After multiple bad runs with unclear diagnostics and surprise charges, I landed on 1 Car Service Workshop based on a friend’s recommendation. Honestly, it’s been the most straightforward car repair experience in Singapore I’ve had in a while.

The shop is LTA-approved and has AA Singapore certification. The staff gave me an upfront and itemised quote for the aircon fix and engine oil change, without sneaking in unnecessary add-ons.

The turnaround was quick, too. I dropped it off in the morning and got it back on the same evening, serviced and cleaned. 

The shop also offered a workmanship warranty, which came in handy once when I had a minor oil leak post-service (it was fixed at no extra cost).

That said, be warned; the shop can get fully booked, especially before long weekends, so booking is a must. Also, while services are competitively priced, 1 Car Service Workshop isn’t the cheapest around—more like mid-tier, but the service is top-notch.

Customer reviews:

Friendly and great service

It was my first time going to 1 Car Service with my Suzuki, and it has been nothing but an enjoyable experience from start to end. Thank you, Team 1 Car Service, for your friendly and great service. Very helpful, and not to mention the lounge with amenities makes the waiting easier and pleasant. A few hours of waiting are worthwhile. A complimentary parking ticket is good. Please keep up the good work, and your team members. I will definitely go back to you again. 

• Farhana Mohd Sarip, Google Review

Daoxiong and his team were incredibly helpful and thorough

While driving, my VW stalled. I took it to the service centre, where they diagnosed the issue and recommended replacing the mechatronic unit. It was a significant job that took more than a day to complete and was quite expensive. Upon collecting my car, I noticed two error messages remained: one for the transmission and one for the engine. I returned to the service centre, where they claimed that another part needed to be replaced to resolve these issues. Unconvinced, I decided to seek a second opinion. Within a week, additional error messages appeared, the worst being a gear system error that caused the car to stall again on several occasions. Despite my concerns, the service centre insisted that these errors would persist unless I replaced another part. Frustrated, I went online to read reviews and eventually chose 1 Car Service. I contacted Daoxiong, who requested that I bring my car to his workshop for a diagnosis. Daoxiong and his team were incredibly helpful and thorough, even updating the mechatronic program. I want to emphasise that they provided this service free of charge. For the past week, I haven’t experienced a single error message. It seems the problem is finally resolved, and I feel much more relaxed while driving. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Daoxiong and his team for their excellent service and expertise. 

• TK Tan, SGCarMart Review

I ended up at Kee Yong Auto after my usual workshop struggled with an issue on my older Mercedes. These guys specialise in premium brands like Mercedes, BMW, and Bentley, so they were immediately more confident in handling the diagnostics.

Speaking of diagnostics, the shop’s tools are advanced and specific to high-end vehicles. The team was able to pinpoint the problem quickly and offered me a breakdown using only genuine parts, which is critical if you’re driving something Continental or under warranty.

I like that the shop doesn’t push a one-size-fits-all package. Instead, I was given a custom servicing plan tailored to my car’s age and usage, which worked better for me in the long run.

Turnaround was good, too. I got my car back the same day for what would’ve taken two elsewhere.

The only catch is that the pricing here sits on the higher side, but that’s to be expected with premium-focused work. Also, the front-of-house experience is more functional than friendly—efficient, but don’t expect much hand-holding.

Customer reviews:

I am satisfied with his very professional services

Sent my car in to check some drive shaft problems. Dave was patient and took the car with me to verify the problems and provided a diagnostic report with a quotation the next day. He informed me of the scope of work, replacements necessary and the costs associated with genuine parts. I am satisfied with his very professional services and honesty with the various options. Would recommend Dave and Kee Yong Auto to resolve your vehicle issues. Thanks, Dave.

• Chan Seek Kian, Google Review

Knowledgeable technicians

Perfect place and knowledgeable technician. He quickly diagnosed my car and found the cause of the breakdown. I recommend this place to everyone. Thank the staff for the quality work! 

• Mohand Taufiq, SGCarMart Review

My dad went to Ricardo Auto Centre after his usual mechanic left him hanging post-accident (he’s fine; just a bruised ego). He said he wished he’d found the shop sooner.

This LTA-approved, full-service shop handles both repairs and insurance claims, which saved Pop from juggling between multiple places. Plus, its online booking system made things straightforward, with the staff sticking to the time he selected.

Pricing was transparent from the start, as well. There was no upselling or shady line items, and he was offered oil change packages starting at S$108, which is decent for the quality of service.

As his car needed bodywork and some engine tweaks, he was pleasantly surprised that they turned it around in just two days, complete with a workmanship warranty. They even walked Pop through what was replaced and why, which was rare and refreshing to understand what he was paying for.

