Can a mechanic do this?

Question

I took my car to a neighborhood mechanic to look at it for me. Well, without my permission he took it to a professional mechanic. He authorized the professional mechanic to take a look at my car. I asked the neighborhood mechanic to bring my car back to me because I was going to take it to my regular mechanic and now I can't find the neighboorhood mechanic anywere. The professional mechanic is telling me that he will not give me my car back and that someone has to pay him for the work and storage on my car. I never authorized this mechanic to do anything to my car and the police said it is a civil matter and that he can't keep me from getting my car. But, the towing people don't want to get involved and take the car off his lot. I have no idea what to do! Can anyone help?

Here is some more details....The car is not drivable and I went there after work the other day and tried to start it and he either unhooked the battery or took it out. I never signed ANYTHING and never verbally told him to even touch my car. Thanks everyone for all the great answers!

Answer 1

If you did not authorize this service by signing some sort of work order than you are not responsible. The other mechanic is. The police should be able to help you. Ask to speak to a supervisor as the mechanic can not legally put a lien on your car if you did not authorize the work. Did you sign anything? Bring your paperwork to the garage where your vehicle is and meet the police there. Remain calm but stick to your guns. There should be a way to resolve this easily.

Answer 2

Get an attorney, and you can get your car back. You will also be able to get you attorney's fees paid as well. Most likely, you need to go after the neighborhood mechanic, as you put it. The professional mechanic is right in wanting to be paid. I would think he would also go after the neighborhood mechanic.

While it isn't right, I can understand why he would not want to release the car to you. If he does, he will basically kiss any money that he is truly owed(not by you) goodbye.

I think all the prior answers don't realize the car is not driveable if you were attempting to have a tow company pick it up.

Answer 3

This may sound like a jack move but you need to show up there with your key to the car and get in the car and drive away (assuming you have a spare key) The police have already said it is illegal to keep you from your car. So if he tries to stop you from your car physically or to keep you from your car by not handing the keys over or whatever than call the police on some other basis just to get them there and ultimately force them to uphold the law. My step father was a cop for New York and he said cops do not like to deal with stuff like that so they will say, "it's a civil matter" and blow you off...he always said, "Remember, they are PEACE officers." Get this guy to "disturb the peace" and have a cell phone with 911 pre dialed and ready to go. Just be care full not to get yourself hurt. Oh and since what he is doing is illegal according to the police file a police report if you can to set precedence

Answer 4

Report it stolen and tell the cops that you know who has it. The mechanic has to do his homework and see that the person who brought the car in is not the person who owns it.

Answer 5

if it was me i would weigh how much he wants vs what the car is worth then maybe pay him or let the car go ... if its a large sum of money i would file a civil lawsuit against him if u didnt sign anything when u brought the car to him ...

Answer 6

~If the police aren't willing to help, you'll have to hire an attorney. I'm in a legal battle myself. Sorry about your car.~

Answer 7

report it stolen seems like it was stole by someone could be a ring of thieves working together

Answer 8

get in your car and drive away.