AAD Auto crowned Best Mechanic 2024 by Bundaberg readers

The owner of this family-based business reveals the secret to his success, as we reveal the top four placegetters in our search to find who is the region’s favourite mechanic.

Aaron Day of AAD Auto (centre) with his team.

Aaron Day of AAD Auto has been named Bundaberg’s Best Mechanic 2024 by NewsMail readers, taking out the top spot with 15 percent of the vote in a race against more than 50 other Bundaberg mechanics.

A delighted Mr Day said on Friday he first joined the industry as a young man, following his father Ken Day into the world of gears and grease.

“ I just enjoyed the trade. It’s rewarding, it’s a challenge everyday and it’s not monotonous,” he said.

In 2012, he took the leap and established his own business, AAD Auto, and hasn’t looked back, expanding the business and his presence in the community.

“There’s nothing we don’t do,” Mr Day said.

He said he was “overwhelmed” by the news he had been voted Best Mechanic in the Bundaberg region, a recognition he said was reflective of the honest, hard work his team puts in every day.

John and Dehlia Felesina plan unit complex for Bundaberg West

Aaron Day of AAD Auto (centre) with his team.

“I was reading a few comments online, and you get a tear-up because it is nice to be recognised and know people appreciate the work that you do for them,” he said.

“We’ve always been a family based business and you always give that little extra for the customer.”

He said the secret to his success came down to “honesty,” and doing the right thing by customers to ensure they know they are getting the best deal for their money.

“We’re up front with everything; we’re transparent and we have a good team, obviously,” he said.

“Pricing is the important thing as well. Be fair. There’s no point in gouging the customer.”

As Mr Day looks to the future of his industry, he said his properties were expanding the capabilities of the business and providing his apprentices with the skills to succeed.

More than 300 votes came in for the popular poll, with Jason McCracken of McCracken’s Automotive taking out second place with 6 per cent of the vote.

ABC Auto Tech and Paul Rohan of City Auto Repairs and Sales tied for third place with 4 per cent of the vote each.

Congratulations to all the winners, placegetters and those who were nominated and keep an eye out for our next Best of Bundaberg poll! We love to celebrate our local businesses.

Originally published as AAD Auto crowned Best Mechanic 2024 by Bundaberg readers