That said, Ricardo Auto Centre gets busy, so peak periods (especially rainy days) can mean delays in turnaround time. Also, while thorough, it isn’t the cheapest option out there, especially if you’re just looking for a basic tune-up.

Customer reviews:

Great communication with Mr Henry and customer service 

Great recommendation from Ms Michelle. Please accept my deepest gratitude to Mr Henry and his awesome teams in every department for starting my new journey and hitting the road with clients smoothly! Great communication with Mr Henry and customer service, who went out to make efforts with a hearing-impaired driver. Take my two hands to clap!

• Kelvin Staln, Google Review

The workshop was clean, everything was neatly arranged

Bought a second-hand car and it had the sticker of Ricardo on its boot, so I guess the previous owner serviced the car here. Called up Ricardo for full Major servicing and was quoted a reasonable price. I was also informed that the car was maintained by them, and the mileage was genuine.

The workshop manager, Henry, was very friendly and accommodating to my appointment request. During the period my car was there, he regularly updated me on the progress of servicing and the various checks of the car. I am glad that the car is in good hands.

The workshop was clean, everything was neatly arranged. More than enough space for customers to walk without any hazards. There is also a nice aircon reception cum waiting room. Very nicely done up and looks good.

Will definitely return for my next servicing.

• Adrianli, SGCarMart Review

My brother brought his scratched-up car to Sin Heng Long Motor Works after a parking mishap, and told me how surprised he was by the efficient process. The shop is LTA-approved and specialises in spray painting and body work, which was exactly what he needed at the time.

What made things easier was that he got a quote just by sending photos over WhatsApp. The team replied fast and broke down the cost clearly, so he opted for a custom spray job with some minor panel repairs. Everything was documented from the get-go, too.

The job was done in around two days, and they matched his paint colour perfectly with no odd tones or patchy blending. Plus, the shop offered him a warranty on both paintwork and welding jobs!

The downsides? It’s more of a no-nonsense workshop, so don’t expect fancy waiting areas or over-the-top customer service. Also, its focus is mainly on exterior work, so if you need engine servicing, you’ll need to go elsewhere.

Customer reviews:

What impressed me the most was the boss’s transparency in pricing

I recently sent my car here for a respray and servicing, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience! The paint job was extremely well done—smooth, even, and of high quality—at a very reasonable price. What impressed me the most was the boss’s transparency in pricing. He took the time to explain all the services and costs clearly, with no hidden charges. His patience and willingness to answer my questions made the whole process smooth and stress-free. If you’re looking for a workshop that delivers great workmanship, fair pricing, and honest service, I highly recommend this shop. Will definitely return for future servicing!

• Max Tan, Google Review

The serving only took less than 2 hours

Booked an appointment to send my car for servicing before the inspection for road tax renewal. Found one warning signal days before the appointment date. Ms Low was very kind to bring the booking date forward. After the diagnosis, confirmed that all things were ok and just needed to reset the panel. The serving only took less than 2 hours. Swift & effective! Overall, very good job! Ms Low did not charge me extra for the examination of the emissions signal. She still billed me based on the costs quoted to me earlier. This is the second time I have come to Sin Heng Long. First time was in 2022 for some minor paint work, which Ian & his team have done an excellent job! That was why I came here a second time for car servicing. I have done my car work at a few workshops in Singapore. This one is by far the most reasonable charge & reliable workshop I know! Highly recommended!

• Binbin Maki, SGCarMart Review

I ended up at Merlin Motor & Engineering Works after a late-night breakdown, and its 24/7 towing service was a lifesaver. The shop has been around for over 40 years, and its experience shows especially when it comes to diagnosing issues without guesswork.

The team gave me a clear, itemised quote before doing any work, with the final bill matching it. It’s LTA-certified and also handles dyno tuning and performance upgrades, which came in handy when I asked about improving my car’s throttle response.

I had my car back in under 48 hours, too, which already included a workmanship warranty. This gave me peace of mind that I wouldn’t be back with the same problem the following week!

I must admit, the garage is a bit old-school, though. There’s nothing fancy, but it reeks of no-nonsense efficiency. 

And while the pricing is affordable, the shop can be in high demand, especially during the wet season. Same-day fixes aren’t always guaranteed unless it’s urgent.

Customer reviews:

Took excellent care of us and our car!

5 stars for service and reliability! Recommended by our car dealer, Mr Richard, who is also the partner of Merlin Motor Works, took excellent care of us and our car! Also, Mr Jacky and his team did a commendable job in resolving the issues in my car. I’d say, “Leave your car to these friendly and trustworthy professionals and go downstairs for a cup of coffee!”

• Mark Sara, Google Review

Fantastic service, superb diagnostic skills

Fantastic service, superb diagnostic skills and fair pricing. There is no regret sending your ride to Merlin for any servicing.

• Jonathan Chia, SGCarMart Review