The findings follow a study by The Motor Ombudsman which asked consumers who have used a franchise dealer or independent garage that is accredited to its Chartered Trading Standards Institute-approved Code, a series of questions about their experience.
Drivers in the southern Scottish counties of Berwickshire and West Lothian, as well as those resident in the Welsh areas of Cardiff, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend, are the most loyal when it comes to sharing good experiences with others, with all championing the work of their chosen garage.
The results also showed that individuals living in Greater Manchester and Northern Ireland look to spread a positive message, whilst 98 per cent of participants polled in Guernsey and on the Isle of Man are keen to do the same.
Nationwide, 99 per cent of independent garage customers would make a recommendation.
‘Word of mouth’
Furthermore, female motorists in the UK and those aged over 65 are the most effective communicators when it comes to advising relatives and acquaintances as to where they should take their car in for a service or MOT.
The latest poll equally highlighted that accreditation to a Chartered Trading Standards Institute-approved Motor Industry Code of Practice, remains influential in the decision-making process of consumers when choosing which garage to visit.
In the UK, thousands of businesses adhere to The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair Code, and are listed on its online Garage Finder.
Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “With so much choice across the country as to where to get your car repaired, word of mouth remains a powerful source of business for many garages up and down the country, and the reviews clearly reflect this.”
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