About Us

Why Choose 1st Stop Cars?

With a strong reputation built over more than three decades, 1st Stop Cars continues to be a trusted name for vehicle servicing and repairs in Rochford and the wider Southend area. Now operating alongside Rochford Tyres at our modern, combined site on Leecon Way, we are better equipped than ever to meet the needs of our growing customer base.

Our unique position—sharing a site with a leading tyre specialist—means we can provide a comprehensive, one-stop solution for MOTs, tyres, servicing, diagnostics, and repairs, all under one roof. The ownership by Mark Dolden, who also owns Rochford Tyres, ensures both businesses deliver fast, efficient and reliable service.

We understand how important your vehicle is to your daily life. That’s why our team is committed to offering a personal service built on clear communication, transparent pricing, and quality workmanship. Whether you’re coming in for an MOT, new tyres, or a complex repair, you’ll receive the same high standard of service that’s kept our customers coming back for years.

Our History

1st Stop Cars was established to deliver a first-class vehicle repair service underpinned by honesty, integrity, and reliability. Our mission is to keep our customers safely on the road, avoiding unnecessary costs while providing clear, trustworthy advice.

Based in Rochford, 1st Stop Cars offers MOT testing and fast-fit services for most makes and models. Our work includes clutch replacement, servicing, brake repairs, and exhaust and tyre fitting. Our team of experienced technicians brings extensive knowledge in both routine maintenance and complex vehicle repairs.

The business was originally founded in 1990 by family members Kevin White and Roger Goodwin, and operated for many years in West Street, Rochford. In July 2023, 1st Stop Cars moved to a new shared site in Leecon Way, Rochford, alongside Rochford Tyres. This move followed the purchase of 1st Stop Cars by Mark Dolden, who also owns Rochford Tyres.

Now operating from this larger combined location, the garage continues to serve the local community as an independent business, maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of suppliers to ensure fast access to parts and quick turnaround times.

Certifications and Memberships

1st Stop Cars is:

• A member of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), committed to upholding their evolving code of practice and industry standards.
• An authorised MOT testing station, approved by the Vehicle Operating Services Agency (VOSA).
• An approved Motor Codes garage, subscribing to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute’s approved code of practice for service and repair. This code ensures fair and transparent service—from advertising and booking through to repair work, invoicing, and complaint resolution.

Our Aims and Values

• To deliver excellent customer service at every visit.
• To become the largest independent garage in the Southend area.
• To be recognised as a trusted, honest, and dependable local garage.

Our Pledge: Honesty is Our Best Policy

• We will only fit the parts your vehicle genuinely requires.
• We will provide clear, honest advice.
• We will never carry out any work without your consent.

All non-specified repairs come with a 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.

Values:

All members at 1st Stop Cars have agreed to the following statements:-

Commitment.

Attempt to give 100% effort in everything we agree to do.
Only commit to things we are prepared to do.

Ownership.

Consistently operate above the line.
Take responsibility for our actions and all following outcomes.

Integrity / Honesty.

Always speak the truth as we see it.
Practice what we teach.
Communicate any potential problems.

Excellence.

Always produce workmanship of exceptional quality.
Always look to improve ourselves and the way we do things.

Communication.

Always apologise for any upset caused to a team member or customer.
Only talk positively about a person.

Successes.

Always aim to achieve a successful outcome in whatever we are doing.