Getting the runaround from a private garage

[Jaybee in CF]

Hi all,

Background

I got a replacement gearbox in August for about £700, this took 4 weeks to put in, with one "dead"-line after the other being missed. It worked fine until early December, when I noticed it didn't engage until I revved the engine a bit. Gave it straight back to the garage, I've just seen the mechanic today, sure enough my car is at his "other" garage, he missed yet another deadline, all he could tell me was that he'll call me before 6pm, "guaranteed". He has promised that all paperwork (of which I have none so far from him) for both jobs will be supplied when the car is ready. I realise I've been foolish to let this saga go on with nothing in writing - apart from a receipt he scribbled on the back of his business card.

Questions

1. If he stalls indefinitely with the work, or changes his mind about supplying me with the receipts for the parts/labour, what action can I take against him?
2. When (or IF!) he completes the work and supplies paperwork, I want to take the car to an independant mechanic to get the gearbox checked out. What do I need the paperwork to reflect if the report shows the gearbox is a dud?

Thanks all,


JB

[Jaybee in CF]

38 views and no replies? Help a fella out people, SOMEONE must have a resolution!

[Hammy1962]

Here goes

Questions

What sort of car is it. Was the gearbox a new one. Not engaging until you rev it, is it an automatic. Why is it at his other garage. A receipt he scribbled on the back of his business card doesn't sound too good. 4 weeks to fit it, not good either.

What is wrong with it exactly?

Answers

1. Recover the car, it's still yours, get another gargae to help, sue for the money.

2. You have alraedy given an independent machic £700. For an unbiased opinion you need the AA or RAC which will cost more money. A local main dealer will give you an opinion for nothing.

3. if the report shows the gearbox to be dud you need the paperwork to reflect this with an accurate description of the fault.

4. Don't give anyone £700 without a receipt again

Hammy

[Jaybee in CF]

Thanks mate.

Well, a happy ending - or at least, a happy development. I've gotten the car back, it drives fine, although only tested in traffic so far. Got a headed receipt (with today's date!) for the £600.

I'll take it round a few garages tomorrow and canvass professional opinions. Depending on the consensus, I'll sue, and/or inform Trading Standards.

Cheers,

Jaybee

[Jaybee in CF]

Well, the gearbox has gone awry again, only now reverse gear doesn't work either, and I still have to rev the engine before the car moves forward. Can I sue this guy given that I don't have any PROOF that he's botched the job more than once?

Thanks,

Jaybee.

[vanboy]

If its an auto,have you checked for any automatic transmission fluid leaks from the gearbox or pipes plus have you checked the fluid level?,it sounds like low fluid level in the box (if an auto).They have filters in the gearbox which also get blocked and can cause the same problem you're describing.Saying all this,it is'nt really your concern WHAT the actual problem is,the mechanic SHOULD have repaired it properly the first time.Good luck!.

[SeanT]

Take it back, leave it there, ask for the work to be completed under the warranty on the repair. If they agree to this, get a hire car, keep the receipts, send them the invoice. If they say "what warranty", ask them to put in writing that they are refusing to review the work that they have completed within the last six months. If they will put this in writing (which I doubt, if they have half a brain cell), write them stating that the quality of the workmanship and the parts supplied are substandard under the supply of goods and services act, and that you intend to sue. If, again, they won't do anything or put anything in writing, write them the bare minimum letter of complaint and then file once they have had reasonable time to respond - they have to complete their repairs to a reasonable standard.