Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Vehicle Repair & Hire Specialists in Newport
Established over 35 years ago, Prime Drive Car & Van Rental / Shalfleet Garage has become the Isle of Wight's trusted partner for comprehensive vehicle solutions. Our family-run business combines decades of technical expertise with a commitment to customer satisfaction, offering services ranging from MOT testing and engine diagnostics to TerraClean de-carbonising. Our qualified technicians, including Level 3 certified professionals, utilise cutting-edge equipment to deliver precise repairs and maintenance for all petrol and diesel vehicles.We specialise in hassle-free car, van, and minibus hire while maintaining a selection of quality used vehicles for sale. With two strategically located facilities in Newport and Lake, we provide convenient pick-up/drop-off services and after-hours emergency support. Our reputation for competitive pricing, technical excellence, and personalised service has made us a cornerstone of the local automotive industry.
Services
Vehicle Servicing
MOT Testing
Engine Diagnostics
DPF Cleaning
TerraClean
Car Hire
Van Hire
Minibus Hire
Vehicle Sales
Pre-MOT Testing
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of automotive industry experience
- Our team includes Level 3 City & Guilds certified technicians
- Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off service available
- Family-run business with Isle of Wight community focus
Services
Vehicle Servicing
Comprehensive vehicle maintenance packages tailored to manufacturer specifications. Our qualified technicians perform routine servicing, safety checks, and mechanical repairs using specialist diagnostic equipment. Services cover all makes and models with transparent pricing and genuine parts.
TerraClean
Advanced engine de-carbonising treatment that removes harmful deposits from fuel systems. This process restores engine performance, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces emissions. Suitable for all petrol and diesel engines including motorcycles and marine engines.
MOT Testing
DVSA-approved MOT testing facility with expert pre-test inspections. Our technicians identify potential issues before official testing to ensure first-time passes. We provide clear explanations of any required remedial work.
Vehicle Hire
Flexible vehicle hire solutions with a fleet of 16 vehicles. Options include short-term daily rentals and long-term weekly/monthly contracts. Available for cars, vans, and minibuses with competitive rates and island-wide delivery.
Engine Diagnostics
Computerised diagnostic system for accurate fault detection. Our specialists interpret error codes and perform manual checks to identify mechanical and electrical issues. We provide detailed reports with recommended repair actions.
People
Chris Cornford
Managing Director
With over 35 years in electro-mechanical engineering and motor trade, Chris leads our technical team with extensive industry expertise and business leadership.
Sharon Cornford
Receptionist
Handling customer inquiries with professionalism, Sharon ensures smooth operations and excellent client communication at our Newport facility.
Vickie Haynes
Rental Fleet Manager
Managing our vehicle hire operations with over 20 years' experience, Vickie maintains fleet quality and coordinates delivery logistics across the island.
Jamie Jenner
Vehicle Technician
Certified Level 3 City & Guilds technician with 10+ years' experience, specialising in mechanical repairs and diagnostic assessments for all vehicle types.
Questions
What services does Prime Drive offer?
We provide vehicle servicing, MOT testing, engine diagnostics, DPF cleaning, TerraClean treatments, car/van/minibus hire, and used vehicle sales.
Do you offer vehicle hire options?
Yes, we have a fleet of 7 cars, 6 vans, and 3 minibuses available for short or long-term hire with island-wide delivery.
Are you a family-run business?
Yes, we're a family-operated garage with over 35 years of combined automotive experience across multiple generations.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Friday 08:00–17:00, Saturday 08:30–12:00, and Sunday by appointment only.
Do you provide pick-up and drop-off services?
Yes, we offer convenient vehicle collection and delivery services for customers unable to visit our workshop.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Isle of Wight from our Newport and Lake locations, covering all island destinations.
Reviews (7)
Kevin Jacobs
Aug 19, 2021
Report
Great value and friendly service. Hired a couple of different sized large vehicles from here and service and prices were great both times. The vehicles were both in very good condition as well and the second time round, the van was almost new! All in all, a very good service from a friendly, local business that really does put the customer first. I'll definitely use again in the future.
Tim Harmer
May 05, 2021
Report
Top Class Van Hire place, I booked very last minute and Sharon was so helpful and got us the bigger van we needed thank god!!,No fuss,Value for money hire, Will deffo use you again,You got us out of a big hole thankyou.
Engine Components
May 01, 2021
Report
Very hard to find good mechanics these days who are actually willing to go the extra mile for customers, these guys are certainly in that category always getting on with the job no matter what obstacles come in the way. would highly recommend!
David Birt
Jan 27, 2021
Report
Called 2 weeks before needing a van for haif a day explained i needed to fit a wardrobe and 8x4 boards inside was told 35 for haif a day by a man on the phone i said shall i book and pay now he said no not worry we have loads of vans in stock . so turned up 2 weeks later after arranging the pickups for the day arrived at prime drive spoke to a nice lady explained that i had spoken to a man to have a van for haif a day `for 35 to then be told they had none available .so the lady called the man to come and sort this out and he said they had none available apart from one that was bigger and it
Joanne Millest
Dec 30, 2020
Report
Rented a van from these guys and at short notice had to change it for a larger van,very pleasant and very helpfull,fair price and the van was up together,clean and well maintained.I would use again in an instance which is the best endorsement i can give.Alan
Luke Harrison
Sep 13, 2020
Report
The loveliest car rental experience I've ever had, incredibly accommodating at short notice and an all round nice team of staff. Fair pricing, quick pick up and no fuss drop off, even on Sunday! The number 7 bus stops right outside for easy access from Newport.
Paul G. Eegon
Jun 02, 2020
Report
This is not a fuel garage any more. But if you want to hire a car or forklift then this is the place.
