I recently had my BMW 1-Series serviced at a garage in Bangor, the follow up report suggested that…read morethe engine had " Excessive play in the timing change", although no symptoms or diagnostics supported this report. But this could be catastrophic, if the timing chain jumps on the cogs or the actually brakes while the engine is at high revs. The garage gave me an estimated cost to replace the chain to be over £500.00. I was obviously concerned, but because I had doubts about this report I decided to get a second opinion from Johnny at Scott's Garage. Johnny took the time to do a thorough inspection of the engine, run complete computer diagnostic report, and a test drive. His conclusion was the timing chain appears to be serviceable and of no concern at this time. Johnny a competent and experienced engineer, who at short notice gave me his valuable time and honest opinion. What more do you want from your garage? I will certainly be using Scott's Garage at Dundonald for all my car repairs and servicing requirements in the future. Thank you. John Dawber Bangor Co.Down.

I'm going to sound like a complete Daddy's girl today (which isn't too far wrong to be honest...),…read morebut my dad has been impressed with Johnathan Scott since going to him with car problems three or four years ago. And he's never looked back... Scott's Garage was initially based on the Ballyregan Road, which was handy enough for us being less than ten minutes down the road. My dad took both his car and my mum's for MOT prep, for repair when he had a couple of accidents, and just general look-overs. Johnathan would always give my dad a lift home before starting work on the car, which was really lovely of him, and meant by dad didn't have to use public transport (it's been a while), or get a lift. Last year (I think...these years start to roll into one after a while), Johnathan opened up a new garage in Carrowreagh Business Park, allowing him to expand his business, and still provide the same great service. My dad has never had a complaint about him, he works incredibly hard, and offers his services are incredibly decent prices. What more could you want?!

I've been using Glen to take care of my cars for years now. He's honest and reliable and knows what…read morehe's doing. I've personally witnessed an old man call in with a headlight out on his VW Fox and Glen put a bulb in (only took a few minutes) and send the old guy on his way without any charge. Hard to find someone like that these days

From the owner: Your local car shop in Belfastread more

I happen to be unlucky enough to drive a car (from a well known French company - I don't like to…read morename names. Papa and Nicole, that's all I'm saying) which isn't paid for yet. It's not mine, so I can't get rid of the horrible, unreliable thing for another year. It doesn't exactly break down every other day, but there's always something wrong with it, and it's safe to say that it's the bane of my life. Always something - small niggly problems. Anyway, I've become very well acquainted with all of the local mechanics. Newtownabbey Autos is a big warehouse with a small army of fixers working for them. When my suspension went, they knew what it was right away. Every time something goes pear-shaped with the electrics (my indicators and windows having minds of their own caused all sorts of hilarity), they sort it out promptly. I was told of a local mechanic after the Car From Hell failed its first ever MOT, so I decided to compare prices, and went for the independent guy. I told him of all the work that had recently been done to the car, and how much it had cost... Turns out I had been overcharged, by quite a bit. Local dude replaced a suspension ball joint (whatever the hell that is) for £30. Newtownabbey Autos emailed me a quote of £86. Not good, considering how many times I'd been there.

based on the info given on the phone car was great. I asked about rust because it was 11y.o. focus…read moreand there was no word about that. I took a risk and paid 100£ to keep the car till the weekend. (Deposit is not refundable) On Saturday I had a chance to check the car and drive shortly. It was not even cleaned inside... In few places there was of course rust. My proposal to Mr.A was that he will give me back 50% of deposit, because condition of the car is different than agreed on the phone. The answer was clear - deposit is not refundable, car has no rust and I should just consider newer car. I informed Mr. A that I'll put my opinion online so maybe someone will save some time and money. I DO NOT RECOMMEND!

So I've got my dreaded MOT coming up and I thought I better get someone to have a quick check over…read moremy car before I put it through. After some research (on Yelp of course) I headed to Gilnahirk Tyres, even though it was on the other side of town from where I lived. I initially called to see what their prices were like and was told it was going to be £20 for a quick check over - I was happy enough with that as I didn't think much needed done. I arrived at 8:20am and it was absolutely rammed, must have been 5 cars queued in front of me - I was actually quite hesitant about going ahead with the service but I popped in to the reception and spoke to Billy and he said Bay 2 would be free in a few minutes! After that it was all straight forward - the car was in for a check over. The mechanic came out and told me I needed two new tyres so I went ahead and got them. £40 per tyre seemed ok with me. I was expecting to pay £100 - £20 for the service and £80 for both new tyres but to my surprise they only charged me £80 as the service was free if any extra work needed completing! This is genius and a lovely surprise. I was home by 9:15 am! The service was great. It may look chaotic but they know exactly what they are doing! They even offer an MOT service where they take your car to the centre for you while you're at work! Easy five stars!

The time I went to Gillnahirk to get new tyres for my beloved first car (which was a Suzuki Swift…read moreaffectionately known as Swifty to all who encountered it!) I had a pleasant and professional experience. I prearranged a time to come down to their garages to get them sorted, which was a painless process. There are about 4 different ramp areas so in busy times you should be able to get serviced efficiently. I was able to get 4 brand new tyres for £90 which was very reasonable. They performed their ask very fast, and I was in and out of the place in about five minutes, I felt like I was in some sort of formula one pit stop! The garage will take payments via both card and cash for when you are short on immediate funds! I have never had to have my exhaust serviced by them, but I am sure that if their tyre service is anything to go by it would be a quick and reasonably priced service!

Very impressed with Greenaway Auto Electrics. Was recommended them by Springfield Autos and they…read moredid not disappoint. Excellent service, very accommodating, helpful and most importantly great job done. Was very happy that they called to inform me of the cost of the parts I needed before going ahead with the job... BMW looking extortionate prices for parts so they were happy for me to locate parts elsewhere and they'd fit them. Couldn't get one of them myself so they got it sorted and then I'm going back with reversing sensors for them to fit - £15 online instead of £85 through Bavarian!!!! Glen also checked my tyres for me before I left as he thought one looked a bit flat and got them properly inflated - doesn't sound like much maybe but he didn't need to when the car was only in to get a new door lock fitted. Will definitely be back if something else goes wrong with the car. Stephen (BMW owner)

From the owner: Northern Ireland's leading Auto Electrical Specialistsread more

The WORST. These…read moreguys replaced my handbrake cable. The next day, it snapped, and was hanging from the car, dragging along the road. They took a fair bit of convincing to accept that they had to fix it, even after seeing the cable hanging down. Everyone makes mistakes, but the thing is: there are PROCEDURES to avoid making mistakes, when it comes to maintaining your car properly, protecting lives etc.: guidelines on how much to tighten things, crazy notions about having senior people checking what junior employees do, etc. These guys obviously don't follow any such procedures. Avoid at all costs.

I have been dealing with Glengormley Car Care for 14 years now, since I first moved to the area…read more They were recommended by a neighbour who had also been having his car repaired there for several years. In that time I have always dealt directly with Lawrence or John but find the rest of the staff very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Where any work has been required outside of my normal annual service & MOT check, I am always informed (accurately) of the cost and asked to authorise before the work is undertaken. The number of cars etc. which are lined up outside awaiting work every time I visit is a testament to the popularity of this business in the local area From my experiences I have had no hesitation in recommending these guys to several of my friends, colleagues and family - who have all reported that they are pleased with the proffesional, efficient service they have received