A genuine dealership alternative for European car servicing
When Ashley Cox’s father opened the doors of Cox Auto on Montague Street in South Melbourne in 1981, it was a one-man operation. Now, Ashley leads a true 21st century operation a stone’s throw away in Buckhurst Street. Cox Auto attracts top quality technicians and service advisers who stick around for the long haul. Unlike the large dealerships, you’ll see familiar faces when you drop in for your logbook servicing, and just like the old days on Montague Street, they’ll be greeting you by name and with a smile. We’re the Euro car mechanics you know and trust. We’re the South Melbourne car service that locals trust. Our skilled team specialises in maintenance and repairs for a variety of prestige and European cars, including BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Volvo, Citroen, SAAB, Audi, Peugeot, Porsche, Skoda, and more.
Transparent pricing
Plain language advice
Warranty protection
Flexible payment options
Complimentary loan cars
100% guarantee
Serving South Melbourne and surrounds
Our conveniently situated service centre in South Melbourne is easily accessible. We proudly serve several key car service suburbs, including:
Albert Park
Cremorne
Docklands
Middle Park
Port Melbourne
Richmond
South Melbourne
South Yarra
Southbank
St Kilda
What to do while you wait for your South Melbourne car service
If you’ve got places to be and work to do, we have a number of loan cars and a Mercedes Vito Van to keep you on the move, all free of charge! Ask when you book your service to secure your complimentary loan vehicle. Otherwise, there’s plenty of things to see and enjoy in the local area while you wait. Our convenient location in South Melbourne gives you easy access to some classic ‘Melbourne’ treasures and things to do in Port Melbourne, Albert Park and surrounds.
Coffee and brunch
We’re well and truly spoiled for choice at Cox Auto from a caffeine-lover’s perspective, with coffee specialists St Ali located nearby in both South Melbourne and Port Melbourne – drop in for a latte, and stay for brunch with the folks who have shaped Melbourne’s cafe culture in recent years. Stroll a little further and you’ll find another favourite of ours for leisurely brunch or lunch at Dundas and Faussett in Albert Park.
Lunch
In a hurry? Grab a quick bite or coffee from Simos Deli, or head to Andrew’s Hamburgers in Albert Park to discover the Melbourne institution that’s been flipping the best burgers since 1939! If you have a little time up your sleeve and a taste for seafood, book at a table at Rubira’s in Port Melbourne to enjoy a menu featuring some of the freshest seafood and best produce available. It’s one of Port Melbourne’s best restaurants!
Gastro pub meals and family favourites
While a cheeky pint might not be on the cards while you wait to pick up your car, why not enjoy a gastro pub meal and plan a catch up with friends for drinks at one of our favourite local watering holes?
If steak is your go-to (and it sure is ours!), make sure to check out the mouthwatering prime cuts on offer at the Railway Club Hotel in Port Melbourne. Enjoy a gastro pub meal in a beautiful contemporary and stylish setting at O’Connells or The Montague in South Melbourne; or enjoy the simply breathtaking views of Melbourne from the Albion Rooftop. The courtyard at the Railway Hotel is a great spot to while away an hour or two, as is the relaxed atmosphere of ‘our local’ and dear neighbours – the Golden Fleece – for something closer to the workshop.
Car services in South Melbourne
Cox Auto provides a wide range of services to our valued South Melbourne customers, including:
How we can help
Car Servicing
Regular car servicing is your best defence against costly repairs. With routine maintenance and logbook servicing, we'll safeguard your vehicle’s long-term health and help you avoid unexpected expenses. We provide the same service as any dealership and won’t void your warranty.
Car troubles can be frustrating. Get back on the road hassle-free — our expert technicians swiftly diagnose and resolve your repair issues, while our service advisers keep you informed every step of the way with transparent pricing and plain-language advice.
Get to the root of car troubles fast. With specialist diagnostic testing, we identify faults across your vehicle’s key systems and provide clear repair recommendations for safe and reliable driving.
Bumpy ride? Car pulling to the left or right as you drive? Our team strictly follows your car manufacturer’s suspension and steering system guidelines to ensure long-lasting performance. We’re here to diagnose, repair, and enhance your vehicle's handling, restoring confidence at every turn.
Selling or buying a car? We’re a licensed vehicle tester authorised to provide roadworthy certificates in Victoria. We’ll inspect your vehicle to ensure key components are in good enough condition for safe road use.
Tyres generally last an average of 40,000 km, depending on road surface quality and driving style. We’ll rotate your tyres at regular intervals to maximise their lifespan, let you know when it’s time for replacement, and fit the best tyres for your needs and budget.
