Formula One Autocentres - Redditch Recensioni 

Although good value for money, we had a full service and the centfe in Redditch lost the locking wheel nut. When we went back to the branch they had a box of locking wheel nuts that they had accumulated but none fitted. When i asked them what they would do about it i was told to get it removed, they would not pay and it was just one of those things! The chap who did the service was apparently not there and not answering the phone.
Terrible service

Had MOT failed of a few items booked the car in for the repair right there n then but something felt off with the explanation of why it failed but everything felt perfect while driving so decided to get a 2nd opinion was told nothing was wrong with the things that had failed so then decided I need to make sure and went to a 3rd place and asked them and they also said there's absolutely no reason for the fails and suspect F1 of failing it deliberately just for a the job as it's a usual scam from MOT testing garages so I went back in and cancelled the booking for the repair work and booked a MOT at another garage I would avoid this place at all costs and will be making sure everyone I know knows they aren't to be trusted this place should be shut down.
Also I will be reporting to DVSA they shouldn't be doing MOTs if they are going to lie and cheat people out of money.

Formula One Redditch
PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL — PARTICULARLY IF YOU’RE A WOMAN TAKING YOUR CAR HERE
I took my BMW to Formula One Redditch on 16 September 2026 for an MOT and was shocked when it was failed with a huge list of supposed “major defects”, including multiple suspension bushes/arms, all four shock absorbers, and a seat belt issue.
What makes this even more concerning is that my BMW had a health check at BMW only around three months ago, and the findings from that inspection did not remotely reflect the list of serious defects I was presented with by Formula One.
I have now had the car independently checked again today, 17 September 2026, specifically because I was so concerned about the MOT failure.
The second opinion is consistent with what BMW had previously identified: the only issue found was a very small leak on one rear shock absorber, and this was considered an advisory — NOT a major defect requiring the car to be failed.
So I am left asking how Formula One could have failed the car for supposedly having negligible damping from four shock absorbers and excessive wear to multiple suspension arms/bushes, when a subsequent independent inspection has not supported those claims.
The MOT certificate makes for very concerning reading, particularly when you compare it with what has actually been found by other professionals.
When you take your car for an MOT, you are putting your trust in the garage. Most people — myself included — aren't qualified mechanics and have to rely on what we're told. Being presented with a long list of supposedly dangerous defects can understandably make you feel pressured into paying for potentially expensive repairs.
My advice to anyone, and particularly women who may feel less confident challenging mechanical advice, is DO NOT automatically agree to expensive repairs following an MOT failure here. Get your car independently inspected and get a second opinion first.
In my case, I did exactly that, and the findings simply do not match the severity of what Formula One reported.
I am extremely unhappy with this experience and have lost confidence in this garage. I will also be keeping all of the MOT paperwork and the independent inspection results and considering taking the matter further through the appropriate channels.
Get a second opinion. Don't be pressured into authorising repairs until you have one.

REPLY*************
I am making a formal complaint about the way I was dealt with by the manager today.

I am extremely dissatisfied with the conversation I had, particularly because I was given advice that was completely incorrect and left me being told to take action that I am not actually able to take.

I explained the situation regarding the MOT and specifically told the manager that I could not report the MOT station to DVSA/VOSA because I have since had the vehicle MOT'd elsewhere. Despite me explaining this, I was repeatedly assured that I could still make such a report. I have since checked the position and established that this is not the case.

Quite frankly, I find it unacceptable that a manager dealing with a complaint concerning an MOT could give such definitive advice without knowing whether that advice was actually correct. If you are going to tell a customer that they can take a particular course of action, I expect that information to be accurate.

This has wasted my time and has added further frustration to an issue that I was already trying to resolve. I should not have to fact-check information given to me by a manager, particularly when I specifically raised the concern at the time and made it clear that I did not believe I could do what I was being told to do.

The conversation has left me with very little confidence that my complaint has been properly understood or taken seriously. I would therefore like this complaint formally recorded and escalated to someone who is actually able to deal with the matter properly.

I also expect an explanation as to why I was given incorrect information and what action will be taken to ensure customers are not given inaccurate advice in future.

Please do not simply refer me back to the same advice I was given today. I want a proper response addressing the points I have raised and, most importantly, the underlying issue that caused me to make the complaint in the first place.

At this stage, my experience has been extremely disappointing. I expected a manager to provide accurate information and a meaningful resolution, not send me down a route that I cannot actually pursue.

Great service very quick and helpful staff. Could not fault highly recommended, I would definitely return.

