About Us
Weekend Mechanic (Trading as ESM Auto Shop) – About Us Elite Dealership-Quality Workmanship at Below-Market Rates—Right in the Heart of Brakpan. Welcome to Weekend Mechanic, an elite, registered part-time automotive workshop operating out of Withok Estates, Brakpan (near Ergo Mine). Founded and operated by Marius van der Walt, Weekend Mechanic combines 21+ years of master-level industry experience to provide premium mechanical, electrical, and auto body solutions for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-commercial transport fleets. Because we understand that economic times are tough in South Africa, we bridge a critical gap in the market: delivering genuine agent-level expertise exclusively after hours and over weekends at highly affordable independent labor rates. Unrivaled Multi-Disciplinary Expertise We do not just turn spanners—we provide complete bumper-to-bumper engineering, electronic, and structural solutions: • Dual-Trade Mechanical Mastery: Red Seal merSETA-qualified Petrol and Diesel Mechanic. Expert care for passenger vehicles, performance track/oval/off-road cars (Kyalami experience), and heavy trucks. • Advanced Diagnostics & Coding: Master fault-finding using professional Delphi and Autocom systems for complex OBD1 and OBD2 electrical troubleshooting, coding, and parameter setups. • Niche Certified Engineering: Level 5 Garrett Advanced Motion Certified Turbo Expert. Specialized diagnostic and failure analysis for high-performance turbo systems. • Cold-Chain Logistics Care: Dedicated servicing and reconditioning of heavy-commercial transport refrigeration units (Carrier and Thermo King). • Structural Auto Body Repairs: Professional heavy-commercial panel beating, spray painting, and structural fiberglass repairs. Comprehensive Vehicle & Brand Specialization Our 21+ years of experience spans premier global manufacturers and heavy commercial fleets: • Passenger & Light Commercial Agents: Hyundai, Daihatsu, Proton, SsangYong, Tata, Kia, Suzuki, GWM, JMC, and Ford (Rocam/DuraTec systems). • Heavy Commercial Fleets: Specialized knowledge in Volvo, MAN, FAW, Scania, VW Trucks, UD (40/60), and Toyota Dyna, alongside heavy-duty Cummins-powered Freightliner and International trucks. Our Pillars of Integrity & Operational Transparency In a competitive industry, our reputation is anchored on absolute honesty, transparency, and a clean track record of never ripping off a client. While complex automotive repairs can occasionally present unforeseen technical challenges, we manage every scenario with rigorous professional integrity. We operate strictly by the following clear workshop guidelines to ensure zero surprises: 1. Phased Estimations: We always provide an initial rough estimation on our platform. Once queried or accepted, we generate an accurate, detailed, and binding official quotation. 2. No Hidden Costs: If a teardown reveals hidden defects requiring additional parts or labor, work stops immediately. We will never add costs without your direct, prior approval. 3. Deposit Policy: To maintain our low overhead model, all upfront expenses—such as necessary replacement parts and specialized engineering fees—must be paid in full as a deposit before repairs commence. 4. Final Settlement: The outstanding labor balance is due strictly upon completion and collection of your vehicle. When you bring your vehicle to Marius at Weekend Mechanic, you are choosing precision technical diagnostics, absolute transparency, and decades of elite mechanical experience.
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Did a stellar job removing broken cabrio top with a replacement top which is now fully functioning. Perfect fit and seals all around! Well done and thank you! Will use you again!
03 May 2026
Has worked on my car TWICE and on both occasions the idling problem persisted almost R6000 later. My car broke down and completely stopped working, it was in mink condition. I took it to another mechanic for a diagnostic. Turns out Marius was stripping my car, little by little. He had taken out multiple circuits and replaced it with some fake circuit breaker, completely blowing the computer box. The accelerator pad was bent almost to a point of breaking. My car is damaged and will probably never be the same. Nothing he fixed was done right.
09 May 2025
PLEASE DO NOT USE : This guy is a scammer. We deposited R24 000 in his account on 05.04.2023 April. Since then NOTHING!!! He even blocked the attorneys number we handed him over to.
06 Jul 2023
Very helpfull at the beginning, collected my car from my house, but then things started to fall apart. Ordered parts and waited almost 2 weeks and battled to get hold of him. Sent endless messages with no response. Eventually got the cae back R3000 later and having the exact same problem from him on the way home??? Sent pics of the car and told him its not right and no response again. Its a pity as Marius is truly a nice person, but after service and communication is not up to standard. R3000, 6 weeks later and the car is still standing..
28 Jul 2021
Very nice and friendly. Efficient service and very helpful..
19 Jun 2021
Excellent kind soft spoken understanding and reasonable with pricing im greatfull he went an extra mile my car moving right now because of him.his my car mechanic from now on thank you.
