Lonsdale Auto Service Centre & Car Rental

77 reviews

3/3 Aldershot Rd, Lonsdale SA 5160, Australia

lonsdaleauto.com.au

+61883265442

About

Lonsdale Auto Service Centre & Car Rental is a Car rental agency located at 3/3 Aldershot Rd, Lonsdale SA 5160, Australia. It has received 77 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8:30AM-5PM
Tuesday8:30AM-5PM
Wednesday8:30AM-5PM
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday8:30AM-5PM
Sunday8:30AM-5PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Lonsdale Auto Service Centre & Car Rental: 3/3 Aldershot Rd, Lonsdale SA 5160, Australia

  • Lonsdale Auto Service Centre & Car Rental has 4.8 stars from 77 reviews

  • Car rental agency

  • "WARNING AVOID! I am from an automotive engineering background and these guys misdiagnosed the issue and tried to charge me for parts that were not needed! Read on"

    "I found the customer service to be really good, zero complaints with their service standard or professionalism"

    "My partner and I were 1 month into our roadtrip around Australia in our converted campervan when we noticed our coolant was leaking pretty badly"

    "My handbrake wasn't working, so I asked them to fix it during my routine service (they forgot to do it, so I had to bring it back)"

    "Highly experienced, very friendly and educational towards the solutions they provide, and why"

Reviews

  • Aaron Houghton

WARNING AVOID! I am from an automotive engineering background and these guys misdiagnosed the issue and tried to charge me for parts that were not needed! Read on. I recently had a drive shaft replaced on my car (using an aftermarket part). Not long after, the car broke down and I got it towed to Lonsdale service centre (as it was close and highly rated). They took a look the next day, and told me that my drive shaft which recently got replaced was the wrong part, AND had been fitted wrong, AND had damaged the surrounding parts beyond repair (supposedly it had rounded out the splines on the shaft, and the intermediate shaft where the drive shaft goes into). They quoted for a new intermediate shaft for $1200 and $600 for a new drive shaft, plus labour. This sounded wrong, I double checked, he says the same again. I was pretty sure I could get the drive shaft sorted by the supplier as I had only recently bought it. Lonsdale tried to tell me no no no, it needs to be genuine because aftermarket ones are 25mm too short (??? not according to the supplier or a side by side comparison). I phoned around to see how much I could get a new intermediate shaft for because $1200 sounded excessive - a new genuine one directly from Honda only costs $600. Perhaps Lonsdale quoted it backwards? Either way, an enormous total cost to fix this collection of supposed problems. So, I decided tow the car away as I had decided not to use these guys for repairs - all the quoting seemed wrong, they insisted aftermarket parts are dodgy, and I wanted a second opinion. Me and a friend turned up with all the gear to tow the car, and found out it could be driven! The car was still not road worthy, but it was mobile - which would not be the case if these various parts had been “completely rounded out and destroyed” like I was told they were. I went to pay for the work that had been done and they tried to charge me double the hours. I got them to check with the mechanic and they said it was half that. The hours spent on the car were never explained to me, when I saw the invoice once I turned up and the hours were only then quoted to me for labour. I kept in regular contact that morning and explained clearly to them I would source the parts, so there was no need for them to. Also - the whole time the car was there I also got asked 3 times if I would like the car serviced (why would I want a service on a car that I was told is not drivable, not going to be fixed for 3 months, and that I haven’t even committed to fixing because apparently it will cost thousands??). After getting the car back and inspecting it with an experienced mechanic friend, it turns out these parts weren’t worn and the shaft had actually only popped out because it was faulty and didn’t spring back properly when compressed. Easiest fix - just got the drive shaft replaced by the supplier and everything was fine! I could not believe I’d been told it was all damaged beyond repair - totally untrue! The car drives completely fine to this day. I feel that Lonsdale tried to totally rip me off. Being told all these parts were ruined, when they were absolutely not. I got told the shaft had been fitted wrong, it had not. They diagnosed it as a wrong shaft that was 25mm shorter, which it was not. If I hadn’t known better I would have spent thousands on the car, when all it needed was one drive shaft (replaced free due to being faulty). If I had believed Lonsdale auto I would also have been without my car for 3 months while they wait for the new intermediate shaft (which, again, was not even needed) to arrive. My opinion is that anyone who is not a car person or mechanically minded is at risk here. Either the mechanic deliberately exaggerated/invented problems, or he didn’t know what he was talking about. I edited this review to make my main points clearer and to contest the owner’s version of events - he has threatened to “take this further” but this review is completely truthful. Maybe the owner should take up this issue with the mechanic that gave me such bad information.

