Joe Hodgetts Proprietor of Oakdene Autos has been a car addict and total petrol head since the age of 12 when he aquired his first car. Joe grew up in Oakdene Avenue Pitsea one of six children, the road was unmade and full of potholes that his father always insisted were filled in with rubble and ash to make sure that if any of them need assistance the relevant vehicle could get to them. It sounded an idyllic childhood full of fun, adventures and acquiring an old Ford Anglia Estate pick up truck to go into the fields collecting manure! After Joe served his apprenticeship he set up in Wrexham Road, Had a couple of moves and has now been at Daniels Farm for 17 years!

For 30 years now Oakdene Autos have been providing a professional service to all types of customers, whether they are a large corporation or the individual owner of a well loved 20 year old car. Oakdene Autos offer services that include: Servicing, MOT, Repairs and a full tyre service. They also provide Bodywork services including Crash Repairs, re-sprays, welding, rebuilds or customisation.

In the second quarter of 2007, Joe decided to make the leap and expand Oakdene Autos by acquiring his very own premises at Cranes Farm Road in Basildon. By doing this, he now has the extra space and versatility that has been desperately needed for some time to offer his customers better services, one of which is his own MOT station. While the new premises are in need of some outside decoration the garage is fully open and the MOT and Tyre service that  Oakdene offers at these premises are now fully operational. There is a large reception area where customers can relax while waiting for their vehicle to be given the once over. The courtesy car fleet is now larger and the service has been extended to the new premises offering customers the piece of mind of still being mobile even though their own vehicle is off the road. Oakdene offers MOT tests while you wait six days a week with a free re-test within fourteen days. Also above the garage is office space that is available for rent, more details are available from Joe or Mel.

You can be assured of courteous and friendly staff that are always willing to help, even if it’s just for advice. Joe and his partner Mel are really smashing and a delight to deal with and this attitude reflects throughout all the staff. I think you will agree that In order to stay in business for such a long period of time they must be doing something right!