Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert VAG Vehicle Servicing & Repairs in Ilminster
Established in 1962, we are a family-run automotive repair business serving Ilminster, Chard, Crewkerne, and the wider South West region. Our expertise spans all vehicle makes, with a particular specialisation in VAG group vehicles including Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda. With over 50 years of combined mechanical experience from our team, led by Jamie and Steve Gummer who built their skills through 12 years at a Volkswagen main dealership, we provide comprehensive servicing, MOT preparation, and repair solutions.Our fully equipped workshop handles everything from routine maintenance to complex diagnostics, offering transparent pricing and no-obligation quotes. We prioritise customer satisfaction through honest advice, competitive rates, and reliable service, evidenced by long-standing client relationships and positive testimonials highlighting our faultless workmanship. Our commitment to quality remains unchanged since John Gummer first opened the business, combining traditional values with modern technical expertise.
Services
Servicing
MOT Preparation
Vehicle Repairs
Tyre Fitting
Diagnostic Checks
Details
- Year established: 1962
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined mechanical expertise from our team
- Our specialists bring 12 years' experience from a Volkswagen main dealership
- We offer transparent pricing with no-obligation quotes
- We provide same-day emergency repairs for urgent vehicle issues
- Our family-run business maintains a 60-year reputation for reliability
What people say
Faultless, honest and competitive
Excellent reasonably priced servicing
Great staff, great service
Helped us back on the road same day
Services
Servicing
We provide comprehensive vehicle servicing for all makes, with specialist expertise in VAG group vehicles. Our technicians follow manufacturer guidelines to maintain warranty validity while ensuring optimal performance. With modern diagnostic equipment and genuine parts, we deliver thorough inspections and preventative maintenance to extend vehicle longevity.
MOT Preparation
Our MOT preparation service ensures vehicles meet DVSA standards through pre-test inspections and necessary repairs. We identify potential failure points and address them efficiently, minimising retest costs. Our success rate reflects our detailed understanding of current testing regulations and vehicle compliance requirements.
Vehicle Repairs
We handle all mechanical repairs from minor fixes to complex fault diagnostics. Our team utilises advanced diagnostic tools alongside traditional engineering skills to resolve issues efficiently. Specialising in VAG systems while maintaining capability across all vehicle brands, we guarantee workmanship quality and customer satisfaction.
Tyre Fitting
We offer premium tyre supply and professional fitting services for all vehicle types. Our technicians ensure correct installation, balancing, and alignment to maximise safety and tread life. We maintain stock of leading brands while providing expert advice on seasonal and performance tyre options.
Diagnostic Checks
Our computerised diagnostic service quickly identifies electronic system faults using manufacturer-specific software. We specialise in resolving complex error codes and sensor issues for VAG vehicles while maintaining diagnostic capabilities across all makes, ensuring accurate problem resolution.
People
John Gummer
Founder
Established Hillside Garage in 1962, providing 45 years of dedicated automotive service before passing expertise to his sons. His commitment to quality remains foundational to our business ethos.
Jamie Gummer
Director
Brings 12 years' experience from a Volkswagen main dealership to our VAG specialist services. Oversees technical operations with a focus on maintaining high diagnostic and repair standards.
Steve Gummer
Senior Technician
Combines extensive mechanical knowledge with modern diagnostic skills. Specialises in complex repairs and contributes to our team's 50+ years of collective automotive expertise.
Questions
What vehicle brands do you service?
While specialising in VAG group vehicles (Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda), we service and repair all makes and models to the same high standard.
Do you offer MOT testing?
We prepare vehicles for MOT testing and handle required repairs, but testing itself must be conducted at authorised MOT centres. We can advise on local testing locations.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Ilminster, Chard, Crewkerne and surrounding South West communities, with customers travelling from across Somerset and Devon for our specialist services.
Are your technicians qualified?
Our team includes technicians with 12 years' experience at Volkswagen main dealerships, holding relevant industry certifications and maintaining continuous professional development.
Reviews (2)
Jonjo O'Byrne
Dec 29, 2020
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Came down on my honeymoon and the guys here helped get us back on the road same day would recommend to anyone
Michael Sherred
Dec 31, 2018
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Excellent reasonably priced servicing I have had my Mercedes & wife's Audi serviced, very happy, would highly recommend!
