Micks Garage

JR1210

I usually buy parts from UKs site but decided to pay the little extra and use www.micksgarage.ie
I entered the car reg and ordered service parts that the site displayed. About 2 weeks later when I had time to take the car for a service the mechanic took the fuel filter out and found the one from micksGarage did not fit.
When I went back to MicksGarage they advised that I need to check the part was correct and send it back within the week. I put my trust in the site and did not think I would have to lift the car and take out the old filter to compare it with the new one, all within the week. When I used UK sites they have always supplied the correct part so did not think micksgarage could get it wrong

For a web retailer their customer service was pretty shocking. They would not take the part back and swap it for the correct part. They asked me to ring the dealer to find out what was the part number and then they tried to sell me the correct part without taking back the incorrect part. The customer service was shocking and they don't seem to know what parts are right for what cars

What a waste of time dealing with them

George Dalton

What kind of car is it?

Mar4ix

thats something new. never had problem before with them . i usually use chat option with operator, and never got wrong parts.
usually when you put your reg number, i think they still dont have full info about your car, and there few options which to pick, and then you have to know your part number, to pick the right one. ... and depend on make , model and year of manufactured there could be some variations with parts, some times they ask win number over chat, to find correct part.

I think they even open part pick up point ... correct someone if i am wrong.

biko

I never had a bother with them.
What part number was it? For what car/year?

Alanstrainor

I know with my car, and ordering parts there's many parts that were used for certain things, so I have to double check all the parts. Pain in the ass, but better safe than sorry.

yop

Never had an issue with Micksgarage in fairness but have often had this issue with incorrect oil or air filter from brick and mortar shops.

Ardennes1944

You always have to check Part numbers to be fair. Mine and Alans car has the same engine and only 1 year apart but we even just found out my engine has an extra tensioner. Theres always minute differences

biko

Certain years are tricky as early cars will use a different part than later cars the same year.

yeller

know a few friends that had some bother with them, i wouldnt bother with them i go to local motor factors

tom_k

Sorry to hear about your difficulties OP. I've used Micks garage a number of times and have always been satisfied, have used the online chat option too.

As already stated you really have to know with certainty what you're ordering through research, I've nearly been caught out more than once even with exterior trim items.

Wheelnut

I ordered spark plugs and an air filter for an Almera. The plugs were totally wrong (short reach thread instead of long reach) and the air filter seemed out of tolerance. By that I mean that it looked right but when I tried to fit it I had to force the lid closed on the air box. Both were ordered via the reg number and the car details that popped up were correct.

Contacted them and they agreed to take them back. However I had to pay the postage even though the mistake was theirs. I've gone back to the local factors, at least if they get it wrong they don't charge me for their mistakes.

Mar4ix

Wheelnut wrote: »

I ordered spark plugs and an air filter for an Almera. The plugs were totally wrong (short reach thread instead of long reach) and the air filter seemed out of tolerance. By that I mean that it looked right but when I tried to fit it I had to force the lid closed on the air box. Both were ordered via the reg number and the car details that popped up were correct.

Contacted them and they agreed to take them back. However I had to pay the postage even though the mistake was theirs. I've gone back to the local factors, at least if they get it wrong they don't charge me for their mistakes.

I think service parts always been good price in local motorfactors. i've got oil, oil filter airfilter for two cars ... 98 toyota avensis and 2010 diesel vw polo for just under 100 quid. when i just checked with micks garage (used cheapest parts) in result i got nearly same price (i think 2 euro cheaper), but parts from motorfactors wasnt the cheapest brands, i cant remember at the moment which ones i got, but i think at the end motorfactors would be cheaper. usually when buy quiet a lot in one go in motorfactors, they give nice discount.

GTE

I used them once for a big job. I called to arrange a collection of the parts that day as the car developed an issue and had to get fixed before a big drive the next day.

They acknowledged how important the parts were and their availability so payment went through. They said they would call me when the parts were ready for collection. They didn't ring back and after a few attempts at getting through I talked to someone who said the parts were there a couple of hours before they were due to ring me. By then there was no way for me to get there before the shop closed.

The up side is, after I got a bit angry with them, someone who worked there offered to bring out the parts and meet me on their route home.

I'd say my experience was mixed but if the meeting could not be arranged, I would have been fecked given their guarantee of same day collection in that instance. But my case was rather urgent, most wouldn't be.

Voodoomelon

I had a bizarre incident with them, probably a one off. I ordered a set of Osram clear indicator bulbs that flash orange.

