Thanks JRP1414 Writing the DVLA sounds like a good way forward! I will let you know how I get on! HypnoBliss

Hi gwc1000 its a A4 quattro sport W reg (2000). 2000/W Audi A4 Saloon 1.8 T quattro Sport 4d Valuation - Parker's They said the £350 was for standard investigative work and wouldn't break it down any further. and have added £150 for pick up and delivery.

No, I haven't signed anything. Not even a collection notice. Which on reflection is a good thing as if they do try to come after me for the money, they have no proof of any agreement for work (however tenuous!). So I can't report it Stolen and I can't log it as scrapped with the DVLA. Where does that leave me? Do I just forget about it & write it off as a lesson learned?

Hi Guys, The company is based in Heathrow but they have called themselves 'Engine warehouse' or 'reconditioned- engines' (Reconditioned Engines. Rebuilt Engines. Remanufactured Engines.) I believe they have just changed their name. Frankly I don't want the car back now anyway, just want to make sure they can't try to sue me for any money. They obviously won't give it back. Should I report it stolen? Thanks again.

Hi All , This is a long post but wonder if someone can help me. I have searched through the other posts but didn't see anything relevant. My car (Audi A4) started making a horrible noise and I took it to my Audi dealer. They looked at it and said it needed an new engine. AS this would cost £3000 (including labour) and the car itself was only worth £2000 they advised it wouldn't be worth doing. They said I could get a garage to fit a second hand engine which would reduce the cost by half but that they could only fit a new one. Anyway the car broke down a day later and got it towed home by the RAC. I then phoned around and got several quotes and chose the most reasonable (though not the cheapest) one. They said they would replace the engine and re-service the car for £1550 all in. They said they would pick up the car and return it free of charge and would have it done within a week. So I made the appointment and asked for the quote to be sent by email. By the day of collection I didn't receive the email but was promised it would be sent shortly. The person who picked it up didn't have any ID or a collection note but as he came on the right day I assumed it was OK. The next day I checked that it was there and was told yes and that someone would get back to me. They then phoned the next day and said that they had looked at the car and that it would be £3500!! to fix due to a myriad of other things which were now wrong with the car. I told them that if that was the case I did not want the work carried out as that was more than the car was worth. I was then told that I would have to pay £350 for work already carried out and £150 for pick up and delivery of the car + they would not put the engine back in unless further monies were paid. When I refused stating that I was not told about the £350 charge and that I was told the Pick up and collection was free he said that if I did not pay by 16:00 that day he would dump my car on the road where it would be picked up by the police and I would face charges. When I called the next day he first said that the car had been dumped on the road and that "he hadn't seen it today so 'pikies' must have taken it " I then said I would inform the police and put the phone down. He then rang back and said he was only joking and that he still had the car but I would be getting it back until I had paid the £500. Additionally he would be charging £10 per day storage costs. I replied via email disputing the costs and stating that I would pick up my car but they just replied saying I had to pay before the car would be released. Am I liable to pay for any of these costs even though I have not signed anything? - They have since said it's in the T&C's on their website but I was quoted over the phone and was NOT told of this. Can a garage hold my car without my permission? Can they charge me these ongoing storage costs? Apologies again for the long post and thanks in advance for any help anyone can give.