Most manual vehicles will require at least one clutch replacement in their lifetime. Our specialist technicians replace clutches with skill and care, using high-quality parts for optimal performance and safety.
High-end European vehicles often feature complex transmission systems, including direct shift gearboxes. Our European car mechanic specialists excel at gearbox rebuilds and repairs, ensuring smooth gear shifting and peak performance.
Hot under the bonnet? Radiator troubles can lead to overheating and engine damage. We’ll keep your engine cool and your journey worry-free with efficient and affordable radiator repairs.
Buying a new car? Our pre-purchase inspection thoroughly examines your potential vehicle, helping you make a confident and informed decision. We safeguard your investment by identifying any issues and providing reliable advice, ensuring your new car is free from hidden damage or future expenses.
Car won’t start? Hearing a series of rapid clicks when you turn the ignition? We’ll handle your alternator repair needs quickly so you can get back on the road. We even offer courtesy cars, so life doesn’t have to stop when your car does.
We check your car battery health as part of your regular servicing and maintenance. Our advanced diagnostic tools quickly identify and resolve any battery issues before they leave you stranded.
Stay cool and comfortable on the road with Cox Auto’s expert auto air conditioning service. Our specialists ensure your system is in peak condition, providing reliable cooling when you need it most.
Looking for European car mechanics? Our specialist team is here to handle all your Euro car mechanic needs. From servicing and repairs to advice and inspections, we’re the local mechanic South Melbourne trusts.
Great, friendly and knowledgeable service. The team here are always helpful and a pleasure to deal with.
Matt McPherson
5 Stars
Outstanding customer service! Staff kept us informed about progress and required fixes, and even recommended service providers to to assist with work outside their scope of expertise! Very grateful to receive such great service and advice.
Damien Boyd
5 Stars
The team at Cox Auto are highly professional, offer competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. I was impressed by their attention to detail and prompt communication. A well deserved 5-star rating.
Chris Louloudakis
5 Stars
Cox auto have been awesome. We have all our vehicles serviced there and they always deliver first class service. They are one of the businesses that also support the local community through their sponsorship of local sporting clubs so a win win solution to servicing all vehicles. I would recommend you call in and let Eddie and the team treat you to first class service for all you vehicles.
Darren Mckay
5 Stars
Really happy with my dealings with Cox Auto in South Melbourne. Rang to get a price on brake replacement for my 330i and got excellent advice and a call back with 3 options. The service was great and car came back cleaned and vacuumed. Highly recommend if you’re looking for good value, friendly service and knowledgeable staff.
David Suda
5 Stars
Took my Porsche Cayenne to Cox Auto, I was apprehensive in taking it to a non-dealer workshop, however these guys were awesome. Had a full service and rear brakes done. The team were probably the most friendly down to earth guys and they were fully transparent with what needed to be done, provided multiple options for parts including OEM and OEM alternatives and did not pressure me into anything. Workshop was very clean. Highly recommend their work.
James Brown
5 Stars
Had to get my car serviced urgently just before NYE and Cox Auto was able to squeeze me in and service my car in just under a day. They did an excellent job and complimentarly vacuumed and washed my car. Great work! Definitely will be back :)
Naomi Roark
5 Stars
I booked my car, BMW i3 REX in for assessment and was grateful with the honesty and efficiency of the staff. The cleanliness of the workshop together with the courteous customer relationship managers endorsed my decision to use Cox Auto. I highly recommend them.
Neil Samuel
5 Stars
The team at Cox Auto are wonderful to deal with - always professional and address any issues with complete transparency and care. The works and service we have had done on our vehicles has always been of a high standard and quality. We highly recommend the team at Cox Auto.
Nicole Thomson
5 Stars
Brought our CLA45 and C63s to these guys. Dinil is excellent. Extremely knowledgeable and helpful, very honest and trustworthy. Definitely bring your car here. Great, friendly and knowledgeable service. The team here are always helpful and a pleasure to deal with.
Tony Truong
5 Stars
A first time user of Cox Auto Service Centre. I made an enquiry online and from then on it was a seamless transaction. Within the hour I had a personal phone call to discuss the options and quote. The next working day the work was done. Very happy with the service and the follow-up. Highly recommended.
Wayne McD
5 Stars
I recently purchased a vehicle from the ACT with many minor issues, found Cox Auto Service Centre as it is close to my home. I brought the car in to get RWC, Dinil and the boys at cox are very well presented and respectful, work was completed to a high standard and in a respectful time frame. Pricing is very fair and you know your vehicle is in safe hands.
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Transparent pricing 
Plain language advice 
Warranty protection 
Flexible payment options 
Complimentary loan cars 
100% guarantee 
