Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Auto Repair Partner in Colchester
Established in 2012, A P Engineering has built a reputation as Colchester's trusted independent garage for comprehensive vehicle maintenance and repair services. Our team of highly experienced motor, bodywork, and electrical technicians utilise the latest diagnostic equipment and specialist tools to deliver main-dealer-standard servicing without voiding manufacturer warranties under the EC Block Exemption Regulation. We specialise in engine reconditioning, timing belt replacements, and exhaust system repairs while maintaining strict adherence to OE (original equipment) part specifications. Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated through itemised invoices and a 12-month labour warranty, complemented by 6-month warranties on reconditioned engines.As a Valvoline Service Centre, we guarantee premium lubricants and fluids for all vehicles. The business maintains strong supplier relationships to pass cost savings to customers, offering up to 50% reductions compared to franchised dealers. Our 5-star rating from The Best of Colchester reflects our dedication to honest technical advice and exceptional customer service, including free visual health checks and a price-match guarantee. We handle insurance paperwork directly and provide courtesy vehicles to minimise client inconvenience during repairs.
Services
Vehicle Diagnostics
Engine Reconditioning
Bodywork Repairs
Tyre Services
Timing Belt Replacement
Exhaust Systems
Air Conditioning
Vehicle Customisation
Clutch Replacement
DPF Cleaning
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We deliver up to 50% savings versus main dealers under EC Block Exemption
- Our technicians use OE-specification parts with full manufacturer warranties
- We provide free technical advice and visual health checks
- We handle all insurance paperwork directly with your provider
- We guarantee price-matched estimates from competing garages
What people say
Five Star Rating
Honest service
Competitive prices
Expert technicians
Free advice
Services
Vehicle Diagnostics
Our advanced diagnostic equipment identifies complex vehicle issues across engine management, ABS systems, and electrical components. Technicians interpret fault codes to provide precise repairs, ensuring optimal vehicle performance and safety compliance. This service prevents future mechanical failures through early detection of potential problems.
Engine Reconditioning
We restore engines to factory specifications using precision machining and quality components. This comprehensive process includes replacing worn parts, balancing rotating assemblies, and testing under load conditions. Reconditioned engines come with a 6-month warranty, offering cost-effective alternatives to new engine purchases while maintaining performance standards.
Tyre Services
We supply and fit premium brand tyres with computerised balancing and alignment checks. Our technicians advise on optimal tread patterns and compounds for driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and safety. We guarantee competitive pricing across all tyre categories, including performance and winter tyres for passenger and commercial vehicles.
Bodywork Repairs
Our bodyshop restores vehicles to pre-accident condition using colour-matching technology and manufacturer-approved paints. Services include dent removal, panel replacement, and corrosion treatment. We handle insurance claims directly, providing professional estimates and using genuine replacement parts for structural integrity and aesthetic perfection.
Timing Belt Replacement
We replace timing belts with associated components like tensioners and water pumps to prevent engine damage. Using OE-specification parts ensures proper engine timing and longevity. This critical maintenance service comes with a 40,000-mile/2-year warranty, protecting against costly mechanical failures in both petrol and diesel engines.
People
Andy Pearson
Owner & Lead Technician
With over 20 years' experience in automotive engineering, Andy Pearson established A P Engineering in 2012. He oversees technical operations and quality control, ensuring all repairs meet exacting standards. His expertise spans German and Japanese vehicle systems, specialising in complex diagnostics and engine performance optimisation.
Questions
Can I service my vehicle here without voiding the warranty?
Yes, we comply with EC Block Exemption Regulation 1400/2002 using OE-specification parts to maintain warranty validity.
Do you offer price matching for repair estimates?
Yes, we guarantee to match or beat written estimates from competing garages for like-for-like services.
What warranties do you provide?
We offer 12-month labour warranties, 6-month warranties on reconditioned engines, and manufacturer warranties on all parts.
Do you handle insurance repairs?
Yes, our team manages all insurance paperwork and communicates directly with providers for accident repairs.
Can you service leased vehicles?
Yes, we provide pre-return appraisals and maintenance to help lease car owners avoid excess charges.
Reviews (7)
Elzbieta Ogbeifun
Oct 16, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Value
Very helpful, and kind. Last minute call, they should be closing, but the still managed to fix my car - they care and understand. I will never go anywhere else. Thank you !:)
Service:General repairs & maintenance
Very helpful, and kind. Last minute call, they should be closing, but the still managed to fix my car - they care and understand. I will never go anywhere else. Thank you !:)
Service:General repairs & maintenance
Jason Griffiths
Jun 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Value
Very friendly garage I have been to some garages and the staff are just unhappy and miserable.. done what they said theyre going to do a very good price I had my Screen washer pump and two bulbs replaced am I Vauxhall Astra I will be using them again
Very friendly garage I have been to some garages and the staff are just unhappy and miserable.. done what they said theyre going to do a very good price I had my Screen washer pump and two bulbs replaced am I Vauxhall Astra I will be using them again
Nicola Gander
Apr 02, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Value
Fantastic service from Andy and co, fast, reliable and honest. Got me a great price on parts, fitted and working perfectly. Excellent service, I would highly recommend.
Service:Electrical
Fantastic service from Andy and co, fast, reliable and honest. Got me a great price on parts, fitted and working perfectly. Excellent service, I would highly recommend.
Service:Electrical
Camilla Thomsen
Apr 01, 2021
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Really helpful, straightforward and reasonably priced. Engineers seem knowledgeable and staff provide good customer service.
Jiahzhi Chen
Jan 21, 2021
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A P Engineering is perfect.I will definately use them again.The young boy is helpful.Overall is reasonablesimple and quick for me.
Gary Norman
Nov 03, 2020
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Simply superb, would quite happily recommend them to anyone. Great bunch and always willing to help. Nothing is too much trouble. Was having issues with my Skoda, main dealer wanted to charge an astronomical amount to sort the issue.
Allen Howell
Sep 03, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Value
I would thoroughly recommend AP Engineering. Nothing was too much trouble at any time during my dealings with the staff. I would like to thank Andy for the wonderful job he did with my new car audio system. Definitely 5 stars from me!!
I would thoroughly recommend AP Engineering. Nothing was too much trouble at any time during my dealings with the staff. I would like to thank Andy for the wonderful job he did with my new car audio system. Definitely 5 stars from me!!
