My husband drove his 87 suburu into the shop to have the timing adjusted. The mechanic told him he needed new belts. The mechanic called 3 days later and said the engine had bent valves and was no longer in running condition. My husband drove the car for over a year with no problems except for the idling. Now we have to buy a new engine. Isn't the mechanic responsible for this disaster?
2006-06-30 13:27:49 · 7 answers · asked by blondie9989 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
This can be a sticky situation, it all depends on how bat the belts were. If the belt were in fact very cracked and near breaking it could have just been bad luck on the part of the mechanic that it broke while pulling the car in or during a test drive. Although if you agreed to replace the belts, and three days later they tell you that you need a new engine, they probably screwed up installing the belt and caused the damage that they should be liable for. If you are considering taking action I would contact your state better business bureau or consumer protection agency, they may take on the case for you or at least point you in the right direction. Many states will aggressively prosecute repair shops that may be doing shady dealings.
2006-06-30 13:36:58 · answer #1 · answered by gormana99 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is probably a lot to this story that you dont know. I have had catastrophic automotive failures right in my shop before and can feel the shop owners pain.
Car drives in and cant drive out through no fault of the mechanic.
How is that proven?
Here are questions I have. Why did you think the timing needs adjustment? How many miles does the vehicle have? Has it been running hot? What has been wrong with the idle? Timing adjustment and belts dont have anything to do with each other.
I suspicion the timing belt broke and it just happened to do it in their shop. Possibly you have an interference engine.
I realize I probably havent helped but somebody needs to ask or provide more info.
2006-06-30 20:36:58 · answer #2 · answered by Doylesee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hit the mechanic in small claims court. You can file it yourself without much problem here by going to the court clerk and asking for the forms. The limit on small claims should be high enough to cover your costs. The key question here in my mind is if your husband said ok to go ahead and replace the belts or not. If he did you are golden, if not it will be more difficult.
2006-06-30 20:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by FreddyBoy1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no, if you payed him any money he has to put the car back together,the way he got it, and if he put the new belts on rong ,and one of them was the timeing belt..(only) it will blow the motor!! but you have to prove it buy bringing it to a( a.s.e. )shop ..like suburu thay will charge you only 1hr for the check but you have to tow the car there and back thats not cheep but its cheeper than putting a new motor in it or get a (a.s.e.) teck to go to your house ask a teck at suburu to go and offer him $50.00 & a free lunch it works .. and if no money was charged to you for the work your out of luck....sorrrrry.... I am a, (a.s.e.) teck for the city of chicago.and I spell bad..hope I helped
2006-06-30 20:55:15 · answer #4 · answered by Stephen D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like the mechanic messed up the timing belt job. They are required to replace it for you if they are the ones who broke it.
2006-06-30 21:26:52 · answer #5 · answered by ThisJustin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good news, yes he is responsible. bad news you are only entitle to the whole sale value of you car witch is only a few 100 bucks.
2006-06-30 21:50:21 · answer #6 · answered by car guy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) your driving a Suburu for God sakes!!!'
2)NO they are not held responsible!!
3) BUY AMERICAN!!!
2006-06-30 20:32:48 · answer #7 · answered by ryerarero 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