Family-run since 1996 · Great Baddow

Your local trusted garage in Chelmsford.

Independent MOT centre and full-service workshop. Wet belt and DPF cleaning specialists, with the kind of honest, careful work you only get from a family-run garage.

97.4%Good Garage rating
1,843+customer reviews
30 yrsfamily run
Class 4MOT Centre
Good Garage Scheme Independently verified reviews · since 2007
97.4%
from 1,843 verified customer reviews
Read all reviews on the Good Garage Scheme →
“Friendly, professional and fair. They explained everything clearly and didn't try to upsell me. Wouldn't take my car anywhere else.”
— Sarah, Chelmsford
Everything under one roof

Full mechanical & MOT services

One trusted team for everything from your annual MOT to engine diagnostics, welding and beyond. No upselling, just the work your car needs.

MOT testing

Class 4 MOT centre. The same test the dealer does, with zero pressure to spend more on extras.

MOT failure repairs

Failed elsewhere? Bring it to us. We'll fix it properly and re-test, no fuss.

Servicing

Interim, full and major services to manufacturer schedule. Genuine and OE-quality parts.

Brakes

Pads, discs, calipers, lines and ABS faults — diagnosed and repaired same-day where possible.

Diagnostics

Manufacturer-level fault code reading and live data analysis across all major makes.

Air conditioning

Re-gas, leak detection, compressor replacement. Both R134a and R1234yf.

Timing & wet belts

Timing belt and wet belt (belt-in-oil) replacement on all common engine families.

Welding

MIG welding for sills, exhaust, subframes — MOT-grade work where many garages won't bother.

Why we're different

Honest work, fair prices, no surprises.

We've been looking after Chelmsford's cars since 1996 and joined the Good Garage Scheme back in 2007. The reason customers stay with us — and bring their kids' cars too — is simple: we tell you the truth about your car.

  • No-pressure MOTs. If something needs doing, we'll show you. If it doesn't, we won't invent it.
  • Written estimates before we start. You'll always know what work is being done and what it costs — before we touch a spanner.
  • Quality parts, properly fitted. Genuine and OE-quality parts on everything we do. Every job photo-documented if you'd like.
  • Plenty of parking, easy drop-off. Right in the middle of Great Baddow with off-street parking and key-drop facilities.
What our customers say

97.4% from 1,843+ verified reviews

Real feedback from real customers via the Good Garage Scheme.

★★★★★
“Friendly, professional and fair. They explained everything clearly and didn't try to upsell me. Wouldn't take my car anywhere else.”
— Sarah, Chelmsford
★★★★★
“Sorted a wet belt on my Ford Focus that the dealer wanted a fortune for. Saved me hundreds and the work was spot on.”
— David, Great Baddow
★★★★★
“Honest, reliable and lovely people. The whole family uses Shepherd Motors now — that says it all really.”
— Emma, Galleywood
Find us

Right in the heart of Great Baddow.

The Old Coachworks on Church Street — easy to find, plenty of parking, and just a few minutes from the A12 and A130.

AddressThe Old Coachworks, 38 Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 7HY
Opening hoursMonday–Friday: 9:00–17:30 · Saturday: 9:00–12:00

Ready to book?

MOT, service or that warning light you've been ignoring — we'll take care of it. Drop us a line or call the workshop.