What I got was a single orange bulb in a bit of tatty bubble wrap. They were as baffled as I was, they sent the correct ones out the same day.

djimi

bbk wrote: »

I used them once for a big job. I called to arrange a collection of the parts that day as the car developed an issue and had to get fixed before a big drive the next day.

Out of curiosity, if the job was that urgent why did you not just go to your local motor factors instead of relying on an online service? Surely that would have been the safer option, even if ended up costing a few quid more?

holdmybeer

I used them before and had no problems,
I dont rely on the reg check though. Got the specs from the dealer and bought one of those online service manuals so I know where to everything is.

Kenny Logins

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I know with my car, and ordering parts there's many parts that were used for certain things, so I have to double check all the parts. Pain in the ass, but better safe than sorry.

This. I bought the wrong thermostat recently, it was showing under my reg number but did have the extra info that I missed - the part was for a later build of my model.

YbFocus

I use them regularly and find them great, once you know what you need and can confirm the part numbers then your fine.

Wheres My ForkandKnife

JR1210 wrote: »

I usually buy parts from UKs site but decided to pay the little extra and use www.micksgarage.ie
I entered the car reg and ordered service parts that the site displayed. About 2 weeks later when I had time to take the car for a service the mechanic took the fuel filter out and found the one from micksGarage did not fit.
When I went back to MicksGarage they advised that I need to check the part was correct and send it back within the week. I put my trust in the site and did not think I would have to lift the car and take out the old filter to compare it with the new one, all within the week. When I used UK sites they have always supplied the correct part so did not think micksgarage could get it wrong

For a web retailer their customer service was pretty shocking. They would not take the part back and swap it for the correct part. They asked me to ring the dealer to find out what was the part number and then they tried to sell me the correct part without taking back the incorrect part. The customer service was shocking and they don't seem to know what parts are right for what cars

What a waste of time dealing with them

Thius is the problem with buying online. I have a diesel 211 merc and when I first went to buy a service kit for it there were two different fuel filters listed for it but because I have been going to this particular motor factors for years they gave me both filters and told me to drop the wrong one back. You just can't get service like that on the internet.

I am a fan of online shopping as it has made everything mor competitive. I don't buy car parts online unless it was something like wiper blades which is hard to get wrong.

I am in the minority here as micksgarage is very popular. I wouldn't buy clothes online either but many do:)

renofan

I've never had any problems with them and when the ball joint on a wishbone I'd got through them failed after 7k kms I returned it and got a refund and always found them easy to communicate with.

djimi

Wheres My ForkandKnife wrote: »

I am a fan of online shopping as it has made everything mor competitive. I don't buy car parts online unless it was something like wiper blades which is hard to get wrong.

I am in the minority here as micksgarage is very popular. I wouldn't buy clothes online either but many do:)

I feel the same way to be honest. Buying online is fine if you are absolutely sure about what you are buying, ie if I want to get a Samsung Galaxy S4 then there isnt really much scope for error. However, with clothes, shoes and things like car parts Id prefer to see what Im getting before I buy. Any decent online retailer will have a good returns policy, but its just hassle that I couldnt be bothered with when there are easier options available.

GTE

djimi wrote: »

Out of curiosity, if the job was that urgent why did you not just go to your local motor factors instead of relying on an online service? Surely that would have been the safer option, even if ended up costing a few quid more?

Out of stock.

You call around, establish who has stock, buy it from who has stock. It does not matter that Micks Garage (a big ass motor factors) has a website. You can still call and collect so it having an online service does not matter in my case. They made a considerable error, regardless of them having a website.

JR1210

I used to sell parts online, the bottom line is the customer is always right. If the parts are incorrect or not functioning then the seller needs to refund or replace. This is always the case for online shopping. Mick's Garage invested in a system to assist the buyer in finding the correct car parts based on the registration. The system they invested in is obviously not up to the task so it is their responsibility as a vendor to resolve any issues when supplying the incorrect part. 2 weeks after purchase is definitely not too late, and now I am left with the incorrect part!

George Dalton

Sometimes the only way of knowing which part is fitted to any particular car is to have access to the main dealer system via the VIN.

Case in point being Mk5 Golf diesels which can have any one of 3 different fuel filters fitted. We just keep all 3 in stock which avoids any problems but it is totally understandable how mixups can happen when people are buying their own parts, both in bricks and mortar motor factors and with online retailers.

Standard Toaster

Never had an issue with them and have used them many times.

BohsCeltic

My car reg shows up as a transit

YbFocus

BohsCeltic wrote: »

My car reg shows up as a transit

Check motor check man, is your reg showing a transit there? Could cause an awkwardness selling etc.

