Dodgy Garage

[Russ1976]

Hello,

 

I'm new on here, just started a dispute with a local garage which is why I'm on here and I want further advice on how to get it sorted.

 

Basically I was quoted £260 for a new clutch and I knew that a new clutch kit was approx £50.

 

The car eventually broke down and I went to same garage that quoted me. He offered to tow it for free and when I asked 'how much?', he replied 'I will call you once I know what needs doing'.

 

They towed it away last Monday and I never got a call until Tueday afternoon, he stated what work they'd done and suddenly stated it will cost £354 and tried to justify it, he stated that the clutch kit was £100! He then stated that they were almost finished!

 

I stated that I couldn't pick it up until Friday and he stated that he will leave it in a secure compound. It was actually left outside the working mens club next to the garage!

 

Picked it up this morning, ready for a big discussion and believe it or not the man I had been speaking to, the owner is not there. Now I was stuck in a position where I need my car, but the man isn't back until next friday.

 

So I paid, marked invoice as 'paid by protest' and will call him up during the week.

 

However the clutch judders and 5th gear is stuff - so quality workmanship as well.

 

I want to do what I can against this company and even if I don't get my money back, at least he will think twice before screwing someone else.

 

 

Advice please.

 

Thank you.

[cerberusalert]

Moved to Garage Services.

[Conniff]

If you are intending to go and see him, then judge your next action on what he says. If he does not respond satisfactorily, then write to him and tell him what you expect and give him 7 days to respond in writing. It's important to do things in writing in case you have no joy with him and have to take it further.

 

Did you have an itemised bill for the work carried out? you are entitled to one. The price of the clutch kit is a hard one to press unless you know the make of clutch he fitted. He may have used a different make to the one you priced up but in any case would charge full retail price for it.

 

I hope you get satisfaction, but if all else fails, then you can tell him, (again in a letter), that you will be taking it to the dealer for rectification and that you will send him the bill. If he refuses to pay it then you can use the small claims online to get your money back.

[Last Of The Time Lords]

Always worth looking into S.13 of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 which states that in a contract for the supply of a service where the supplier is acting in the course of a business, there is an implied term that the supplier will carry out the service with reasonable care and skill. Also check out regulations 3 and 5 of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This speaks of misleading actions and professional diligence etc. Use the opsi website.

[sir_gilmour]

Hi

Welcome to The Consumer Action Group.

 

 

I am just letting you know that as you haven't had any replies to your post yet, it might be better if you post your message again in an appropriate sub-forum. You will get lots of help there.

 

Also take some time to read around the forum and get used to the layout. It is a big forum and takes a lot of getting used to.

 

 

Once you start to find your way, you will soon realise that it is fairly easy to get round and to get the help you need.

 

It can be bit confusing at first.