Farmer Autocare

★★★★★

“I had a very disappointing experience at Farmer Autocare (19c Strathearn Rd, Marchmont Rd, Edinburgh EH9 2AA). I booked an appointment on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, for a simple brake test. They asked me to leave the car with them and said they would call once it was done. A couple of hours later, they phoned to say I needed new front discs and pads, plus a rear brake adjustment — costing £314. I told them this seemed far too expensive for a 2010 Toyota Aygo, especially since it had passed its MOT in November with no major issues. I only took the car in because the brakes felt slightly loose. When I said I would just collect the car, they told me I still had to pay a £90 fee for the brake test. Later, I noticed a poster in the garage advertising free brake tests, which made me question why they were trying to charge me £90. Feeling pressured, I ended up agreeing to the work. When I collected the car, I immediately heard a strange noise coming from the brakes. They told me it was “normal for a few days.” On Sunday, a friend (a full licence holder) was helping me practise show-me questions, but when we tried to open the bonnet, it wouldn’t open at all. Since the garage is closed on Sundays, I called Farmer Autocare first thing on Monday. They told me to bring the car in and again asked me to leave it with them. After inspecting it, they said the issue wasn’t their fault and refused any responsibility. They then quoted £95 to fix a disconnected bonnet cable hook — even though the problem only appeared after they worked on the brakes. The explanations I received were also inconsistent. During my phone call, one staff member insisted they hadn't opened the bonnet during the brake test, which confused me because I don’t see how they checked the brake fluid without opening it. But when we arrived on Monday, another staff member said they had opened the bonnet while working on the brakes. To add to the confusion, on the same call they told me to come and collect the car, but when I arrived a couple of hours later, they asked me to wait while they “put the parts back on” — which made me wonder why parts were removed and why the bonnet had been left open in the first place. Overall, the experience left me feeling pressured, dismissed, and uncertain about the honesty and consistency of their explanations. I wouldn’t recommend this branch based on what happened. I also found new scratches on my car afterward, which I believe occurred when they attempted to open the bonnet.”

★★★★★

“I had a flat tyre with a screw in it and they were able to get this sorted same day. Good value for money. I also appreciated the attention to detail, I had my hubcaps zip tied on (as they were notorious for falling off) and here they made sure to re-tie them onto my new tyres. Great service. Would recommend.”

★★★★★

“Phoned on Monday pm, concerned about possibility of slow puncture. Reassured to come in Tuesday 8.00am and that new tyre would be ordered in case it was necessary. A bit of a wait but a busy place is a successful place! Went across the road for two coffees. Relieved at tyre repair at £25 as opposed to a new tyre which had indeed been delivered. My go-to-place for tyre challenges which can often occur in this city! Thank you to Josh and fitter, Ali, for looking after me so well. A smile too on their faces on one of the coldest days in recent times. It's not easy delivering excellent customer care. Well done!”