  • Amber Lee

I found the customer service to be really good, zero complaints with their service standard or professionalism. Quality of work was also good. They identified the issue with my car that had been an issue through 3 different mechanics none of which could identify what was wrong. Lonsdale Auto Service Centre found the issue easily, ordered the part, rebooked my car for the following week. Then upon dropping my car off for repairs (by agreement) they provided me with a courtesy car (free of charge). It was a little cosmetically rough, but mechanically a+ and super cheap to run. I drove around with it through the day doing errands and it cost $10 in fuel at $1.37P/L. Furthermore, both for the service and the repair bookings I received a phone call within a timely manner to collect my car. Most places I've been to forget to call, or I have to call myself often to no answer. The car is usually finished, they just forget to call (last 3 mechanics that's been the case). Thanks Lonsdale Auto Service Centre for all your help, will be back in future.

  • Andrew Eckersley

My partner and I were 1 month into our roadtrip around Australia in our converted campervan when we noticed our coolant was leaking pretty badly. After taking it to another mechanic and suspecting a blown head gasket, we found Lonsdale Automotive Repairs and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We spoke with David and he was absolutely fantastic. He was able to run a very quick diagnostic test to work out exactly what the issue was, while talking us through everything that he was doing. He showed us what was wrong and took the time to explain it all in great detail. Both he and Martin were awesome in understanding our situation and being creative in finding an affordable and timely solution for us. We honestly can’t recommend these guys enough. They not only went above and beyond with fitting us into their schedule and lending us a rental car for the days we were without the van, but they genuinely cared about helping us out of a less than ideal situation. Thanks again!

  • Sarah Diener

My handbrake wasn't working, so I asked them to fix it during my routine service (they forgot to do it, so I had to bring it back). They then adjusted the handbrake so tightly that the brakes were grabbing, resulting in the brakes becoming excessively hot and smelly. I explained this on the phone and brought the car back instructing them to just loosen it again so it's not grabbing and I'd take it elsewhere. Upon picking the car up, I was informed by Nathan that he was "sorry it was too tight" and that he is "stronger than me". I never once mentioned my weak, woman arms being incapable of engaging the handbrake lever. A brake specialist has since told me that my rear brake pads are "cooked" and one of my brake caliper pistons are siezed which Lonsdale Auto service centre never made any mention of. I used to be a regular customer, but I won't be coming back after this experience.

  • Creative Serum

Highly experienced, very friendly and educational towards the solutions they provide, and why. Pricing has always been competitive, but more importantly the quality of their work is second to none. I will have no problem continuing to bring my company and personal cars here for all my auto needs, and refer any of my family, friends and colleagues to these guys. Thanks Martyn and Gordon for all of your great work! Scott White, Creative Serum

  • Rand P

If you are looking for a reputable company to service your vehicle, then I thoroughly recommend Martyn and Gordon. I always come away confident that they have thoroughly serviced my cars. I previously used a Toyota dealer for servicing my Prado, but was often frustrated with their "tick the box car methodology". Martyn takes the time to really explain the rationale behind his work which I find really refreshing.

