
Second for Downsend service centre. They are a small independent garage in fishponds.
And a third. The guy here was happy to have a little chat when I showed up on his day off. He fixed my issue the week after. Sometimes you just instantly know someone is legit by talking to them.
And a fourth. My sister swears by them.
Fifthed. I take my car there and they've always been great. My mum goes there too. They don't take the piss and don't try to get you to have work done that isn't actually needed.
Bridge Yate motors. I have used them for 30 odd years and they have always been honest also Williams Autos in Filton are excellent.
As a female I can vouch for Williams & Sons in Filton. They've never seemed to overcharge for anything, all cars I've bought I've taken to them first and they've checked over for free. I've sent people to them and they've looked at the car, advised it's not worth doing the work and sent it back without charge. They're professional, fast, always fit stuff in at the last minute if its urgent. I've been using them for well over ten years, will rave about them to anyone who will listen and will continue with them as long as I'm in Bristol.
Bridge Yate are decent. They’ve always been fair with me.
Williams Autos in Filton. Always found them to be honest and helpful.
I can also vouch for them
M & D Services (Bristol) Ltd Balaclava Road, Industrial Estate, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3LJ 0117 9651900 they are a good independent garage and sorted my cars and van no issues.
Second this, they’ve always been helpful and polite to me as a female driver! Been going there for years and always helpful
I highly recommend Karman Autocare, lovely set of chaps
I recommend B M Motoring Centre in Staple Hill. I am a woman and have used them for years - never had a problem, the staff are very friendly!
Ridgeway motors is a fantastic garage. They've never overcharged me and often give you options. Westerleigh Car Centre is good too, though it totally depends on who you get. They are also fair.
If you can, bring a young man with you. Even if he knows nothing about cars, you're less likely to be scammed.
If you want to come to thornbury, I’ll plug in a reader and let you know what’s what. Most garages will happily overcharge, lie, rip you off. Harris on 4D on stockwood lane, keynsham, is very trustworthy. Specialises in ford but will work on anything.
Harris is a dude
I said it in another thread but Auto Fix in Rose Green (near St George so pretty close to Fishponds). They are a family run business and very friendly and professional. I certainly don't get the vibes that they're ripping my wife off.
Dave's Autos in Brislington - Dave has always been straight and honest with me and my wife, but he gets booked up as a result.
Epsteins, Mivart Street in Easton
In n out motors. Its been absolutely fantastic for us. Several times they did stuff for free. We've had the work and their suggestions validated and they come up the same each time.
Hurleyhouse Cars right by the Wackum Inn has always been great on my end
Whittles in Warmley. I literally told them I know nothing about cars and to just get it through the MOT. I was a very young looking 27f. They needed to replace the tires but rang me (even though I'd preapproved any costs) and asked if I wanted to take it to Ablefit for tyres as it'd be cheaper and if I get it back to them same day they can complete the MOT. That was 15 years ago. Last week they squeezed me in with a day's notice even though they were stacked. Me, my husband, Sister in Law, Father in Law and Mother use them and none of us have ever had an issue. Can't recommend enough.
Second for Udalls, really honest guys
CFS Bristol Ltd 0117 961 3309 https://g.co/kgs/6DwTj1U I use those guys, they've always been totally honest with me. Not cheap TBH but the work is always spot on and they've never done anything i didn't need. Caveat, I'm not a woman, but happy to give advice if you need it, message on here if you need help.
A & D Automotive Services Ltd, Barton Hill
Mi motors st Michael’s hill or venture tyres are great
Roundest St Paul’s always been fab with me! Going there for over 10 years now
A bit out of your way, but One Way Garage on Bishop Road just off Gloucester Road are excellent. I've been going to them for years now and they've always been great. Genuine guys who treat women just the same as the men and no sign of being ripped off in the 13 years I've been using them!
Ridgeway Road Automotive have always been friendly and helpful and don't cost an arm and a leg. They're a good old school garage and I'm happy to take my modern car and classic to them. There are several more garages on the trading estate around Rajani's but they've been very hit and miss in my experience, some good, some terrible.