16 Feb 2021
Old-fashioned backyard mechanic would not know where to start! Marius did. I feel he needs better premises however this situation kept my costs low, he literally saved me 1000s. He accurately pinpointed the problem. Even if vehicle would not start after the inspection he took time to get it going so that we could go purchase the needed part. Eventually I left and was able to get the part needed from the dealers. All in all he did help resolve the problem.
29 Jan 2021
My car went in drivable he broke it its standing as we speak without idle after 3 months in his hands
~ Reply
THIS INFORMANTION IS INCCORRECT. FIRSTLY, THIS AUDI WAS COLLECTED FROM ME THREE WEEKS AGO ALREADY, SECONDLY WHEN IT CAME TO ME, IT WAS OVERHEATING BAD, JERKING AND STRUGGLING TO DRIVE PROPERLY. ALSO RIGHT FROM THE START IT WAS DIAGNOSTED AND QUOTE FOR NEW PARTS AS REQUIRED, BUT DUE TO FINANCIAL ISSUES, I HAD TO "MAKE CHEAPER PLANS" AND MAKE USE OF SECOND HAND ELECTRICAL PARTS. YES VEHICLE WAS WITH ME FOR 2 AND A HALF MONTHS ABOUT. BUT WHAT IS ALSO NOT MENTIONED, IS BECAUSE OF THIS CAR'S FAULTY ECM MY LAPTOP AND PROFESSIONAL VW/AUDI DIAGNOSIC SYSTEM EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BLOWNING MY LAPTOP AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE (+/- R4500 + DAMAGE AND LOSS) ALSO I I PAID SOMEONE ELSE MULTIPLE TIMES WITH MY OWN MONEY TO TRY AND GET HIS CAR SORTED, NOT TO MENTION ALL THE OTHER EXPENSES I COVER OUT OF MY PERSONAL MONEY TO TRY AND HELP HIM AS HE WAS A LOYAL AND REGURAL CUSTOMER OF MIND WHO ACTUALLY PRAISED ME I N A REVIEW ON MECHANIC BUDDY. BUT OBVIOSILY REMOVED THAT 5 OUT OF 5 REVIEW AND REPLACE IT WITH THIS ONE. I NEVER BOTHER RESPONDING TO GOOD OR BAD REVIEWS, HOWEVER THIS ONE WRONG IN EVERY WAY. ALL AND ALL MY LOSSES + EXPENCES EEXCEEDED FAR BEYOND R10000. PLUS WHAT IS ALSO NOT SAID IS, I NEVER EVEN CHARGED HIM ANY LABOUR FEES AT ALL. REGARDS. MARIUS. ESM AUTO SHOP PTY LTD
03 Jan 2021
I gave my car to Marius to fix as it was experiencing an overheating problem (oil and water didn't mix) and I accepted his quote. He worked on the car for 3 days to repair the head gasket etc. We received the car back and not even a week later the car started overheating AGAIN and we took the car back(Oil and mixed has mixed in head compartment now). This time he had to apparently fix the thermostat as it was the cause of the problem. I received my car back with the steering warning light on which I assumed was "power steering fluid" just to later find out that my car doesn't even use it as the power steering is electrical, he also bumped my car while test driving it(and drove 160KM in distance with it which is excessive) and damaged the steering rack and my new mag. Thousands of rands later my car is still overheating and I bought extra problems with my car as now it makes a noise when it starts and my steering rack is stuffed. I went to confront him and he had no proof that any pressure testing was done as he claimed and he literally shoved me out the gate and locked it and walked away when I was talking to him .. STAY AWAY YOU ARE JUST GOING TO WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!
02 Dec 2018
Marius lets you know daily what is happening to your vehicle and what he is doing with it. He is exceptionally friendly, polite and goes according to procedures. Honestly prefer him to my previous mechanic.
19 Jul 2018
After Marius assess the car and the step needed to resolve the fault on it. i was happy with Advise and even come back for difference services on my other car and He did help me
09 Jul 2018
Had a service and front brakes done, started with abstraight and fair quotation and estimated repair time. Went to him, paid the parts deposit, he dropped me off at home and said give me around 2 and a half to 3 hours. Three hours later my car was back in my drive way old parts in the boot, whole cleaned and even buffed on the outside. Engine off, actually to mention it to him, car runs and beakes quite and better than ever... thanks bro.
29 Jun 2018
They responded to my request and provided me with an estimate.