  • Quality Nerf1.0

I was going to Martin and team for 3 years and we relocated and tried another mechanic. We truly missed their service, professionalism and reassurance that our cars were serviced honestly, with mechanical expertise. We are happy to travel the extra distance and wouldn't go anywhere else now. Highly recommended, thanks Martin and team

  • Heather Coutts

Highly Experienced, with great quality and service standards. It is nice to have a mechanic actually explain what is wrong and how to fix it without treating me like a female that does not possess a brain, very rare in this industry. Highly recommend Martyn and the team, they are honest, friendly and have great communication skills

  • Graham Marshall

I booked in for a transmission service and was quoted $400+. When they looked at it, the transmission fluid was clean and full and didn't need any work, so they only charged me $50. Great service and honest people - you don't get too many mechanics like that these days! I will definitely use and recommend in the future

  • Bradley Wiseman

Couldn’t recommend these guys highly enough. Sent my old landcruiser here to get a second opinion after one shop told me I needed a replacement engine. These guys gave me the honest run down and did a few quick and simple repairs/adjustments and it’s good as new. Saved me thousands in the end. Very thankful.

  • Mitchell Bartel

Glad we went the extra distance to bring our car here for some repairs. Drew the mechanic offered a clear and thorough explanation of the issue and what they would do to fix it. In the end the price was better than what we expected and he gave us confidence that the problem won't return.

  • Paul Rogers

The team at Lonsdale Auto Centre provide a professional service at the fraction of the cost of the larger service centres for the same high quality accredited standards. Why would you spend more money than you have to for the same service. No brainer! Thank you team

  • Prue Neumann

Went to these guys after seeing the reviews around fair pricing and transparency. So glad we did, we feel so much better knowing our sons car is safe after being serviced and given a full inspection by the team. We will definitely be returning customers.

  • Casey Hamilton

After everything that happened with my car, did someone forget something? It's not mine. Made the belongings I keep in the back of my car dirty, covered in whatever is all over this thing (inside lining of a car door??) and honestly it's just not great.

  • Cate Blackman

Fixed my AIR. Car service and aircon all working perfectly now. Very friendly and efficient, communicate exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost then explain what happened. Respectful and well presented - the workshop is immaculate.

  • Lisa Totani

Martyn and the team are fair and trustworthy professionals who are always willing to go the extra mile and take the time to explain the Job at hand. I've always been happy with the quality of their work and would definitely recommend LASC.

  • Barry Moore

Needed an engine mount done on the Magna, Lonsdale auto were te cheapest quote and did the job asap. They also helped with advice on my transmission and did the job at the quoted price. Can't recommend them more.

  • Alastair Murphy

Excellent service, as ever. Friendly, helpful, always clear with explanations and always checks with me before doing any work beyond initial expectation. I drive away with confidence of a 'good job done'.

  • Lyndal Gibson

Martyn and his team are great at what they do. Car feels so much better after a thorough service and finding spark plugs hadn't been changed by our previous mechanic. Good job and thanks we will be back.

  • Jami Dent

Best mechanic experience I’ve had ! Super friendly. Straight to the point. Called and got a appointment the next day ! Didn’t charge me for anything I didn’t need ! Very very happy with my experience !

  • Tahlia Rose Fisher- Bennetts

ABSOLUTE LEGENDS! My civic was very very broken and they fixed it up and hunted down the parts for it so fast so much appreciation towards them! Thank u Martin and Nathan …

  • Fiona Manley

Great service. I love that they call during the service to advise of the things that need fixing and also advise of the things that are coming up next service. It’s a great help to budgeting!

  • Alice Kate

Highly recommend this mechanic for someone you can trust to do a great service on your car. They also take the time to talk through what is needed, and answer any questions you may have.

  • Coopbaseball 10

Martyn is such a lovely Friendly guy! Got my air con regassed and was done quickly as I couldn’t leave my car and come back to pick up, great service and knowledge! Definitely recommend

  • Craig Foster

Martyn and the guys are fantastic and really know there stuff. Honest, reliable and great service. also has loan cars available. 100% recommend them to the fussiest of car owners.