Booked mot in Redditch for 12.15 online in july. About 2 weeks before I had a call, from Redditch, and I spoke to them on the phone,they were asking if I could change it to 11am. No problem. I received emails confirming the booking and thanking me for the payment. The day before the mot I was sent a reminder. When I turned up I was told by the manager they weren't doing MOTs as the person was on holiday. He was very abrupt and just slouched on the counter. He kept insisting I hadn't made a booking and I should have confirmed it directly by phone. I showed him the emails showing the CONFIRMATION. He rudely asked me if I thought the mechanic shouldn't have a holiday. Of course I don't think that, I just wanted someone to tell me to rebook it. He wouldn't admit fault and just acted like he couldn't care less and continued to say I hadn't made a firm booking and it was my fault. Another man came out and saw all the emails confirming the booking and admitted I was right, but the manager kept insisting bizarrely I was at fault. He then said ' I suppose you want a refund' and rolled his eyes. If I hadn't made a booking why would he think I'd want a refund. He was just so rude from the minute I walked in. Before I'd even spoke, he didn't acknowledge me or smiled. He said next time I shouldn't book online and should phone them up. I said I wouldn't go back and he said ' please yourself'. He seemed to hate me before I'd even opened my mouth. I said I didn't like his can't be arsed attitude and he said 'fair enough'. All I wanted was a sorry, we should have rang you, but it was all this telling me I hadn't booked. It didn't make sense. Thank God the other man came out and agreed with me. A couple of years ago my partner turned up for an MOT, to be told they don't do MOTs on that day and never had. He had also booked online and they argued that he hadn't. He went home to test if it would let him book again for that day and he could. We can't be the only 2 turning up for MOTs on days they don't do them. He sent an email complaint but never heard back

Very strict MOT. I have had over 50 MOT.s done at Redditch over the years and always had a fair result, not always a pass! This last visit was with a car that I had sold and which still had 5 month's MOT on it, but I promised the new owner that I would give him a full 12 months MOT for his peace of mind. However, the new tester failed the car on a number of minor issues, such as number plate spacing/seat belt retraction and identified further advisories. I sent the car back to the marque specialist in Scotland, who thought that most items identified including a "mount failure and oil leak" were ridiculous and wrong. So, be wary of over zealous testing and I will never go there for MOT.s or tyres again. They will lose £1,000 per year from me and our 10 cars.

Booked in for 2 new tyres dropped keys said will check the tracking as tyres worn uneven , came back to collect tie car asked if the tracking was out and was told didnt have time to busy can you come back next week , what a shit service

SHOCKING DO NOT GO HERE. Customer service is disgraceful and the manager is so rude. As soon as they see a young person walk in they literally take advantage. My little brother took his car there today for MOT and informed him that it had failed (fair enough) needed new tyres, however they then added extra costs for things they didn't even ask my brother if he wanted them done they did them anyway which was extra £200 on top of other costs!!!! My little brother drove his car there obviously to have his MOT done, but they told him that he couldn't drive his car until he had the work completed so this scared him!!!!!! Made him feel like he had to have the work done by them. Went to go and pick the car up and checked the car over and they have hardly done anything to it!!! Also, they have charged for hour labour on the car, but when asked the staff said he was working on other cars whilst doing my brother's car so basically paid for hours labour for nothing!!! I would really advise not to go here especially if you are newly qualified driver and young!!!

Following on from my review this time last year expressing my dissatisfaction, which the management refused to address at the time. Virtually everything on last year's invoice has been highlighted on this year's mot (done elsewhere) as either an advisory or a fail, suggesting the work wasn't done to a satisfactory standard or maybe not even done at all.

Took my daughter's car in for an MOT, but it didn't make it to the garage. The alternator had packed in, with only a mile or so to go. I let F1 know we'd be late, as I tried to work out a way of getting the car to the garage. Within 20 minutes one of the mechanics turned up and managed to jump start the car off the dual carriageway and we got it to the autocentre. Within a few hours a new alternator was ordered and fitted and the car was back on the road with an MOT. The team at the autocentre were incredibly helpful and I couldn't thank them enough for helping us out of a very tricky situation.

Had a minor knock on my car so called to see if I could bring it into the centre to get it checked out.
The gentleman who answered the phone was polite and courteous and told me to bring it in so I took the car to him 15 minutes later.
Despite seeing how busy the staff were Ben called me less than 2 hours later with his findings! Great service!
I was very impressed and will definitely use the garage again.

