Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Auto Dealers in St Austell Since 1912
Established in 1912, PC Tonkin & Son is Cornwall's longest-running car dealership, now in its fourth generation of family ownership. Our RAC Approved Workshop provides comprehensive vehicle servicing, diagnostics, repairs, and MOT testing for all makes and models. With over a century of motoring expertise, we combine traditional values with modern facilities, offering competitive tyre pricing, 4-wheel alignment, and manufacturer-authorised parts. Our team of continuously trained technicians ensures vehicles remain at peak performance using state-of-the-art equipment.We prioritise customer convenience with complimentary vehicle health checks, free washes, courtesy cars, and a comfortable waiting area with refreshments. As a RAC Approved Garage since 2022, we uphold rigorous standards of technical excellence and customer service. Our history of innovation includes becoming Citron dealers in 1973 and establishing Tonkin Recovery Ltd in 2007. We maintain strong community ties while serving motorists across Cornwall and beyond, offering a wide range of pre-registered and used vehicles from multiple manufacturers.
Services
Servicing
MOT Testing
Parts Supply
Vehicle Diagnostics
Tyres & Alignment
Details
- Year established: 1912
Highlights and features
- We offer 110 years of automotive expertise with four generations of family leadership
- Our RAC Approved Workshop status guarantees technical excellence and service standards
- Complimentary vehicle health checks and washes with every service
- Continuous manufacturer-based training for our technician team
- Established relationships with major breakdown clubs including AA and RAC
Associations and certifications
- RAC Approved Workshop
- RAC Approved Garage
What people say
Excellent service
Great customer service
Friendly and honest
Superb communication
Professional throughout
Services
Vehicle Servicing
Our RAC Approved Workshop provides comprehensive vehicle servicing using manufacturer-authorised parts and lubricants. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity for all makes and models. Our continuously trained technicians utilise state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to maintain your vehicle's peak condition.
MOT Testing
We offer MOT testing with expert assessment of vehicle safety and roadworthiness. Our technicians identify potential issues before they become failures, ensuring compliance with current standards while maintaining your vehicle's reliability and value.
Parts Supply
We provide genuine manufacturer-authorised parts and lubricants for all servicing and repair needs. Our inventory ensures quick turnaround times while maintaining vehicle performance standards. Competitive pricing available across our comprehensive parts range.
Vehicle Diagnostics
Advanced diagnostic equipment identifies complex vehicle issues efficiently. Our technicians interpret error codes and system data to resolve mechanical and electronic problems across modern vehicles, minimising downtime and repair costs.
Tyres & Alignment
We offer competitive tyre pricing and 4-wheel alignment services to ensure optimal vehicle handling. Proper alignment extends tyre life and improves fuel efficiency while maintaining safety standards for all vehicle types.
People
Jeremy Tonkin
Dealer Principal
Third-generation family member with over 50 years in the business. Started as mechanic and salesman, now leads operations maintaining the company's reputation for excellence and customer care.
Simon Tonkin
Breakdown Recovery Director
Fourth-generation leader managing Tonkin Recovery Ltd since 2007. Expanded breakdown services across Cornwall and Devon while maintaining family business values and operational standards.
Nigel Tonkin
Car Sales Director
Fourth-generation family member specialising in vehicle sales since 2007. Focuses on expanding used vehicle stock and diversifying brand offerings while maintaining personal customer relationships.
Questions
What services does PC Tonkin & Son offer?
We provide vehicle servicing, MOT testing, parts supply, diagnostics, tyre services, and breakdown recovery. Our RAC Approved Workshop handles all makes and models using manufacturer-authorised parts.
How can I book a service appointment?
Book online through our website or call 01726 850241. We'll confirm your requirements and preferred date within 24 hours during working days.
Are your technicians qualified?
Yes, our team receives continuous manufacturer-based training. We maintain RAC Approved Workshop status, ensuring technical expertise across modern vehicle systems and technologies.
What makes PC Tonkin different from other garages?
Four generations of family ownership since 1912, combined with RAC Approved status and investment in modern equipment. We offer complimentary services like vehicle health checks and courtesy cars.
Do you work on all vehicle makes?