  • Barb Roe

Have been going to Lonsdale Auto for many years. Martin has always looked after my cars & the service & friendly staff are wonderful. I would recommend them without hesitation.

  • Biggie Dickus

Super friendly & reliable and fast service. Ben patiently worked with my Rangers warranty provider on the other side of the country to get the job done. Thanks heaps guys.

  • Kat J

Efficient and no bother that i rocked up a few minutes late after closing time, very understanding. My car is well taken care of there and great customer service!

  • Neil Regan

Excellent service, Martyn is very knowledgeable and prepared to go the extra mile to assist when needed. They also offer well priced car hire when needed.

  • Tanwin

What a refreshing experience dealing with such honest professional folk who have a standard their competitors can only aspire to. I highly recommend them

  • Kev Mather

Excellent customer service . Top quality workmanship and eye for detail. Great guys to deal with. Will definately be booking in my other vehicles.

  • Kezia Colgan

Absolutely amazing staff to deal with, super friendly and honest. Hired one of their cars for two weeks, no issues whatsoever. Fantastic pricing.

  • Effie Lee

Great professional, friendly and helpful service from the team at Lonsdale Auto Service Centre. Will be taking my car back for future service!

  • Mark Goddard

Couldn't have asked for more. Excellent communication and customer service. The car was serviced real quick and for the price they quoted too.

  • Danny horsfall

Marty and the team service my car regularly, they do a great job for a great price. Cant recommend this mechanic highly enough.

  • The Voigt's

The guys got our vehicle in fast, great communication and we are thoroughly pleased with the result. Will definately be back.

  • Regan Turner

I had my Ford territory serviced here. They are very thorough and the communication through the process was excellent.

  • Tom Grantham

Martyn at Lonsdale Auto cleared an annoying fault code for me after fixing the issue and my car could not be happier!

  • Michael Stevens

Great service, took my VE commodore in sounding like garbage and they made it purr again. Would recommend.

  • Mark Goddard

As always, great service. Gordon and Martyn leave you confident your car’s being well looked after.

  • JM Xu

It's not easy to find a reliable service centre. So when I found one I stay with it. Thanks guys!

  • Christina Gilbert

Friendly and helpful service again from Martyn, couldn't recommend them highly enough!

  • Lukie

Both our cars are serviced here now, great guys that keep you up-to-date and informed.

  • skate n destroy

You get good service 5 stars and the quote n follow up are also 5 star! …

  • Brian Evans

Can't speak more highly of customer service, workmanship & price.

  • Handayani Field

very informative helpful and friendly, thank you,from Guy Field

  • Tim

Great service with reasonable prices and complimentary car.

  • Amylee Coller

Great service, super friendly and quick. Great prices!

  • Tracy Fitzgerald

Great, friendly place for hiring a car and mechanics.

  • Lu Kealley

These guys are so very helpful and do great work.

  • Tania Fragnito

Extremely helpful service, great value hire car.

  • Catherine Jones

Nathan us very helpful friendly and professional

  • Glenn Paten

Great local business. Good value service …

  • Ashley Fry

Awesome service and saved me money, thanks

  • Shiralee Wood

Great service and price. Highly recommend.

  • Ian OHara

Excellent service, prompt and helpful.

  • Tiffeny Warnest

Best in the business.. 100% reliable

  • Peppa Reid

Very easy people to deal with

  • Eddie Garforth

Great work. Thanks guys!

  • Allegedly Steve

Terrible

  • William Hawkins

Legends

  • Joel White
  • Phil Gepp
  • Tracy Poulton
  • Samuel Bryan
  • Hennie Marais
  • Ellie
  • Dustin McMahon
  • Tanya Broughton
  • Paul Brown
  • Aram Mak
  • Rod Yates
  • J Cownie
  • Jules Step
  • Craig Mifsud
  • Nicole Adams
  • DARRYL EASTHER

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