Purchasing a Mercedes-Benz, especially a classic model, is often the start of a love affair with automotive excellence. However, for owners of older Mercedes vehicles like my W124, finding a garage that truly understands and can properly care for these cars is paramount. This year, as a new Mercedes owner, I embarked on a quest to locate a Mercedes Specialist in London I could trust. My search led me to Automerc in North London, and I’m pleased to share my overwhelmingly positive experience.
After extensive online research, numerous phone calls, and seeking recommendations from fellow Mercedes enthusiasts, Automerc stood out. What immediately impressed me was their long-standing history. The head mechanic isn’t just someone who works on Mercedes; he practically grew up with them. Being the son of the founder, he has been immersed in Mercedes mechanics from a young age. Despite his youth, his experience with the marque is undeniable and surpasses many I encountered. The front-of-house operations are managed by Ivan, a business partner who is exceptionally helpful and approachable. From my initial contact, Ivan’s friendly and professional demeanor was reassuring.
Stepping into the Automerc workshop was a comforting experience in itself. It was filled with Mercedes vehicles spanning decades, a testament to their specialization. I observed a delightful collection, with a noticeable presence of 70s, 80s, and 90s models – precisely the era of Mercedes I was most interested in. Further solidifying their reputation, I learned that even respected specialist car dealers entrust Automerc with their own vehicles, a strong endorsement in my book.
My first request to Automerc was a comprehensive inspection of my W124. I wanted a complete and honest assessment of its condition. The inspection was incredibly thorough. Automerc not only identified the issues I was already aware of but also uncovered some I had missed. Crucially, and to my immense satisfaction, they also gave a clean bill of health to some items on my checklist that could have easily been flagged as problematic by a less scrupulous garage. This honesty was a refreshing change and immediately built trust.
Ivan took the time to patiently explain all the findings, detailing the necessary repairs and associated costs. He also provided valuable advice on prioritizing work, suggesting which repairs were urgent and which could be deferred without compromising safety or further damaging the vehicle. This pragmatic approach, respecting my budget and concerns, was greatly appreciated. Ivan was consistently helpful, polite, and remarkably responsive to emails and calls, making communication seamless and stress-free. He readily agreed to a schedule of work that aligned with my budget and even accommodated numerous minor repairs alongside the larger, more critical jobs. In my experience, such attention to detail is rare. It’s not every day you find a workshop willing to go the extra mile to replace dashboard bulbs, silence a squeaky wiper, adjust a headlight, or attend to the small details that collectively enhance the overall feel and enjoyment of a car. Another thoughtful gesture was Ivan’s willingness to send me photos of the work in progress and of the replaced, damaged parts, keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
All the agreed-upon work was completed as promised, with nothing overlooked. Since the service, the workmanship has proven to be faultless. Upon collecting my car, I was pleased to find it in immaculate condition – no scratches, no damage, and the interior was spotless.
My experience with Automerc was, as you can tell, exceptional. While car repairs can often result in hefty bills, Automerc made the process as pleasant as possible. Driving away, I genuinely felt I had received excellent value for my money. While slightly cheaper labor rates might be found elsewhere in London, I am confident that the level of service and depth of Mercedes expertise offered by Automerc is unmatched. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend them to any Mercedes owner in London seeking a Mercedes specialist to entrust their cherished vehicle to. For classic Benz owners, in particular, who value honest, reliable, and meticulous care, Automerc is the place to go. Well done, Automerc. It was a pleasure doing business with you, and you have earned a loyal customer.
