Tomson Motor Co

It’s definitely a testament to a business doing it right when they are able to rely solely on word of mouth for business. Dan Tomson’s Tomson Motor Company can boast as much, with nary a lick of advertising to their name, and rightfully so. When we talk about hidden gems on Unilocal,most folk will — Edinburghers certainly — conjure up images of secluded restaurants or secret polish vodka bars, but Tomson Motor Co. is one of Edinburgh’s REAL hidden gems.
Dan is a fantastically eccentric character and an honest tradesman, a rarity in this world, especially for a mechanic. For example, he offers a MOT service, however these are not carried out by his guys; he uses a third party garage, who he pays a flat rate, devoid of pass. fail or any work required, thereby eliminating any incentive to glorify or exaggerate any shortcomings of the vehicle in question.
My last car died inexplicably one day and even Dan struggled to find out why. Where other garages would try something, charge you, try something else, charge you, rinse and repeat, Dan picked up the phone and had a very honest conversation with me about it. Stressing that he was almost ‘at a loss’, Dan went on to explain the couple of ideas he thought the problem might be, and, as he wasn’t sure what the problem was, offered a cut down price to explore both ideas. He eventually solved the problem by replacing the battery with one of his own, and as it was only into January, he knocked the battery off the bill, citing it as a ‘late Christmas present’.
What a guy.
As long as Dan keeps the business going, I’ll keep bringing my business to him. He has a wealth of similarly reliable contacts for work such as car electronics, who he is happy to refer you to if he thinks you’ve come to the wrong place. Now how many garages would you see knocking business away?
Long live Tomson Motor Co.

When my car started to make a funny rattling noise over Christmas I asked around for recommendations for a good mechanic in Edinburgh. Being female and alone when asking for a car repair quote can lead to more unscrupulous garages marking up their prices which is why I was keen not get absolutely shafted over what I was sure was a simple exhaust repair.
Fellow Unilocaler Joe. A recommended Tomson Motors Co (or Thomson, not quite sure which way it’s spelled but I’m dying to get some kind Tintin joke in here now) to me. The owner, Dan, was really helpful on the phone and suggested bringing the car down first thing in the morning to get it looked over. The garage itself is located in a one way system behind The Vintage and neighbouring the SMWS Vaults down in Leith. There is a bus route right at the end of the street that will take you back up in to town which is really handy for getting to work and picking your car back up.
Turns out Dan is a total character, he once faked a murder for a google street view car going past. One of the first things he did upon meeting me was tell me how fabulous my hair was. Frankly this is how all mechanics should open their conversations because it was so unexpected that I immediately knew he was a genuine guy. Assuring me that nothing would be done to my car until he’d had to chance to talk through the problem with me I happily left my car and dashed off to work. Turns out it was a really simple repair and was fixed the same day meaning my car was ready to collect when I finished work.
Overall I was really pleased with the service and price. Dan even told me that they don’t bother to advertise as they get so much business through word of mouth. I think that really says a lot about the garage and just how reputable they are. If you need a mechanic, Dan is your man.

I found this garage through internet reviews and I was not left disappointed. Dan is a true gentleman and a professional motor engineer. I will definitely be taking my car back here. He fixed the car very quickly, was patient, willing to take the time to listen the problems I’ve been having and the overall customer service from all the staff was just superb. The price was very reasonable and I left a very happy customer. I will definitely be taking my car back here. If you have a problem with your car, take it to this local garage, you will not be disappointed!!!

This garage is awesome. They fixed my car even SOONER than quoted (same day) and were really friendly, useful, honest, and explained to me exactly what was wrong with it. Highly recommended.

I can’t recommend this garage highly enough, helpful, honest and very reasonably priced, they go out of their way to help and are a pleasure to deal with, which in my experience of garages is very difficult to find. I would say look no futher than Tomson Motor Co.

Honest, friendly, quick and cheap. Look no further.

Can’t recommend these people too highly. They fixed a very broken Citroen C5 for me last week and then gave me a quick tutorial on the basics of how to look after a car. Customer service is top notch.

Highly recommended! Very professional. Nice people who really care and do their best.

Highly recommended. Very friendly and honest and cheap. Don’t be put of my the chaos in the garage — they are very efficient and organised. Had a whole catcon and exhaust replaced for £230 after being quoted £710 elsewhere.
Also on the 22 bus route so easy to get to and from without car. Will be going back.