Pathetic Service

My latest experience with Stevs Auto clinic Stikland is a prime example of why its very important to read the reviews about not only a company but especially if it’s a different branch

During the week of the 15th of January 2026, I called Steves Auto Clinic in Stikland in the hope that they could service my vehicle. For almost two decades I have been servicing my vehicles at Steves Auto Clinic. Even for the year that I was in Pretoria, I serviced my vehicle at Steves Auto Clinic. My usual branch was Milnerton, despite the fact that its quite far out of the way from where I live and initially worked. I subsequently dropped my vehicle at the Stikland branch at about 07h30 on Monday the 19th of January 2026. I requested several times to have the quotation for the major service before I drop my vehicle but this request like numerous others seemed to have fell on deaf ears. After I dropped my vehicle, I was expecting a call at about 11am to give me an update on the vehicle. This was the norm all the years at the Milnerton branch. Their communication was on point and gave me an extra sense of security that my vehicle was in the right hands and that I was continuously update on progress. When I eventually called at about, I was informed that apart from the major service cost, the V belts had to be replaced, EGR & CAT delete with software update as well as the Brake Master Cylinder had to be replaced. This brought the total to R16060. The major issue was that it would delay me collecting the vehicle on the 19th. Collecting my vehicle the same day was very important at that late stage in the day since making alternate arrangements would be nearly impossible. I therefore I opted to have those services (the brakes and Cat) delayed on the understanding that it would not affect or damage my vehicle. I was then informed that I could collect the vehicle later that same day. I stressed the importance of getting my vehicle back the same day and explained that my choice of what gets to be done was dictated by me having to get my vehicle back the same day. When it reached late into the day, I decided to call to check on progress. I was then informed that the wrong belts were sent and that the car would not be ready. This was devastating news and I had to jostle around to arrange transport home and back to work the next day and to collect the vehicle on the 20th of January 2026.

I also did some research on what exactly , EGR & CAT delete with software update was. I only then realised that the procedure is quite severe and that this should obviously have been explained to me as it might very well affect my motor warranty.

On the 20th I had to call the branch and was informed that it should be ready at 15h00 and that the belts should arrive in 10 minutes. They were going to call me back to confirm everything is ok. When they failed to call, I called back just before 1pm and was informed that 15h00 should still be ok. I was also informed that one belt was incorrect and that it will be replaced. When I got there at about 15h45, I was informed that one belt keeps on twisting and that something is wrong with the belt. They would have to get a new belt and I would have to return to have in installed. I shared my frustrations with Justin and explained that their service was bad and unacceptable. I then arranged to have the new belt installed on Wednesday at 14h00.

As destiny would have it. I forgot my cell at home and sent an email to Steves Auto Clinic early the morning to inform Justin of my situation and that any communication should be done via email. I eventually got no response and called the landline, 021 007 1390 , and informed Justin that I forgot my cell at home. All communication via my email. He was unable to indicate when the belt would arrive and agreed to send me an email after he enquires from his boss. This too was an exercise where I had to prod them for progress. I was eventually informed that it would be ready for installation when I am available. I arranged to be there at 13h00. I got there just before 13h00 and the belt was installed. I also had to inform Justin that he completed the service book in the wrong place and failed to insert the mileage. A I left, I noticed and number appearing on the dash when I start the car. Justin told me not to worry and that he will call me later about what it means. I am still waiting. Now there is a lot of uncer*****y in life but one thing is for sure, I will never return to Steves Auto clinic in Stikland. After the fact I have also checked out the reviews and it further confirmed that I am not the only one that left extremely unhappy about the services rendered. I will be taking my vehicle back to the Milnerton branch in due course to have it checked out again.