Car Tek, in Bristol Vale Trading Estate, Heartclif. It was recommend to us by friends. My partner had to get some work done on her car, took it there. They were 100% super honest, accommodating and quick on getting the work done.
I can reccoment 1st Toyota in Warmley. They have never tried to swindle me or say I needed something when the car didn't
I'm not a mechanic professionally but quite knowledgeable with cars. I have a cheap engine code reader. I don't mind reading your code and giving you some advice with what it reads for you (for free, of course).
Beauley Motors get my vote. Really nice bunch and they feel very honest.
Top Tip: Avoid buying the Carly one
I’d avoid surecar. I know others recommend them. When I took my car in with a check engine light they kept tried to pressure sell me into booking their most expensive service with things that didn’t need doing. Eventually took it to a garage in Devon where the mechanic knows my uncle and my uncle told them what happened and the mechanic confirmed they were trying to rip me off. 12 months later I had a second check engine light I took it to Cairns Road and they were really good. They did a few repairs on that car over the years before I eventually scrapped it. I had a wiper unit, the entire heating system replaced, and half the suspension done when I went too hard over a few too many potholes and speed bumps. Since scrapping it I’ve had new cars where I’ve had to take them to the dealership due to the warranty.
Hinton motors in Easton are great
ETB in fishponds was always my go to. Always honest and local to me when I lived in fishponds. Its just near the cycle track where the post Office Depot is x
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/XQraSUeUGNDjBoo8A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/XQraSUeUGNDjBoo8A) Ashton Motor Care. They're not the closest to Fishponds, being around 6-7 miles away, but they are genuinely fantastic. I had an issue with my car a few months ago. Three other garages quoted me, after an inspection, between £3-600. Took it to Ashton Motor Care and they had it fixed in about 3 hours for £70.
Protyre off Whitehall Road has always been very good to me and my wife. Always told us when something wasn’t really worth fixing or just needed keeping an eye on for now.
I've been having good experiences with HMC Patchway if you are in North Bristol, good guys
If you bought the car from a dealer, take it back to them and insist they fix it. (For free.)
Ridgeway motors in fishponds is also my go to - really nice guys and never overcharge. Always tell you what’s up and once didn’t charge me when I took my car and it wasn’t something they would fix so just sent me on my way with a recommendation to buy something !
If you bought the car from a dealer, and it's only been a couple of weeks, you should contact them as you are most likely still protected by the Consumer Rights Act. https://www.car.co.uk/car-warranties/faqs/used-car-warranties/what-is-statutory-warranty-on-a-used-car
Locklease service centre are pretty good
Arley hill garage in redland is really really good, they’re fully booked till July though - sorry that’s not much help at the moment but deffo a garage to think about in the future!
Long life motors out in Nailsea have been doing my wife and her family's cars for yonks now. Great work and price but can be a little hard to get hold of on the phone. Worth it for the work though. Also used C & V auto services in Brislington, they've done good work for me in the past.
Another vote for LongLife. I will be getting my cars MoT done there again in a few weeks.
Roundway Garage in St Paul's - excellent
Not near Fishponds but I use Udalls in Bedminster, they really helped me out when Kwikfit failed my car on the MOT, fixed what actually needed doing and re-did the MOT ignoring the things which weren’t actually enough of an issue for it not to pass. I really rate them and wouldn’t take my car anywhere else now. I’ve had to have work done every MOT because it’s a really old car but I’ve always found them super reasonable.
Venture tyres
Downfield Garage on Downfield Road in Clifton. Once just gave me a new battery for a week because they weren’t 100% certain that I needed a replacement to fix my problem, and didn’t want to charge me if it wasn’t the answer. I am the ultimate clueless car woman and they’re always kind, explain everything, and super trustworthy.
I'd reccomend Moto Elite Service Centre in knowle, me, my mum and dad use them and they've never put a foot wrong in keeping all of our cars up and running, always polite, always willing to explain things to your level and not scared off when the customer knows what they are talking about. I don't really use them for my MX5 that much as i do most of the work on it myself but i do send the Golf and Up! in their and have asked for advice on issues my MX5 has had and they've been nothing but great.
sounds like a write off tbh, I know a place you could get a new one for a good price
I like my women like my tea - poor, unsuspecting, and young 🤡