Yes, our technicians service and repair all makes and models. While we specialise in Citroën, we also handle Ford, BMW, VW, Peugeot, Mini, Hyundai, Kia, and more.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Friday 08:00-17:30. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and all bank holidays. Emergency breakdown services operate separately through Tonkin Recovery Ltd.
Reviews (7)
Fay Davis
May 28, 2022
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Went here when a warning light came on in my car. The staff were very friendly and got my car in as soon as possible to check out why. Found a lot of problems that needed fixing but felt no pressure from them to get all the work done. Due to the cost involved and the age of the car have decided to get another car. So now in the process of buying my second car from them. Sales rep very friendly and no pressure selling. The rep was happy to show me around several cars and test drive a few with no rushing or pressure to buy a car. Sorry i've not mentioned individual names but I'm terrible with remembering names.
Jenny Richards
May 23, 2022
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First class as always. Extremely professional but in a very approachable and friendly manner. Thank you Pete for all your help. One very satisfied customer.
Kosta
Dec 21, 2021
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Great car dealership, went the extra mile to make sure we got the right service when buying also managed to deliver car to our home address. Thank you!
Karen Mitchell
Oct 05, 2021
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Pete was amazing from start to finish. My new car is fantastic and the service I recieved was brilliant. Thank you. Karen Blackwell
Ali Humber
Jul 31, 2021
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Wouldnt even let me give no stars. Bought a car in December been faulty ever since. 15 times its been in to be repaired and comes back with the same fault. They offered to put extra 6 months warranty on it but didnt. They leave it empty of fuel and then so called manager refuses to call back or answer your calls. No offer to swop for a car alike keep being told they dont have one. They wont allow us proof of what has been fixed and wont correspond with solicitors still. paying for finance on car that is in their forecort more than our drive. Disgusted by this company and its owner.
Janette Hill
Jun 10, 2021
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I would like to make a few points on my experience of buying a car from this Dealership. From the moment we stepped into the showroom we felt very welcome. Pete didn't give us the usual sales pitch it was just like talking to an aquaintance, we felt very at ease, at the same time he was still exceptionally professional offering advice and answering all questions with integrity. After looking the car over and taking it for a test drive we had a few queries.
There was a few minor issues with the car, couple of scratches, caps missing etc and they agreed to put these right, no problem. Pete took care of all the paperwork and made final arrangements in no time. When we picked the car up it was in pristine condition, and the aftersales package was first class. We Went away extremely happy and would recommend PC Tonkin & Son very highly and will most definitely use them again. Thank you very much and i love my new car.
There was a few minor issues with the car, couple of scratches, caps missing etc and they agreed to put these right, no problem. Pete took care of all the paperwork and made final arrangements in no time. When we picked the car up it was in pristine condition, and the aftersales package was first class. We Went away extremely happy and would recommend PC Tonkin & Son very highly and will most definitely use them again. Thank you very much and i love my new car.
Luke J.
Feb 18, 2021
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Sales team first class. After sales are absolutely appalling. Purchased a vehicle from them last year - great. Took it back 3 times to have the brakes looked at to be dismissed as no problem - only to then be told during service an MOT that the brakes were shot and would cost 500+ to replace. Booked in for a service and given the choice of "big" service or "little" service, when I asked the difference the chap behind the counter had no idea and joked that because the price was double for the big service they my must be doing "quite a bit more".
Pretty upset that the car that carries my children has potentially been unsafe for a while yet it took for me to be paying for the time for me to be told. Service team when pressed basically went for the "no comment" approach when pressed for an answer on why this was missed. I was offered a discount on replacement parts but have chosen to go elsewhere as I just find the service stuff untrustworthy. Update - just had the car looked at by another garage, the callipers are faulty (not picked up by Tonkins) and need to be replaced at a cost of over 700 - it's going to cost over 1000 to fix in total. Avoid this garage at all costs.
Pretty upset that the car that carries my children has potentially been unsafe for a while yet it took for me to be paying for the time for me to be told. Service team when pressed basically went for the "no comment" approach when pressed for an answer on why this was missed. I was offered a discount on replacement parts but have chosen to go elsewhere as I just find the service stuff untrustworthy. Update - just had the car looked at by another garage, the callipers are faulty (not picked up by Tonkins) and need to be replaced at a cost of over 700 - it's going to cost over 1000 to fix in total. Avoid this garage at all costs.
