Formula One Autocentres - Chichester Anmeldelser 

I booked my Skoda in for a timing chain replacement. After dropping the car off for the day, I was told the job couldn't be done because they didn't have the specialized VAG engine locking tools required for the engine.

My main issue is, if you knew the make and model of the car and didn't have the basic tools required for the job, why did you take the booking and begin working on it in the first place? It wasted an entire day, caused unnecessary stress, and left me scrambling for alternatives. While I appreciate that I wasn't charged, basic preparation and checking tool availability before taking a customer's car should be standard procedure. Would not recommend for specialized mechanical work.

I took my perfectly running Ford Fiesta (under 39,000 miles) to Formula1 Autocentres in Chichester for an MOT and service. They called claiming it suddenly needed £426 of extra work, including indicators, alignment, and new wheel bearings. Trusting them, I paid £703 in total. It has been a dangerous nightmare ever since.

When I picked it up, the boot carpet was ripped up and left in pieces. When I pointed this out, the garage cheekily implied that I had done it myself. More alarmingly, the car immediately began making a loud front-end whirring noise, clanking severely over bumps, and pulling to the left. When I found a random spare bolt left inside my door pocket, I knew they had left critical components loose. I took it back, but F1 dismissed the safety risks, claiming nothing was wrong and dismissing the new whirring noise as an "unfortunate coincidence."

Because the clanking and pulling grew so bad the car felt unsafe to drive, I took it to an independent garage. They put the car on a ramp, spun the wheel, and proved the front end was a total mess. Crucially, the mechanic guaranteed that the wheel bearings F1 charged me nearly £100 for were NEVER actually changed.

F1 Chichester took £703 to scam me and leave my car in a dangerous, borderline undriveable state. I am taking the car to a second garage to solidify the independent evidence, and I will be pursuing formal legal action and compensation. They are completely dishonest and incompetent—avoid them for your own safety.

Awful. My daughter took car in fir 2 front tyres and left with tyre pressure light on
They refused to remedy the problem so zero stars from me.

Took car for MOT and service, picked up vehicle and took home and parked on drive. My wife noticed spots of oil forming, so we parked at a different angle, more large spots of oil appeared, took back to garage, after inspection and a tighten up of the sump plug, I was told it was 'a bit loose', no apology was given. So I now have some large spots of oil on my drive. Avoid.

What a breath of fresh air!
From the willingness to investigate work on my daughters car that had not been booked in, through to getting the job done is super quick time, this business is on top of customer service that would shame many franchised Aftersales operations.

Great value and excellent service, not least at very short notice following my referral to and arrival shortly prior to closing on Sunday afternoon after my neighbour had used his jump leads to start my wife's car, which I had to keep running in order to get to the Chichester F1 Autocentre.
Work carried out and completed on the Monday morning by 11.00am (as stated), including a free diagnostic check (quoted at £180 by main dealership) and inclusive fitting.
Thank you Mendi, Bardia and your team - brilliant.

The car was booked in quickly and efficiently for a service. The mechanics identified a potential problem with the front brakes. When I was called about this I was pressured by the caller to immediately commit to the work being done, even though the car was safe to drive. (It had had an MOT 2 weeks before with no advisories and no mention of the brakes.) When I said this the caller became pushy, talking over me with the message that I didn't know what I was talking about. It was unnecessary and unhelpful. The service was done quickly at a very good price.

Took my car in for MOT. Customer service was great. I was running early and they did it straight away. Pleasant service. No problems.

Called in on the off chance to see if they could squeeze me in on Sunday @ 1045 for an Aircon clean and top up.
Spoke to the friendly manager who advised yes no problem, "leave it here once I've finished this car I'll get straight onto yours". I gave my registration details and he could see I been checking them out but never actually booked online, I was told I would still get the discount and duly left my keys after being advised it would be between 1-2 hours.
I replied I'd be back in an hour or so as it was quite hot outside too hot for my dogs to be that long ,again I was told no problem we have a waiting room your welcome to sit in their if were not ready.
I returned literally 70 mins later, my car sat out front ready, greeted with a smile and asked how I was paying.
I've never been to an F1autocentre before but will definitely be back.
Top class service efficient ,polite and not expensive
Cant recommended them enough