BohsCeltic

YbFocus wrote: »

Check motor check man, is your reg showing a transit there? Could cause an awkwardness selling etc.

No its showing as the correct one there

YbFocus

BohsCeltic wrote: »

No its showing as the correct one there

That could cause trouble

BohsCeltic

YbFocus wrote: »

That could cause trouble

Cartell and Motorcheck have the right one, its only micks garage for some reason.

pred racer

Last time I used them they sent me brake pads for the wrong car!
When you have to post something back its not so cheap anymore.
Wont use them again.

bgrizzley

Once ever i've had to return anything to them and that was my own mistake. they were very helpful (even though i had to get the part elsewhere(rush for test)) iirc i told them to credit my account if they wanted but they actually returned the money.
so never a bother with them for me, credit where it's due.

Stheno

Kenny Logins wrote: »

This. I bought the wrong thermostat recently, it was showing under my reg number but did have the extra info that I missed - the part was for a later build of my model.

djimi wrote: »

I feel the same way to be honest. Buying online is fine if you are absolutely sure about what you are buying, ie if I want to get a Samsung Galaxy S4 then there isnt really much scope for error. However, with clothes, shoes and things like car parts Id prefer to see what Im getting before I buy. Any decent online retailer will have a good returns policy, but its just hassle that I couldnt be bothered with when there are easier options available.

I used them to price spark plugs for my car, needed two types and they were €62 each compared to €21 each or approk £70 sterling for the eight I needed from the UK! Plus for someone who doesn't classify parts (I would say spark plugs are either ignition or engine parts), they have them in there with service parts like filters?

Put me off them, plus as my car came in three phases, and my car is in the crossover year of phase 1-2, there can be multiple part numbers I use a manual developed for my car to check, so I'm not relying on them knowing that I need.

bbk wrote: »

Out of stock.

You call around, establish who has stock, buy it from who has stock. It does not matter that Micks Garage (a big ass motor factors) has a website. You can still call and collect so it having an online service does not matter in my case. They made a considerable error, regardless of them having a website.

They did make an error. But anytime I have needed parts in a hurry, local factors is the way to go, even if you just go in to buy the odd bit of stuff, those guys seem to have photographic memories, and the longest I've waited for parts from a factors in about 2 days.

Only reason I went online for spark plugs, is my mechanic telling me that even with trade, I'd get better on line, he was sick that I could get the eight I needed for the £70

unkel

George Dalton wrote: »

Sometimes the only way of knowing which part is fitted to any particular car is to have access to the main dealer system via the VIN.

+1

Getting the right part is not always easy for us amateurs. I check and double check myself and then hope for the best. When a garage is ordering the part for me and want the VIN off me first, I know they'll be getting the correct part alright

Cee-Jay-Cee

No matter what or where I'm buying from I make sure that the part number matches the OE part number before buying. There are usually a few variations of all parts due to improvements/upgrades or face lifts and so it entirely up to the buyer to ensure the part they're selecting to buy is the correct part.

I haven't personally bought from MG but my brother seems to buy all his parts from them and never had a problem.

Zubeneschamali

bbk wrote: »

They made a considerable error, regardless of them having a website.

No, the Motor Factor part of the business sold you the parts you ordered. Success.

The website tries to match your reg. to the parts you need, but as noted upthread, it's not always easy. Fail.

GTE

Stheno wrote: »

They did make an error. But anytime I have needed parts in a hurry, local factors is the way to go, even if you just go in to buy the odd bit of stuff, those guys seem to have photographic memories, and the longest I've waited for parts from a factors in about 2 days.

I think you misread me, the local factors had no stock of what I needed. I got the parts the same day from Micks Garage which was originally going to be a collection job. To be fair to them, my local factor said it would take 2 to 4 days to get my parts. I got the correct parts too and cheaper too.

That said, it would be interesting how quickly they could source (correct) parts in an instance where both they and a local factor has no stock of an item. Maybe that is where you were coming from but it is not quite related to me.

Anyway, rather than incorrect parts my bad experience is with terrible customer service aside from their offer to meet me half way, which I had to really push them for and could easily have not happened if the person left a bit before the phone guy did.

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

No, the Motor Factor part of the business sold you the parts you ordered. Success.

The website tries to match your reg. to the parts you need, but as noted upthread, it's not always easy. Fail.

The comment I was responding to was questioning why I used an online service when a local factors could have done a better job. The online service was used to correctly identify parts which I then called up and ordered with reference numbers which did a better job than the local factor in terms of getting the part to me ASAP. As far as I read the title, the thread is about Micks Garage wasting peoples money and as an extension giving bad customer services. I was not just sticking to the reg checker point

JohnBoy26

yop wrote: »

Never had an issue with Micksgarage in fairness but have often had this issue with incorrect oil or air filter from brick and mortar shops.

it's much easier to go back to a bricks and mortar shop though if you have any issues with the parts.

