I am having my mustang restored at a small shop in town. I already gave him a good amount of cash to start the metal work. He said he could get it in when I dropped it off. Its been sitting there over a year now. Should I be patient, they say a collector car takes many years while your restoring it or should I go and pick it up and demand my money back? What happens if he doesn't have the money? I'm trying to be patient but a year sitting in the same spot??? Everytime I call he'll say oh were getting this other car out soon or we're waiting on parts.
2007-03-16 04:18:12 · 8 answers · asked by Mommyof2angels 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
First thing you should do is go and look at the car and ask them what they've done so far. If you can't see a difference after a year then they're just wasting your time and money and you should get both your car and a good portion of your money back.
If you can see a difference then i'd say be patient. If they're a busy shop then a restoration isn't a top priority. Yes you're paying them good money, but at the same time there are bound to be people with more pressing auto problems.
It's true a restoration can take several years, but that's typically if you're doing it yourself. If you're paying pro's to do it then it should be a great deal faster. Mustang's are popular cars especially for restoration so getting parts shouldn't be difficult.
If it turns out they're wasting time and you take it somewhere else ask for three things upfront.
1- A checklist of what they plan and need to do. Have them look the car over first and write up a work plan. Make sure to get a copy of the work plan as well.
2- A time estimate based on the work plan. Their time is your money and you have every right to get a solid answer on how long it's going to take.
3- Depending on the time estimate, ask for weekly or monthly updates. Between the work-estimate and the time-estimate you can easily keep track of what they're doing. This will also let them know you're keeping track of what's going on so they won't be inclined to put your car off to the side and ignore it. Kind of like checking your kids homework to make sure they're doing it lol.
And as someone else said, if the current shop doesn't have your money you may look into suing. However, your car has been on their property for over a year so they could easily claim storage fees. Plus suing isn't free. So if they're only willing to refund you a portion of your money, if it's a good portion it would probably be easier to just take it and be done with them.
2007-03-16 04:47:57 · answer #1 · answered by dreemlyte 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you're really putting that much time and money into it, you really should go pay a visit every week to see what exactly is being done. Also, bring someone with you who might have a little more knowlege about cars and mechanics than you do. A relative of mine has a classic Porsche and at one time it was in the shop for over 6 months. But that was because the whole electrical system was burnt out and parts had to be custom ordered from Germany.
2007-03-16 04:30:58 · answer #2 · answered by KindaConfused 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to work as an auto body tech restoring cars. I restored a 1973 Chevy Camaro in three years of weekends, so it does take time.(and lots of MONEY) However if nothing has been done to your car, and its sitting outside get it back along with your money. Having it sit for so long is doing more harm than good. Besides in a years time the car should be close to complete. If he refuses to release either, tell him you'll be filing a claim at the local magistrates office, he should change his tune. Before confronting him, makes sure you get photos of the car, for use in court. Also when/if you do go to court be sure to have any and all receipts and canceled checks with you.
2007-03-16 04:35:54 · answer #3 · answered by elacledus 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This doesn't look good. Visit the shop to see if the car is still there. If it isn't, ask where it is. If the answer is unsatisfactory and you have proof that your car was left there (a copy of the estimate and work to be done) get the police involved or sue the garage's owner.
2007-03-16 04:28:44 · answer #4 · answered by Yafooey! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you've waited 365 days for your car to be repaired?!?! are you really serious?! im not trying to be mean but anyone with half a brain in their head should know that there is NO WAY in HELL it should take 1/50th that amount of time... get your car out of there ASAP and take it to a REAL automotive repair shop! take it somewhere where there are more than 5 employees in the shop and look for a large business that has a lot of volume of cars going through it... even if you dont get your money back there is no reason to keep your car there..
2007-03-16 04:29:41 · answer #5 · answered by civicracer1692 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Get the car and your money back.. next time, get a contract with an estimated working schedule and timeframe in writing before paying ANYTHING..
2007-03-16 04:26:35 · answer #6 · answered by Paul 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell him you want your car and money back..
You may not get either and will have to go to small
claims court...
He will probably claim that he is working on it and
you owe him more money before you can get your car back.
Sounds like you are getting ripped off...
2007-03-16 04:26:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This has gone on long enough...pick up your car, demand your money, and find someone else. If he doesn't have the money...sue.
2007-03-16 04:23:31 · answer #8 · answered by Lucy 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