What can you do when a dealer tears your car apart and leaves it, and keeps your bolts and other parts.?

Question

My Son took his 2001 Mustang to Ford recently because it was making a clicking noise in the engine. . They tore it apart and told him the engine was shot and they would fix it for about $4000. He decided to do it himself. So rather than put the car back together Ford left it in pieces. They kept his bolts, and several other parts. He drove it in running,and had to have it towed home. He is now trying to put it together without the parts ford kept. There was no service contract written up when my son left the car He has been all over town looking for parts to put his car back together. Ford has not billed him yet but they expect payment of $114.00 for labor. What should we do?

Answer 1

When all the parts are returned to you, then you pay the bill. As a precaution, tell your son to save all the receipts for replacing all the necessary parts that he had to buy to reassemble the engine.
You should have never accepted the car back from the dealer in such condition in the 1st place. It ran when you took the car to Ford, it should have run when you picked it up. If it were me, i would document everything and take pictures as well. Visit an attourney and explain the situation, most attourneys will give you a 1st consultation at no charge. Then you will have a better idea about where you stand with Ford.
Good luck............e-mail me if you have more questions..

Answer 2

Sounds like they are holding the parts for ransom. Paying Ford 114 bucks would have been cheaper than A tow & replacing the parts. Why didn't he have the car put back together in lieu of having it towed?

Answer 3

You will probably have to pay the $114.00 but you can argue with them about the parts that are missing of course. I would highly suggest a service manual for your son to do the work on the engine.

Answer 4

First thing you should have done was make them put the car back together. If they refuse to return the parts I suggest filing a lawsuit against them.

Answer 5

To late to do much about it now. It is evedent they were out to make it tough for the next guy. Hinde site is always 20-20. At least you learned one thing, that is stay clear of that store.

Answer 6

sue them, demand your parts back or tell them you are talking to a lawyer,

if your son told them to estimate what it will cost, they should not have torn the car apart, you are entitled to all parts,

I would also contact the better Business bureau and report them