R. I. C. Harkes Mechanics

★★★★★

“Dishonest/delusional response to my initial review from Riley and an abusive tirade from him by private message. Mistakes happen and I feel I was very accommodating but I have no time for liars. Photos attached of the ‘stone chip’ Riley seemed like a decent guy but I was left having to sort damage done to my car so he could avoid using his insurance. Quite clear that the bonnet was opened with something resting on the glass as window damage matched paint damage on the bonnet, the wiper was also broken off. I was told it was a stone throw up on a test drive, presumably a JFK magic bullet of a stone. Riley’s speculation that there was a part missing from the suspension kit meant I wasted much time chasing the distributors and bilstein, emails, pictures etc. only to find out all parts were present and he had been adjusting the ride height incorrectly. I genuinely trusted that Riley was competent and would look after my car but he failed big time on both fronts, then went into pure denial. Fitted a front splitter - scratched on collection Broke the windscreen Broke off the near side wiper Sizable paint damage on the bonnet Replaced suspension leaving the front sat higher and the back completely slammed into the arches Replaced suspension arm, transpired he sourced a used part instead of new. Every time I spoke to Riley he was having some sort of disaster, took me a while to realise he was the disaster.”

★★★★★

“Just amazing- Riley is a true gentleman and wizard at what he does! My mini was in for a timing chain (a notoriously tricky job) after a previous garage fitted a new one only a year before but didn't fit it correctly, resulting in a slight rattle, lumpy idle and bad misfire. Riley spent hours researching the proper way to do the job as despite being a common problem, it is a very precise job on these specific cars, spent out on very job specific tools (that usually only the dealership would have),I received a step-by-step update on the progress of the job, and what exactly had went wrong and why. Riley took the utmost patience and care with my car, noting the urgency of the job, it is very easy for the inexperienced to get this wrong- not for Riley! Truly impressed at his level of workmanship. My car was serviced for me and running sweet as a nut on its return! A stark contrast to how it arrived. Truly shows the skill of a veteran mechanic, polite and welcoming from the get go. Very transparent and honest the entire time, truly passionate about what he does. First class service and not having to deal with the overcharges most main dealerships add on. Couldn't be happier. Thank you!!”

★★★★★

“First class service - could not do more to help - they even do local pick up/ drop offs. Riley replaced my timing belt and carried out a service. All was completed in a professional and timely manner and for a very reasonable cost. Car running perfectly since.”