We've hired cars for local and interstate trips from Budget a couple of times and I would say these…read moreguys are pretty middle of the road. We usually hire here because the price is decent, but it's definitely worth shopping around as it's not consistently the cheapest. Cars are always in good shape and very clean. Service in the actual centre is incredibly slow and impersonal, so allow another 20-30 mins to get the hire car sorted before hitting the road. Even when giving a pick up time, the cars aren't always ready and sometimes you need to wait for them to be cleaned. 4 stars because I would recommend them over some of the others, but certainly not rave about them or their customer service.

As an expat and now a resident of Melbourne, I want to 'cut my teeth' on the roads in this fine…read morecity to ensure I am oak with the conditions: trams, driving on the other side of the road, and overall confidence. Budget has always been my worldwide choice for cars so I decided to give the a shot here in Australia. I was not disappointed. Budget in Southbank did their job and provided me a great SUV with low mileage and did not penalize me for being a half hour late on the return. Another weekend with budget and I hope to be ready for my own vehicle in the land of 'keep to my left'.

Autobarn are to cars what Kmart is to fashion…read more That's not an insult. In fact, Autobarn is a fantastic place to buy consumables for cars. All manner of bits and pieces can be found here. If I need things like oil or coolant, this is probably going to be one of my first stops. if I need spark plugs, I'll usually buy them online, but if I need them RIGHT EFFING NOW, Autobarn is generally it. The service is alright. The staff are good with customers, and usually know a bit about the products. I hate to say it, but I generally pick the salespeople I ask based on their age. If I'm after something for a Holden 308, I'll ask the oldest dude I can find. If I need something for a Silvia, I'll find the youngest. I don't know why this place sells a few things, though. I mean, who buys an intercooler at Autobarn?

Parking in the city is a bitch unless you know a few tricks or are prepared to pay $$. I dont often…read moredrive into the city as trams are way easier, however if you are a public transport challenged individual coming into the big smoke for an expedition there are other options besides the concrete block parking towers. JM Carparks is a little parking space that is entered via Jones Lane beside the Wesley Uniting Church. Its basically a big gravel car park that has a constant human presence. There is an entrance on Lonsdale and rear entrance on Lilttle Lonsdale, fairly easy. $6 for weeknight evening parking, $8 for weekend evening and $12 all day parking. Its one of the cheapest night parking spaces in the CBD and is super close to the main eating/bar districts. There is also the option to pay as you enter (leave receipt in car) and hand to security on way out which prevents a lost parking ticket i.e. a $70 fee at the usual car parks.

We were on holiday from Perth just after Christmas and used this car park for our hire car whilst…read morewe were staying at a hotel just around the corner. We found the JM staff both friendly and helpful and the car park was excellent value.

I realize reviewing a Petrol/Service station is a little...unorthodox. But then so is Dayef…read more At first glance it is a similar elk to its Supermarket linked compeditors. And it is. I mean how different can you make a petrol outlet? Its the little things that bring me here time and time again despite having to drive an extra few minutes. To start with, the unleaded petrol here is usually ever so slightly cheaper. Not enough to cross Melbourne for, but enough to lure me in. Once in I was impressed by the small car wash and vaccum and air station. However what I am most thankful for is when I go to pay for my petrol, I dont get hassled to purchase 2 of anything or offered deals. All the usual service station offerings are available here but Im not alone in thinking that it's the little extra touches here that win over us customers. Exit slowly as there is a hidden bumped on the footpath!

LPG always available at a very competitive price and they take Amex and no surcharge!read more

Five stars - although a very compact parking lot - this is well placed for lots of places including…read morethe aquarium. We parked here because not only is it opposite he aquarium, they offer parking validation bringing the charge down by half! The price is high otherwise but normal for the city, and awesome if you have the validation. Will park here again.

The customer service was amazing, they were really helpful with my RWC when I was stressed and…read moreunsure of things :)

What fantastic service! My first time to these guys and my poor car had some issues. Thanks to…read moreBill's attention to detail, and Carmel's updates I felt very much at ease and just felt so lucky that I found a mechanic that I could trust. As a result my car is now driving beautifully. They really looked after me, and I'm very grateful. Thank you. See you at the next service!

Terrible terrible service provided. Charged me $1400 to fix thermostat and a new radiator and…read morereplacing coolant and Engine oil in my Out-lander. I trusted the owner (Peter) words, when he said your Car will be like new after fixing. I paid $1400 on the phone and ready to go after driving for 15 min car stop in the mid of the road had to tow the car back to Hawthorn Automotive Improvements, where I kept my car afterward he did a small compression test and suggest me engine needs to be reconditioned will cost $4700 on top of $1400. I asked for $200 discount he denied saying don't want to cut the corners. I told him to not to start repair until deal with Warranty company. But later on find out another repairer can fix the whole new engine in just $2700. I went back to take my car back then he charged me $280 again for the coolant and changing filters and engine oil for which he already charged me with in $1400 bill at first instance. When I asked for clarification for extra charges he became very abusive and physically assault me. Finally I called police and relive my car after paying illegitimate charges of $280. Friends be careful before you go there because at the first time staff will sound like very friendly but thy will cut your pocket in a way you won't believe. Even if you think to go their better check prices with other Mechanics. The Most Dodgy people I have ever seen in my life. Finally my car is in perfect running condition and I paid $2000 less to other repairer. Disgusting Customer service, no cooperation at all, God knows what he actually do and what he charge fortune for. If you still wanna go Good Luck with that. Me and three of my other friends (who were regular customers of H.A.I and faced issues after servicing) will never ever turn back.

After being ripped off by mercedes dealerships for years, I shopped around for a reasonable B…read moreservice price. Hawthorn automotive beats all euro workshops around camberwell. The boys called me to report the items that needed changing. I approved the repairs and my car was ready the same day. Transmission was also serviced because they detected some faults on the MB star equipment they use. Tranny shifted much better after service. Parts replaced were on the bench when I picked up the car. Smart, sharp French guy who has good knowledge of the Benz. I was surprised on how confident he was about his work and my car did feel much smoother after service. I will take my car to them from now on.. Being a girl it's not easy to trust a mechanic, I must admit I was happy to see the old filters and parts before paying my bill..

My wife and visited this store a couple of months ago, needing a few bits and pieces for our car…read more Steve went way beyond what we expected by not only showing us what items we needed, but fitting them too! He even fabricated a special clip for us instead of sending us off to another store. It was great to see that level of customer service and Steve's efforts have ensured we will return to Autobarn.