21 Feb 2018
Amenities
Air-Con, Heating and Cooling
Bodywork and Dent Repairs
Brakes
Clutch and Gearbox Repairs
Diagnostics and Inspections
Electrical and Lights
Engine
Exhaust and Emissions
Help Me - I'm Not Sure
Interior, Audio
Mobile Mechanics and Services
Security, Locking and Keys
Service and Maintenance
Suspension and Steering
Tyres, Wheels and Alignment
Windows, Windscreens and Mirrors
Cars
About Us
Weekend Mechanic (Trading as ESM Auto Shop) – About Us Elite Dealership-Quality Workmanship at Below-Market Rates—Right in the Heart of Brakpan. Welcome to Weekend Mechanic, an elite, registered part-time automotive workshop operating out of Withok Estates, Brakpan (near Ergo Mine). Founded and operated by Marius van der Walt, Weekend Mechanic combines 21+ years of master-level industry experience to provide premium mechanical, electrical, and auto body solutions for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-commercial transport fleets. Because we understand that economic times are tough in South Africa, we bridge a critical gap in the market: delivering genuine agent-level expertise exclusively after hours and over weekends at highly affordable independent labor rates. Unrivaled Multi-Disciplinary Expertise We do not just turn spanners—we provide complete bumper-to-bumper engineering, electronic, and structural solutions: • Dual-Trade Mechanical Mastery: Red Seal merSETA-qualified Petrol and Diesel Mechanic. Expert care for passenger vehicles, performance track/oval/off-road cars (Kyalami experience), and heavy trucks. • Advanced Diagnostics & Coding: Master fault-finding using professional Delphi and Autocom systems for complex OBD1 and OBD2 electrical troubleshooting, coding, and parameter setups. • Niche Certified Engineering: Level 5 Garrett Advanced Motion Certified Turbo Expert. Specialized diagnostic and failure analysis for high-performance turbo systems. • Cold-Chain Logistics Care: Dedicated servicing and reconditioning of heavy-commercial transport refrigeration units (Carrier and Thermo King). • Structural Auto Body Repairs: Professional heavy-commercial panel beating, spray painting, and structural fiberglass repairs. Comprehensive Vehicle & Brand Specialization Our 21+ years of experience spans premier global manufacturers and heavy commercial fleets: • Passenger & Light Commercial Agents: Hyundai, Daihatsu, Proton, SsangYong, Tata, Kia, Suzuki, GWM, JMC, and Ford (Rocam/DuraTec systems). • Heavy Commercial Fleets: Specialized knowledge in Volvo, MAN, FAW, Scania, VW Trucks, UD (40/60), and Toyota Dyna, alongside heavy-duty Cummins-powered Freightliner and International trucks. Our Pillars of Integrity & Operational Transparency In a competitive industry, our reputation is anchored on absolute honesty, transparency, and a clean track record of never ripping off a client. While complex automotive repairs can occasionally present unforeseen technical challenges, we manage every scenario with rigorous professional integrity. We operate strictly by the following clear workshop guidelines to ensure zero surprises: 1. Phased Estimations: We always provide an initial rough estimation on our platform. Once queried or accepted, we generate an accurate, detailed, and binding official quotation. 2. No Hidden Costs: If a teardown reveals hidden defects requiring additional parts or labor, work stops immediately. We will never add costs without your direct, prior approval. 3. Deposit Policy: To maintain our low overhead model, all upfront expenses—such as necessary replacement parts and specialized engineering fees—must be paid in full as a deposit before repairs commence. 4. Final Settlement: The outstanding labor balance is due strictly upon completion and collection of your vehicle. When you bring your vehicle to Marius at Weekend Mechanic, you are choosing precision technical diagnostics, absolute transparency, and decades of elite mechanical experience.
Hours
Amenities
Services
Cars
Reviews for Weekend Mechanic
Did a stellar job removing broken cabrio top with a replacement top which is now fully functioning. Perfect fit and seals all around! Well done and thank you! Will use you again!
03 May 2026
Has worked on my car TWICE and on both occasions the idling problem persisted almost R6000 later. My car broke down and completely stopped working, it was in mink condition. I took it to another mechanic for a diagnostic. Turns out Marius was stripping my car, little by little. He had taken out multiple circuits and replaced it with some fake circuit breaker, completely blowing the computer box. The accelerator pad was bent almost to a point of breaking. My car is damaged and will probably never be the same. Nothing he fixed was done right.
09 May 2025
PLEASE DO NOT USE : This guy is a scammer. We deposited R24 000 in his account on 05.04.2023 April. Since then NOTHING!!! He even blocked the attorneys number we handed him over to.
06 Jul 2023
Very helpfull at the beginning, collected my car from my house, but then things started to fall apart. Ordered parts and waited almost 2 weeks and battled to get hold of him. Sent endless messages with no response. Eventually got the cae back R3000 later and having the exact same problem from him on the way home??? Sent pics of the car and told him its not right and no response again. Its a pity as Marius is truly a nice person, but after service and communication is not up to standard. R3000, 6 weeks later and the car is still standing..
