The MotoMech

Vehicle Went In For an Oil Change– Came back Ruined

Please note that this review relates specifically to The MotorMech Kimberley. I understand that correspondence and contact details associated with A1 Tommies Services and Repairs have been used during my interactions regarding this matter. As I am unsure of the exact business relationship between the two entities, I am mentioning both names to avoid any confusion. On 20 December 2024, I took my Audi A3 to The MotorMech Kimberley (A1 Tommies services and Repairs) for a routine oil service. I drove the vehicle to the workshop myself. Before handing over the keys, I specifically pointed out that the vehicle was running normally, had just reached 203,000 km, and was showing no smoke, unusual noises, or warning signs. I instructed that only the oil service be carried out. Later that day, I received a call from the technician asking about spark plugs on my vehicle. This immediately concerned me because my vehicle is a diesel and does not have spark plugs. I had to confirm that they were in fact working on the correct vehicle. When I returned to collect my vehicle later that afternoon, I found it standing with the bonnet open, partially inside the workshop and partially in the street. I was informed that it would not start. When the vehicle was eventually started, it produced excessive white smoke, loud knocking noises, and oil poured from the exhaust. The vehicle was clearly not in the same condition as when it had been handed over. The explanation provided was that the vehicle had suffered oil starvation and a damaged turbo. However, despite repeated requests, I was never provided with the supporting diagnostic reports, fault reports, or documentation that would substantiate this conclusion. My vehicle remained with the workshop for approximately six months. During this period, a warranty claim was submitted, and I experienced ongoing delays, conflicting explanations, and difficulty obtaining documentation relating to the repairs. When the vehicle was eventually returned to me, it remained excessively noisy and did not sound mechanically healthy. I returned it to the workshop on multiple occasions and repeatedly raised concerns with the dealer, the warranty provider, and MIOSA, where I lodged a complaint in February 2025. More than a year later, I am still awaiting feedback and resolution of that complaint. In February 2026, the vehicle suffered another major breakdown. A new explanation was then provided, alleging driver error. I disputed this explanation and continued pursuing the matter. Following my ongoing complaints, the warranty provider appointed an independent assessor to inspect the vehicle in May 2026. According to the assessment report, the previously suggested causes of the failure were not supported, and concerns were identified regarding work carried out during the previous repairs. To date, responsibility for the breakdown remains disputed. The matter is still ongoing. I remain without a working vehicle and continue to make finance payments on a vehicle that is not operational. My purpose in posting this review is to share my experience and to encourage vehicle owners to ensure that all work carried out on their vehicles is properly documented and authorised, and to keep detailed records of all communication should a dispute arise. Nb: The one-star rating has been selected only because the platform requires a rating in order to submit a review. If a zero-star option were available, I would have selected that based on my experience.