Have just been to the Redditch branch, absolute brilliant service. All staff really helpful and friendly, quickly diagnosed the exhaust problem, had the back box delivered and fitted within the hour, thank you all for such a helpful and pleasant experience.

Really poor service from F1 Autocentre at Redditch. My son took his car into F1 Autocentre Redditch for a puncture repair, on checking the puncture couldn’t be repaired and a new tyre was need, I had gone with my son at this time and totally agreed that it was not repairable, the guys at F1 Autocentre Redditch said that the other rear tyre was near the legal limit which again I agreed with so we accepted that two new tyres were required, the guys at the centre had to order them so an appointment was arranged for my son to return to have a tyres changed. Upto this point I had no issues with the team and service received.

When my son returned a few days later I wasn’t able to accompany him, whilst there the garage told him he needed new rear brakes and they quoted just over £1,000 for the work and that it needed to be done right away as they were in a dangerous condition. They explained that the brakes were quite expensive because it was a special model. The car is a 1 series BMW with a 1.5 litre 3 cylinder engine, but they explained that as it was a Shadow Edition it had special brakes. They could however offer an interest-free credit facility; thankfully he declined.

I didn’t find out about this until the evening and I was shocked at the price the garage had charged, on reviewing the invoice they had charged £840 for the discs alone.

The following day I spoke to a BMW main dealer and asked for a quote for the same job and they quoted £534 for everything almost half the prices of F1 Autocentre.

I have spoken to the garage and they have denied that they took advantage of a young inexperienced driver. I asked to see the old parts but was told they had been scrapped already, the work had been completed at around 4pm on Thursday and I asked at midday on the Friday which seems a very quick turnaround.

I have also spoken the F1 Autocentre head office who were very helpful and put me in touch with the Area Manager, who I spoke to, he didn’t seem to care about the issue but said to claim under the Price Promise Guarantee which I have tried however emails are ignored.

Please beware and aways get a second opinion

I ordered the wrong tyre online. Took the car down the day before it was due to be changed as the staff agreed to change it a day early (which was good of them) and when I arrived I was politely advised I had bought the wrong tyre. They didn’t make a fuss that I’d made a mistake and refunded the money straight away. They helped me find a suitable tyre and fitted it quickly the next day. All the staff were polite, friendly and helpful. I couldn’t fault anything about the service. We live in a day and age when everyone is quick to complain and moan, but I really think the guys down at the Redditch store give a great service. I would go back again and highly recommend them.

Fantastic customer service. Booked my car in for break issues. Manager on reception was excellent with lots of knowledge and with one visit the problem is now resolved. Highly recommend will definitely use them again

I always took my car here but now would not trust them tried to charge me over £1000 for parts I didn't need in March 2025. Then while my son was waiting for his car to go for MOT my partner changed my wipers and paid £50 for them to clear the light on the dash then they did the MOT and failed it on the the new wipers and the light on the dash. The fact new wipers were put on and the fault code cleared at a cost of £50 they failed it on the MOT on these 2 things. Unbelievable

Full service costing £195 here 3 weeks ago and huge list of ‘issues’ to the sum of over £800, declined the work and they called me back twice in the next half hour to say they’ve found ‘cheaper parts’ and can do the work that day for £750 then £650. Declined again. Today has had MOT elsewhere, passed with no advisories. Would avoid at all costs - clearly out to just get money out of people.

EDIT

Following this review I was contacted by an area manager who “apologised” and asked me to take this review down if they sent me vouchers to the sum of £35 as an apology. 2 weeks later the vouchers arrived however I will not be removing my review as I feel people need an honest opinion of this garage. Money is tight for everyone right now, we don’t need to be taken advantage of and lied to for them to make money.

Why send vouchers if everything was correct and above board, admission of guilt?? Please, go elsewhere

Booked (two weeks ago) for replacement of 4 tyres to be replaced today.
Arrived early to be told "tyres not in stock", when we asked "why did you
not let us know" the response was a blasé "I was busy". Agent then proceeded
to offer (surprise, surprise) an alternative more expensive tyre brand could
be fitted "tomorrow". Of course it could.

Why is the customer so important as to NOT be updated in advance? What
shoddy, couldn't-care-less attitude. Don't waste your time with "Formula None"

Lewis and the team were exceptional helping me out when my valve broke and I had a flat tyre. They got me back on the road and then offered to fit the sensor back on once I had replaced from the retailer. Amazing service with a smile 😀

Nice and polite, very helpful, great communication and punctual as fk. Thank you 🙏