Elvins Garage, Poringland

Super service and friendly staff. I would highly recommend this garage, as they have excellent knowledge in older and newer vehicles alike.

This is my local garage. We used to use this garage when we first moved to the local area about 7-8 years ago but repeatedly found ourselves taking the car back for the same fault. We returned the car once four times for the same fault and they would charge again for the work each time. I now use a garage near where I work and have had no issues. Out of necessity I had to use the again recently and they still seem incapable of actually fixing anything.

My friend recommended this garage to me and I will be recommending them myself. My car was in for an MOT, I was told to take it in early and expect it back at 5pm unless they phoned. They phoned in the morning to tell me it had failed, they quoted me a reasonable price and told me it would be ready later. They then phoned around 3pm and said it was done, it actually turned out a little cheaper as one of the mechanics had managed to repair instead of replace (always a pleasure!!). Everyone was helpful and clear with their information. I hope I will not have to use them till my next MOT but if I do, I will not hesitate.

I phoned the day before to see if I could pop my car in for tracking (as is usual) but was told I'd have to book it in for the next day. I then had to give masses of info about myself and the car to someone who spoke so fast I couldn't always understand him. I then asked for a price and was told I couldn't have one, I get a price after the job was done! Now normally I would have said "No" but it was badly needing to be done and I had a really busy week so just went along with it. I dropped it off at 8am and was told I'd get a call to pick it up. They rang at 4pm!! 8 hours for tracking?! I then asked for the price and was told £45! I was so shocked as it's normally £30 for this very quick and easy job (My family have owned a tyre business for over 30 years so I KNOW) she then said "Oh sorry it's £54 as it's plus vat!! Flipping £54 for a tiny job where you keep my car ALL DAY??!! She was so unbothered too, what a rubbish attitude. I'll NEVER use them again and would warn anyone else not to. Typical of a village, they have a captive audience so do what they like.

Have used Elvin's since moving to the area in 2006, I have found them to be the most helpful and reliable garage I have had the pleasure of dealing with. Always prepared to help above and beyond whenever possible. I would 100% recommend Elvin's regardless of type of repair including bodywork.

Friday, 3pm, discovered my son's car's MOT had expired and we were to leave on holiday the next day, Saturday. Rang Elvins who said, without hesitation, that they would MOT the car 8am on the Saturday. They did so and charged only standard test fee. Really accommodating and pleasant.