28 Jul 2021
Very nice and friendly. Efficient service and very helpful..
19 Jun 2021
Excellent kind soft spoken understanding and reasonable with pricing im greatfull he went an extra mile my car moving right now because of him.his my car mechanic from now on thank you.
16 Feb 2021
Old-fashioned backyard mechanic would not know where to start! Marius did. I feel he needs better premises however this situation kept my costs low, he literally saved me 1000s. He accurately pinpointed the problem. Even if vehicle would not start after the inspection he took time to get it going so that we could go purchase the needed part. Eventually I left and was able to get the part needed from the dealers. All in all he did help resolve the problem.
29 Jan 2021
My car went in drivable he broke it its standing as we speak without idle after 3 months in his hands
~ Reply
THIS INFORMANTION IS INCCORRECT. FIRSTLY, THIS AUDI WAS COLLECTED FROM ME THREE WEEKS AGO ALREADY, SECONDLY WHEN IT CAME TO ME, IT WAS OVERHEATING BAD, JERKING AND STRUGGLING TO DRIVE PROPERLY. ALSO RIGHT FROM THE START IT WAS DIAGNOSTED AND QUOTE FOR NEW PARTS AS REQUIRED, BUT DUE TO FINANCIAL ISSUES, I HAD TO "MAKE CHEAPER PLANS" AND MAKE USE OF SECOND HAND ELECTRICAL PARTS. YES VEHICLE WAS WITH ME FOR 2 AND A HALF MONTHS ABOUT. BUT WHAT IS ALSO NOT MENTIONED, IS BECAUSE OF THIS CAR'S FAULTY ECM MY LAPTOP AND PROFESSIONAL VW/AUDI DIAGNOSIC SYSTEM EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT BLOWNING MY LAPTOP AND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE (+/- R4500 + DAMAGE AND LOSS) ALSO I I PAID SOMEONE ELSE MULTIPLE TIMES WITH MY OWN MONEY TO TRY AND GET HIS CAR SORTED, NOT TO MENTION ALL THE OTHER EXPENSES I COVER OUT OF MY PERSONAL MONEY TO TRY AND HELP HIM AS HE WAS A LOYAL AND REGURAL CUSTOMER OF MIND WHO ACTUALLY PRAISED ME I N A REVIEW ON MECHANIC BUDDY. BUT OBVIOSILY REMOVED THAT 5 OUT OF 5 REVIEW AND REPLACE IT WITH THIS ONE. I NEVER BOTHER RESPONDING TO GOOD OR BAD REVIEWS, HOWEVER THIS ONE WRONG IN EVERY WAY. ALL AND ALL MY LOSSES + EXPENCES EEXCEEDED FAR BEYOND R10000. PLUS WHAT IS ALSO NOT SAID IS, I NEVER EVEN CHARGED HIM ANY LABOUR FEES AT ALL. REGARDS. MARIUS. ESM AUTO SHOP PTY LTD
03 Jan 2021
I gave my car to Marius to fix as it was experiencing an overheating problem (oil and water didn't mix) and I accepted his quote. He worked on the car for 3 days to repair the head gasket etc. We received the car back and not even a week later the car started overheating AGAIN and we took the car back(Oil and mixed has mixed in head compartment now). This time he had to apparently fix the thermostat as it was the cause of the problem. I received my car back with the steering warning light on which I assumed was "power steering fluid" just to later find out that my car doesn't even use it as the power steering is electrical, he also bumped my car while test driving it(and drove 160KM in distance with it which is excessive) and damaged the steering rack and my new mag. Thousands of rands later my car is still overheating and I bought extra problems with my car as now it makes a noise when it starts and my steering rack is stuffed. I went to confront him and he had no proof that any pressure testing was done as he claimed and he literally shoved me out the gate and locked it and walked away when I was talking to him .. STAY AWAY YOU ARE JUST GOING TO WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!
02 Dec 2018
Marius lets you know daily what is happening to your vehicle and what he is doing with it. He is exceptionally friendly, polite and goes according to procedures. Honestly prefer him to my previous mechanic.
19 Jul 2018
After Marius assess the car and the step needed to resolve the fault on it. i was happy with Advise and even come back for difference services on my other car and He did help me
09 Jul 2018
Had a service and front brakes done, started with abstraight and fair quotation and estimated repair time. Went to him, paid the parts deposit, he dropped me off at home and said give me around 2 and a half to 3 hours. Three hours later my car was back in my drive way old parts in the boot, whole cleaned and even buffed on the outside. Engine off, actually to mention it to him, car runs and beakes quite and better than ever... thanks bro.
29 Jun 2018
They responded to my request and provided me with an estimate.
21 Feb 2018
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