Formula One Autocentres - CambridgeReviews 

I would give 0 stars if I could. I booked an MOT appointment for my Tesla Model Y at the Cambridge branch (249 Barnwell Rd) for Tuesday 23/6 at 14:30. I arrived early at 13:20 and explicitly told the reception staff that I only use my phone key and left the physical key card at home. I was told that was "fine." After waiting until 13:45, the same staff member came back to tell me they actually did need the physical key card for the MOT.

While annoying, I offered to quickly drive home and return with the key card by 14:15 (well before my original appointment time). I was bluntly told they couldn't do it that day anymore and was forced to reschedule for Wednesday or Thursday.

Today (Thursday), I arrived for my rescheduled appointment, only to be told they couldn't do the MOT because their equipment was broken and had been sent for repair on Wednesday.

If the equipment broke and was sent away on Wednesday, why did nobody bother to contact me to cancel or reschedule? They completely wasted two days of my time due to pure incompetence and a total lack of communication from this branch. Avoid.

Once again I received excellent service as my TPMS sensor was replaced immediately allowing me to take my learner for their test so they saved my bacon yet again so thanks very much.

Very friendly staff. Good knowledge of the work required. Worked on my car without the need for a booking or long wait.

Needed a new tyre after damaging it. Service was helpful and friendly, thanks to Dave and Mathew.

Awful service refused to fix tyre on paid and booked allocated time, had to leave there over night. Returned the next day to pick up was told I hadn’t paid even though I had confirmation and tried to charge extra. Do not use them!!!

Simply horrible! unprofessional and flat out rude. Today, my partner got shouted at by Tommy Oliver regional manager. Unacceptable!

We will be starting legal proceedings.

Excellent customer service.
An complicated electrical problem was causing my car to go into "limb mode". It was sorted out with patience, efficiency and good humour.  The team was responsive, professional, and exceeded my expectations.  Thank you

I am happy with repair puncture on my tyre.

My car was at Barnwell Road, Cambridge for service. I spoke to staff, I made a payment, picked up the receipt, took the car key and went to my car. Once I got into my car, I put the receipt with the rest of the paperwork, checked if the service book had been stamped and checked if the service mileage indicator in the dash board had been set up. It helps me plan the next service. It hadn't, so it took me around 5 mins to figure our how to do it myself. I finished the set up, put my seat belt on and started the engine. I reversed for a couple of meters in order to move forward. I put the first gear on and as I started moving forward I heard someone tapping the roof of my car. I stopped and checked the passenger mirror. I could see one of the garage's staff walking towards the passenger door so I thought they forgot to tell me something about the car. The guy seems to be a supervisor or some kind of senior member of staff. It was the second time I took my car to that garage so I recognised him. As I was about to lower the passenger window, the guy opened the passenger door and asked me if I paid my bill in a threatening and aggressive manner. I said I did as they gave me my car key i.e. I pay the bill first and then I receive the car key. He asked me again and said he was checking so I pulled out the receipt and showed it to him. He checked and asked again if I paid my bill and he's just checking, but still in a threatening manner. Eventually he let me go but there was no "thank you" or an apology, or even an attempt to put things into perspective i.e. I am checking because someone left without paying recently. He did not use foul language or made any threats but his attitude was aggressive and sounded he was ready for a fight. I was not expecting this kind of attitude in a professional environment like a garage. It was easy for him to confirm I had paid my bill. i.e. check with his colleagues as I was given my car key. Also, I spend around 5 minutes in my car so if I hadn't paid my bill, I would have driven off the minute I got into my car.

I found his behaviour unacceptable so I raised a complaint with Formula One Autocentre. I received an apology but was also told that the guy is a "hothead" and "they try to tame him". If you are a business, why do you allow such an employee to deal with public? I reported the incident to the Police.

Also this guy has access to thousands of customer records so I asked Formula One Autocentre to delete all my details. They said it was going to take 72 hours. Two weeks after my request I received a text message from them about my MOT so my details had not been deleted. I reported them to ICO.

I chose to use this garage because they’re local, and I decided to overlook the negative reviews. Unfortunately, my experience proved why those reviews exist.

During my visit, the spare wheel pulley system was damaged, and no one informed me. When I later called to ask why I hadn’t been told and what they intended to do to put it right, I was simply told “it’s just one of those things.”

This response, along with the overall lack of care, reflects a very poor attitude and customer experience. I have reported the matter to Blackcircles and will let them handle the complaint, as Formula 1 Barnwell Road have been unwilling to help.

I am leaving this review to warn others, not to damage a business unfairly.

My daughter took her car to Formula One Autocentres Cambridge (Barnwell Road) for a “full service” on 22/01/2026. The vehicle had passed a completely clean MOT just six weeks earlier, with no advisories.

After the 'full service'/oil change, she was contacted with a long list of alleged faults said to require urgent attention, including unsafe brakes, suspension issues, oil leaks, tyre deformation and alignment problems. She was repeatedly told that the car was not safe to drive, including when she collected it.

As a young and inexperienced driver, this caused her significant distress and left her genuinely frightened to drive the vehicle.

Given the recent MOT and the way the car had been driving, she immediately sought an independent inspection from another garage. That garage carried out a full check and road test and confirmed that the only issue present was a misaligned washer jet. None of the serious or safety-critical issues raised by Formula One were found.

The stark contrast between the extensive “urgent” fault list provided and the findings of an independent garage raises serious concerns about accuracy and suggests sharp practice, particularly when dealing with customers who may lack technical knowledge.

This experience resulted in unnecessary anxiety and additional cost to have the car independently assessed. I would strongly advise anyone using this branch to seek a second opinion before authorising any work recommended following a service.

It would also be advisable to take a look at what a 'full service' actually entails from F1, you will be surprised and disappointed in equal measures.

My wife took the car here for an MOT as normal garage was booked up. They stated that 2 coil springs were corroded and pushed strongly to replace the lot at a cost of around £750. They also stated that she drove the car home 'at her own risk'. Needless to say we got a second opinion from another garage. Yes there was a little bit of corrosion, but nothing out of the ordinary, and they stated that they would not have even made this an advisory. We won't be using these people again.

Andy, the guy behind the reception, was rude, obnoxious and arrogant. When my van failed it's MOT he laughed and said "I'm going to ruin your day." During my time in the reception all I heard was his criticism of others "have they not heard of Google" or "why are people so stupid." This behaviour in front of me as a customer I found absolutely appalling.

Expect the customer to chase up parts ordered or expect you to go purchase your own parts !
Fitters not mechanics
Always trying to upsell products you don’t necessarily need.
Not a good reputation within the motor industry.
Over sold items to my elderly father.

I came across this garage almost a year ago, when looking for a new place to MOT my car and haven’t taken it anywhere since. It has needed a service and new tyres over this period. I find the email reminders (tyres) really helpful and the team are great. Big up the Cambridge branch ;)

Beware who touches your car here, whilst getting my auxiliary belt fixed other parts got damaged. Explained the issue, no accountability. Had to spend £187 to get it repaired. Rang up to speak to manager, was informed that he would call me. Heard nothing had to call again. Manager took no responsibility/accountability. Stay clear from here.

Brilliant service,polite and efficient staff,went in with a loose heat shield and was sorted out very quickly without any fuss

Scot was excellent make the experience positive. Couldn't be helpful enough

Took my car in with rattling exhaust. Was seen immediately by Sean, who put it on a ramp and sorted the problem directly. Top service all round!