Took a loose wheel flat in for repair /replacement. Went to pick up about ¾ hour before closing next day. All ready to be collected so great. Asked if they could just 'pop' it on the car for me. (not exactly looking busy!) Granted I hadn't booked a slot, but with their set up and experience this is a sub 2 minute job. It only took me 5 minutes using the car's own scissor jack and socket bar. But seriously, was it really such a difficult and unusual request? It's the difference between a 5 star review and not returning with other business. The price was a fitted price.
UPDATE: Further to this I am pleased to say F1 responded inviting me to 'give them a chance to turn my experience around'. Sadly the number provided was the standard customer service number. This took me to a series of options which didn't really offer what I needed. The problem is companies assume they can 'buy' you. That you 'want' something. Truthfully I am not wanting anything other than for anyone who might read to be offered a level of service I had hoped for. Treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself. It's simple.

5/5 would recommend. Quick to find the problem and quick to find a solution. Super helpful staff.

Easy booking system, friendly staff, quick turnaround

I had booked an MOT online. Since the site is very near the city centre, I took advantage to walk there. Just 40 mins later, I was called to be told my car was ready. The paperwork had been printed so no need to hang around. Excellent service, courteous, efficient.

I have taken both cars for their MOT - very friendly team - all completed in time frame

Friendly staff fast service and well looked after

Car booked for MOT and service. Had to stay at centre as no other transport. They were very professional and did a great job. Only complaints, were that there was no where to get a drink and waiting room no heating. Although everything else was great

I had an excellent experience at Formula One Autocentres! The team was professional, efficient, and genuinely helpful. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was in good hands. They provided clear explanations about the work needed, and there were no hidden surprises or upsells. The service was completed promptly, and the quality was top-notch. The pricing was also very reasonable, which was a pleasant bonus. I’ll definitely be returning for future car maintenance and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and honest service!

Shockingly abysmal service!
Kinda interesting that there's no opportunity to leave a review on their own site...
I booked my car in online for Sat 16 Nov, on the RAC free MOT scheme. Dropped car off night before as was away. Missed a couple of calls on the Sat but wasn't around & assumed it was a call that car was ready.
When I managed to get hold of them on the Monday it turns out I wasn't booked in, my car hadn't been looked at and 'they don't do that anymore'. I reluctantly booked a paid for MOT as I was away with work. I was given a date a week away. 2 days later I get a call to say it's failed on multiple counts. Again, I explain I'm away and please leave a message. It appears no-one is capable of this. I'm at an exhibition and have to keep trying to get an opportunity for a call. I eventually speak to someone (a week after my original booking) and am quoted £350! The guy actually called me 'miss'! Like some kinda 1950's throwback. Would be hilarious if not so patronising and thoughtless. Guy hadn't even bothered to remember or even note my name.
Generally, just rude, and possibly sexist - 'miss'!!?
Also, are all the staff there 70 and unable to use modern tech? Like their own booking system, and voicemail?
In short, I booked in, was blocked. No-one able to leave a message. A week later I remove my car because actually, if I do need to pay that kinda money I'd rather pay it to a garage I trust who can actually be bothered to remember my name. Wtf?!! In 2024 what kinda guy calls an adult female (I'm 57!!!) 'miss'? Just rude.
To be fair though, observing the guy at reception, he'd probably call any male 'mate'. I didn't get a vibe of any interest or engagement at all.
It was shocking. I'm fairly sure there was a lot of unneccessary delay in the hopes I'd just deal.
I would give zero stars if that was an option.
If you're female - avoid!!

Booked a slot for battery fitting through FixmyCar after buying a new battery. Quote from Formula One was stupidly cheap (£20)but I though I would give it a shot . On arrival I was immediately told £20 was not a goer because "my Reg No was French" and system did not detect it . True -I booked as a standard 2016 Peugeot 5008. Was told it would be at least £120 !! Clearly Formula One are trying to bid low just to get people in and hope that a proportion will pay-up. Sharp practice . Not me -I have a much lower quote at £40.

I've not always had a great experiene with Formula one, but today was entirely different. I walked into the office and was met with a warm smile and someone who put me at ease. Mehdi's customer service was excellent, I'll be back to book my cars in for their mots again now.