Cerco

I have bought a few items from them and found them very efficient. I bought a part once which I eventually did not need I contacted them and they took it back and gave a refund without quibble. I will continue to deal with them and would recoomend them.

Sin City

I have to say I used them recently and found them very efficient. Ordered a headlamp Wednesday afternoon and it came first thing Thursday morning. Right part at half the price of elsewhere. I was not expecting it for a few days. So am very happy so far with service

dh0011

The last two times I ordered from them I ordered a blue print pollen filter and they sent me a filtermaster one which doesnt feel of the same quality as the blue print filter. Also ordered car seat covers from them. I learned a lesson with this one. Never buy something like that without seeing and touching the product. It looked great on the pics but wasnt on the car.

ardle1

If they sent you out the part you ordered! Then micks garage have done nothing wrong, you made a genuine mistake, and you will be more 'exact' next time... I'm sure micks will take it back and credit your account!!

dh0011

They did not send me the part I ordered. I had no choice but to use it as i had taken the day off work to do a few jobs on the car/house and couldnt be sending it back.

I suggest you read the post i wrote again.

JR1210

ardle1 wrote: »

If they sent you out the part you ordered! Then micks garage have done nothing wrong, you made a genuine mistake, and you will be more 'exact' next time... I'm sure micks will take it back and credit your account!!

They sent me the part I ordered based on my registration and no they wouldn't credit me. The mistake is there's

It's great feedback from all the people that received parts that fit, but one day you'll receive parts that don't fit because their site is useless, can't wait to see your feedback when your out of pocket

ardle1

Well if you put your reg in box, and it just offered you one choice, then micks is at fault, I do apologize, I personally dont use mg..

Technoprisoner

some cars are a nightmare to find parts for.... no matter how hard you try it can still go wrong...in fact sometimes even having original part numbers doesnt guarantee the correct parts. There could be a wrong supplier listing, part boxed wrong, part numbered wrong...sometimes there is too much information to take in to decide the correct part.

OldmanMondeo

Picking parts for a car is not as easy as people here think. There can be a lot of reasons to why the incorrect part come on a reg look up. Car details can be incorrect, many imports are not registered properly, meaning it could be wrong engine size, code, wrong model year etc. Even with the right details you can have timing belt kits with automatic or manual tensioners etc.

Most people here might know their way around an engine but picking the correct parts, and knowing the pitfalls you come up against is a different kettle of fish.

nct tester

I buy bits off micks garage regularly enough and never had any hassle so far. In the case of the merc 211 as someone stated above, there are 2 different fuel filters, one with pipes and one with a push on connector but it shows on the diagram that there are two different types.
I bought 5 pollen filters for vw's a while back as a few vw's use the same type, i ordered the cheapest ones available but they were out of stock and they sent the most expensive ones at no extra cost which i thought was fair enough.
Also bought a set of kyb shocks for a corolla and they were €20 cheaper than my local motor factors. Also as a comparison to buy an air filter for a b6 passat from main dealer is €16.50 with trade discount, to buy exact same filter (both mann) is €12.66 on micks garage.

nct tester

Also to buy a set of bosch glow plugs from micks garage for an E12 corolla is €4 dearer than mister-auto (€17 as opposed to €13) per plug so thats a saving of €16. Its a lot if u ask me. There also was a time i was pricing a rad for an avensis, was dearer in auto factors, told him the story about micksgarage price and he matched their price. Maybe difference was €20 or €22 but convenience sake was easier to pick it up in motorfactors later that day rather than wait 2 days for it to arrive by post.

Fuzzy Clam

I found to my dismay that on Micks Garage you need to look for the part that corresponds to the VIN.
I entered my reg number and ordered the part that I thought was suitable. It was only when I tried to fit the part that I realised it was wrong. They wouldn't accept a return of the part as it was marked by me. Fair enough but I was 120 Euros down.
My crib is that they shouldn't have displayed the parts that are not suitable, or at least they should have made it clear that the VIN needs to be checked.

On another occasion, I was sent out a cheaper brand than what i had ordered but had been charged for the dearer item. A quick call sorted this out and i was refunded the difference.

paulcrowley2

Micks garage is a terrible site. The registered finder is useless although it finds the right car, it sends out the wrong parts. Then they expect you to pay the postage to return the wrong part they sent you. Take my advice and steer well clear. Will never use them again.