**Please note the following ATS-Euromaster review is based around the service and products received from the ATS Garage in Newbury, Berkshire.**
*Personal Background*
Earlier on this week I noticed my exhaust was producing a rather unique sounding boy racer noise, complete with a slight rattling of my exhaust box, so decided immediate action was required as I was due in Cardiff the following day. I decided to take my CitroenSaxo (51 reg.) to the local Kick Fit dealers as they had always provided a reputable service in the past, however after an initial free inspection they advised me that I required 3 new parts for my exhaust, an Intermediate Pipe, an Intermediate Silencer Box and a Rear Silencer Box.
However after consulting their catalogue of parts I was told the intermediate parts I needed were not obtainable from their supplier, as my car was so “new” the replacement parts had yet to be included in the catalogues, so they were unable to help. The conversation actually stopped there, until I asked the question “well what do I do next?” I was actually assuming that might have called round nearby garages to see if they had the part.
The slightly helpful adviser informed me that I would need to contact an alternative Exhaust garage, suggestion Central or ATS, and see if they could help.
Using Kwik
Fits car park as a suitable location to make my call, I phoned ATS and asked if they could help. The gentleman I spoke to on the phone was unsure as to whether he could help, advising they would need to check my car themselves before committing to an answer, so considering they were only located 10 minutes away, I agreed to drive my car round to their garage.
*Company Background*
ATS Euromaster, part of the Euromaster Group, was established in 1961, and operates in ten European Countries, including the UK, which has over 530 centres. According to their company information on there website (www.ats-euromaster.co.uk) they offer a comprehensive range of products and services, including: tyres, batteries, brakes, shock absorbers, exhausts, oil and MOT Testing.
Their website is extremely detailed and offers many helpful hints and information about all off their products and services. For example the information I’ve quoted on exhausts was derived from the ATS website. They also offer frequently asked question sections on each product, although I wouldn’t say they give a fully comprehensive answer, but I assume incorporating prices into the FAQ’s is asking for trouble! – For example with respect to exhausts (Information taken from the ATS Euromaster website):
Question - “How expensive is it to replace my exhaust” Part Answer – “A knocking noise is likely to be caused by a loose fitting. ATS Euromaster will replace the fixing component – this is relatively inexpensive.”
The website also boasts a centre locator, where, upon typing in your Postcode or Town/city, and choosing which service your require, it will produce a list of the nearest ATS Garages. A search on Exhausts brought up 10 garages within a 24mile radius.
The ATS website currently also has several other tips and hits with respect to Fleet Management Options, Mobile Tyre Fitting Service, Brochure Requests etc.
“Exhaust Repairs”
After arriving at the Newbury ATS garage, around 10am, a young gentleman immediately approached me, in the reception area, and asked if he could take the keys in order to move the car onto the ramp to take a closer look. Handing the keys over I settled down for a wait, but was pleasantly surprised when he returned 5 minutes later to advise me that I was actually only in need of a replacement Intermediate Pipe and Silencer Box. A slightly differing answer to Kwik Fit, so I asked on the condition of the Rear Silencer Box, and was told it was only the connecting part that had corroded and this would be fixed with the replacement of the Intermediate Parts.
Unfortunately ATS did not have the required parts in stock, but the young gentleman quickly and efficiently phoned his main supplier to see if they were able to assist. Success! The supplier had the parts in stock and advised that they could send someone over around 12pm with the parts.
At all times I was in the room when ATS were on the phone to the supplier so had no reason to doubt them when they advised this was the case. Before ATS confirmed the agreement of the delivery of parts, they asked if I would like a quote, and informed me the price was going to be in the region of £85.00, of which I thought was quite reasonable compared to exhaust prices I have been charged at other garages with my previous cars.
Agreeing to the quote, I was informed that the part would be available at lunchtime, sand would I be able to return then for them to fit it. Quickly agreeing, as I had Cardiff to get to, they took my mobiletelephone number, and my boyfriends (because I couldn’t remember if I gave them the correct number) and advised they would call me when the part was in.
Expecting a call around 12, I continued to prepare for my trip, but after not hearing from ATS by 12:40pm I gave them a quick reminder call to see if my exhaust parts had arrived.
The gentleman who answered was very courteous and explained that the parts hadn’t arrived yet, but they were due any minute now, and he would give me a return call as soon as they were in.
Being an impatient little lady, I decided to drive round to ATS anyway, considering it was 10 minutes away, and figured the parts would have arrived by the time I got there. Luckily for me they had, and the receptionist said he was just about to call me…of that I’ll never know.
Speaking directly to the mechanic I was told that my car was next in line, so would be in the garage within the next 5 minutes. It was actually quicker than that, as I didn’t have time to finish my cigarette before I saw my car being hoisted up the ramp.
The actual service and parts replacement took just under half an hour, and due to the location of the garage in respect to the reception area you are able to watch your car whilst the repairs are done.
Once finished all that was left was for them to hand my keys over (they kindly returned my car to the front car park), and for me to pay the outstanding charge. I was asked if I had already received a quote, and I said yes around £85.00, to which I was told the price was actually cheaper and the total repairs and parts came to £72.90.
*Customer Satisfaction*
According to the customer signs in reception, their fitting employees are the most highly trained in the industry, offering the customer 100% confidence and satisfaction in the received service. With respect to the quick repairs and courteous attitude from the staff, I would agree that I received a very complete and satisfying service from ATS. I have no complaints and my car now purrs along nicely, rather than having to endure listening to the boy racer groan. The price I paid was lower than the quote, which is always an advantage when having to pay for unexpected repairs, and the service excellent.
I have never considered using ATS before, and have always gone to Kwik Fit as I assumed they were more of a reputable dealer, but since my experience at Kwik Fit, which could easily have been a one-off, I think I will be more than comfortable using ATS again.
Thank you for reading Kels x
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Comments about this review »
mrowli 19.10.2006 13:41
Great Review. Just about to use ATS and now I have no doubts.
mgowner 23.08.2006 02:41
Being a centre manager with ATS up in scotland it is good to hear people praising our company as alot of people still think we only cover agricultural and comercial vehicles.
chris1980 20.01.2005 13:35
Excellent review! There isn't an ATS near where I live, only a kwik fit, which is unfortunate - I am really not impressed with them! Anyway, I thought your review covered everything, really impressive!
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