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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I've been using A1 for a while now & they never disappoint you. Quality service as always friendly staff that always want to help you in the best way they can.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Second time using A1, and again, a faultless display of customer service. Service and MOT required (along with a niggling issue with the FNS wheel) and all works completed and an MOT pass within 90 mi... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely love this garage, all staff are kind and friendly and are super honest and genuine. No job too big or too small and a particularly brilliant garage if you're a lone female. Not at all intim... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It’s always a pleasure to visit A1 in South Ockendon! Very friendly & helpful staff. I had an MOT today on my Audi A3 which usually passes with no issues. Unfortunately today it was a Fail due to a... See more

Company details

  1. Car Inspection Station
  2. Auto Repair Shop
  3. Car Repair and Maintenance
  4. Car Service
  5. Tire Shop

Written by the company

Recently coming 3rd in the 'UK Garage of the year'. Our well established garages located in Dagenham and South Ockendon provides a wide range of vehicle services, MOT's and repairs for the people of Essex at very competitive prices. If you like to experience bespoke customer service that puts their customers first at a competitive price then come and visit us. Our facilities are located extremely close to Dagenham East and South Ockendon Train Stations. Having these locations makes us the ideal garage for the entire local community and people that need to commute. We offer Free Collection and drop off service to all local areas and are fully insured to give you piece of mind.


Contact info


4.5

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

60 reviews

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Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 24 hours

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A great job. Thank you

Hi
Finally I have a chance to review an amazing service that Steve, from Maidstone A1 garage did in my car. It took a bit more time than I was expecting, but Steve kept his word to give me the car in same day. He replaced the timing chain of my Nissan juke. The car cames spotless, the engine smooth and clean i could see all photos of the service. And I have the invoice. Amazing service that I would do again. I definitely recommend.

August 9, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Why can't all garages be like this.

Second time using A1, and again, a faultless display of customer service. Service and MOT required (along with a niggling issue with the FNS wheel) and all works completed and an MOT pass within 90 minutes. The brake fluid needed changing and the system flushing and instead of jist doing the work, they called and asked to proceed. A honest garage with a comfortable seating area also. Why can't ALL garages be as upfront, honest, reliable and professional as A1 in Ockendon.

October 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great Place!

It’s always a pleasure to visit A1 in South Ockendon! Very friendly & helpful staff. I had an MOT today on my Audi A3 which usually passes with no issues. Unfortunately today it was a Fail due to a major defect on the drive shaft joint 😩
I’m booked in for the repair next Wednesday 22nd October, and I’m confident the work will be carried out to a high standard. I’ve recommended A1 to friend’s & family too! *****

October 16, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

HORRENDOUS

HORRENDOUS!
After I had bought my care, I waiting a couple of months to have it cleaned, only to find out that all the curbed alloys had been made to look immaculate. When washed, it all came off and now looks horrendous. I have to pay for all 4 wheels to be re-done. The badges had been painted over to patch them up, that was revealed after a wash. The car flagged up as needing a service, only 5 months after purchase, when i was told it had a new service right before purchase. Engine management light came on after a month of ownership, because it needed a new sensor. The entire paintwork looked mint on receipt, but after cleaning, its was very scratched and covered up. Tried to get in touch with the owner- to be completely ignored! All in all, VERY annoyed!!!i

February 28, 2025
Unprompted review
A1 Autocentre logo

Reply from A1 Autocentre

**WRONG BUSINESS**
Hey Elouise, Unfortunately for us you have reviewed the wrong A1 Autocentre, we don’t sell cars and never have! We are an MOT garage in Dagenham and Ockendon.

There is an A1 Autocentre in Bournemouth that sells cars and maybe this is for them? We would be really grateful if you could please find the correct one and remove this as it doesn’t help small businesses and Trustpilot do not help companies with these problems either.

