I've taken my van and car to this garage and been let down by these mechanic. They charge me for the work they did and the quality of work was poor.
Trustworthy, experienced, fair and good value, a truly rare asset to North Wingfield and the place to go to get your car or van maintained when free of manufacturer warranty concerns*. If you just want a snapshot - this is all you need to know. Call them and join the queue if you've had a bad experience elsewhere, you'll get your faith in the trade back. Long version: I've been driving since the last century and maintaining my own cars almost as long, because as both an inexperienced 17 year old and a time as a busy professional photographer with a new car from a well-known brand, I've gradually had my faith in garages eroded by bad experiences and finding so many bodges (with invoices to match) on many of the 200-odd used cars I've had. I know I'm one of the customers garages hate. I think I know enough that I could, usually, fix the car myself and have done the diagnostics as much as I can, so ask for the work I'd do – if only I had time, strength or the right tools (and sometimes, I do fix things myself and for other people). So I tend to want things done the way I would do them - shortcuts, things done based on experience, yes, but no compromises or bodges. No broken clips refitted, or undisclosed damaged parts hidden away (I'd rather know and replace it). Since I moved here I've had several MOTs done and found the passes, advisories and fails spot on – and well-advised, too. Never been told something needed doing that didn't, and when I encountered a problematic car and thought I'd fixed it, they showed what I'd missed so it was fixed 100%. There's usually a waiting list for work, which is understandable, and they often encourage me to do it myself, as they know what I've repaired in the past. But when weather, lack of tools and injury meant I couldn't do a relatively simple (relatively, I know it was a horrible job!) exhaust replacement they got the car in the next day and sorted it for a very reasonable price indeed, particularly given how grim some of the fastenings were and the need to cut parts to fit. The whole team is friendly and knows their stuff - I doubt there's anything that they haven't seen before on cars outside of the factory warranty, and they know hybrid and EV tech as well. When I was stuck on one fault I'd never encountered, the advice I got on the new part and what had caused the problem was spot on, so I could order pieces and finish my repair in confidence. Given I've been lied to by shiny, showroom and coffee machine main dealers when owning the most expensive car a manufacturer sold, and had 'mates with garages' rip me off for years when I was younger, it's really nice to find a garage that I want to use and I would trust with anything, if they had the time to take it on when I needed it doing. So I don't just recommend them for their skill, experience and honesty (and their rates, frankly - it's an eye opener after being used to main dealers and 'specialists'). I recommend them because they're good guys in a business where that's often just the sales patter. If I had gone into the trade instead of just writing about cars, this is the kind of garage I'd be proud to be involved with. If you get a car repaired here, it's money well-spent – I don't think they'd advise a repair that wouldn't prolong the useful life of the car, and I know they'll do the work they've quoted for and fit the parts they say are needed. * technically, you can have a car serviced by a third-party garage without voiding the warranty as long as they use approved parts and it's all documented. If you have a modern diesel or petrol car with long service intervals (two year, 12-20,000 mile) and plan on keeping it after the PCP/lease ends, I would suggest bringing it here between services for annual/6K mile oil and filter change or getting things like coolant changed before the manufacturer interval, as it will help reduce the chances of timing chain failure and similar issues that affect so many modern cars.
Fantastic service from Ross at J W Richards and Sons! They got me in straight away, and the staff was professional, efficient, and friendly. It's great to find a local garage that prioritizes customer needs. Highly recommend them for any car repairs or maintenance!
Excellent service. Great value for money...
Never a problem been using them for Years
Great mot service and maintenance, been using them since I started driving 15 years ago
Fabulous..got my mot done here ...super quick and very helpful
This vehicle repair and MOT testing garage has been looking after our vehicles (both private and commercial) for the past 4 years. We are extremely satisfied with all the work they carried out, including diagnosis of faults, speedy repair and communication. The staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable. Please be advised that this garage is very busy, which is testament to its popularity.
J W Richards & Sons is located at 4 The Grn, North Wingfield, Chesterfield S42 5NF, UK
You can contact J W Richards & Sons at +44 1246 851090
You can find directions to J W Richards & Sons by following this map link