Regards
A1 Autocentre

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A1Autocentre Bridgwater

A1Autocentre Bridgwater
I had some work done on my Chrysler Delta at A1 and the owner Steve was polite professional. He sorted my vehicle out and did a thorough competent job
Highly satisfied and would recommend this garage and owner/ team to anyone seeking a quality service

September 16, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I really like this garage so helpful…

I really like this garage so helpful and so good at what they do! One of the best things about the staff I found them to be so honest and trustworthy and their service is simply amazing! It really felt this garage isn’t all about money making and my car feels and drives much better after their service Thank you 🙏

June 27, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic garage

Fantastic garage, been getting my MOT done here for the past 6yrs. Always quick. My van failed it's MOT this year but Taz showed me the issues and told me what to get done.
Excellent

June 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic garage with a fantastic…

Fantastic garage with a fantastic knowledgeable and friendly team. Picked up my car, serviced it in a timely manner, cleaned it and returned it with a smile.

You can't go wrong with A1 Autocentre, great workmanship and honest advice.

May 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Extremely friendly and Honest

Extremely friendly, honest service, had to wait as the number of people using them for MOTs,
but definitely worth the wait, have used them a few times, never had anything other then a friendly service.

May 17, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I took my modern car to A1 Auto for its…

I took my modern car to A1 Auto for its annual MOT test, and was shocked when the technician failed it due to a single missing wheel nut on the front tyre. The decision was made with complete indifference, without even asking me whether I had a spare nut available – something that could have been easily resolved on the spot.
Unfortunately, there was no sense of professionalism or willingness to help. It felt as though the goal was simply to fail the vehicle rather than ensure safety.
I strongly advise others to be cautious when dealing with this centre, and to consider alternative garages that show more care and professionalism towards their customers.

April 9, 2025
Unprompted review
A1 Autocentre logo

Reply from A1 Autocentre

Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that you were unhappy with your recent MOT experience.

We understand that having a vehicle fail its MOT can be frustrating, especially when the issue seems minor. However, as a DVSA-authorised testing centre, we are legally required to follow the strict guidelines set out in the MOT inspection manual. A missing or loose wheel nut is classed as a major — and potentially dangerous — defect, meaning we are obliged to record a failure to remain compliant and protect our MOT licence.

It’s also important to clarify that it is not our responsibility to ask every customer if they have spare nuts or parts available at the time of testing. Vehicles should arrive in a condition ready to pass, with all safety-critical components securely fitted. This is the vehicle owner’s responsibility.

Once you informed us that you had a spare nut available, we were happy to fit it for you straight away — and the vehicle was passed immediately. We acted quickly and professionally to resolve the issue, and we do not gain anything from failing MOTs unnecessarily.

It’s unfortunate that our business can be rated 1 star due to a lack of preparation from the customer for the MOT, rather than any failure in service or professionalism from our team. With over 1,600 positive reviews, we remain proud of the honest, high-quality service we provide and our commitment to vehicle safety.

If you’d like to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards,
The A1 Autocentre Team

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely spot on with a last minute…

Absolutely spot on with a last minute MOT because the Kia main dealer in Brentwood completely messed up (I phone PM on 31.10.24 and was fitted in at 0800 on 02.11.24 as an emergency). The team at A1 are friendly, courteous, extremely professional and welcoming. They will be getting repeat business for sure.

November 1, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Motorcycle MOT

Always use the Dagenham branch to get my bikes MOT done. Excellent people and service.
Just don't annoy the bloke on reception. He's a bit grumpy 😆

October 16, 2024
Unprompted review
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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Using my partners Google as I don’t…

Using my partners Google as I don’t have an account of my own. A1 auto’s have come through for me massively! My MOT had expired for a few weeks, unknown to me. Called A1 Auto Centre for a slot ASAP. They were super busy but managed to book me in same day. Kept me updated the whole way through and were so accommodating. MOT Failed and Repairs were required and they managed to fix the repairs and pass the MOT literally within 24 hours. I’m honestly so please and happy about their service. I’m beyond grateful. Thank you to A1 Auto Centre Ockendon

- Saima Ali

July 8, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After a lifetime of problems and…

After a lifetime of problems and worries with car mechanics at last ‘finalmente’ I’ve found a garage with a truly genuine honest bunch who are the best mechanics I’ve met in my life! I’ve lived in Yorkshire, Italy and London they are simply the best! Always helpful and honest great customer service I travel over 25 miles for them so worth it BRILLIANT they are always so helpful nothing is to much trouble ever!

April 29, 2024
Unprompted review
A1 Autocentre logo

Reply from A1 Autocentre

Wow what a wonderful review! Thank you very much :) I'm glad the staff were able to look after you and see you again in the future!

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