My car is in the shop getting something major fixed, the repairman says that I need new brakes on the front and that he cannot "by law" allow me to take my car back without it being fixed. I plan on fixing it myself (or rather a friend of mine is going to fix it) as soon as I get the car home. I have tried to find a law pertaining to this and can't seem to find anything useful, please help... I'd like my car back.
2007-05-12 14:32:15 · 9 answers · asked by Autum L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I have never heard of such a law. The vehicle belongs to you, not your repair shop. He may be trying to take advantage of you so that he can put some money in his pocket, or, he could be worried about a liability factor that could be brought against him because he let your car leave his shop knowing it had bad brakes. remember, we do live in a world now that a majority of people wants to sue and he is only trying to protect his business. I am sure you can sign off on the estimate releasing him of all liabilities. YOU have the right to choose whom makes repairs to your vehicle, furthermore, a repair shop usually cannot make any repairs without your authorization. He could be a con artist, or he could be realistic. If there is such a law in your state, which I am skeptical of, that's a new one on me.
2007-05-12 14:39:22 · answer #1 · answered by bobby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This an old scam, scare the car owner into "It's a safety issue, I won't even back it out of the shop until the work is done."
If that doesn't work, try "Well, by law I would be responsible if anything were to happen so I can't release the car until repairs are done."
This is a sleazy trick I have witnessed when I was turning wrenches. I have seen repair shop owners have the customer sign a scary release form(made up on the spot) and have four or five guys push the car out of the shop in the hopes the customer will cave at the last moment.
Tell them you want your car and don't take your eyes off of it until released to you. Don't return to this shop as they are just adding stuff on. You went for the price of the major repair so they figure you will go for their add-ons. I bet a hundred bucks that if you did let them do this work, they at the last minute would tell you you need your tires balanced. And try to sell you a lifetime wheel balance deal.
Shops that do this create a problem when there is actually a safety issue.
2007-05-12 14:51:17 · answer #2 · answered by mike h 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I doubt whether there is a law saying an unfixed vehicle can't be removed from a repair shop. What may be applicable is the fact that the mechanic is worried about his liability or culpability in case you have an accident. You COULD claim that he "knowingly" let the car go with safety related defects and sue him or his shop. Just tell the mechanic that you will have the vehicle repaired when you have the funds to do so and offer to release him from any liability. He won't want to hold the car at his shop any longer than is absolutely necessary as it is just taking up space that he can use for other customers and he won't be making any money on it.
2007-05-12 14:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by Kiffin # 1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
without going into the complicated info as defined in regulation, there is an offence of 'quitting' as already precise by yet another person. The offence is dedicated whilst a motor vehicle is left with its engine working without one interior the using seat. although, if there is somebody interior the motor vehicle who's qualified and insured topersistent the motor vehicle then there could be no offence. additionally, some automobiles could be left with the engine working if it quite is finished to capability ancillary kit which incorporate air con, emergency lights furniture etc or (in all probability) contained regarding Tesco automobiles, refrigeration instruments. If for this reason the motive force leaves his engine working then he's technically no longer committing an offence The offence is a non-endorsable fastened penalty offence (£30 value ticket) or you could opt to bypass to courtroom in case you so choose.
2016-10-15 12:26:14 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not familiar with the laws of Oregon, but in California, the car capital of the world, there is no law that can force you to repair your vehicle. You drove it in, you drive it out. We cannot compel you to repair your vehicle. We may strongly suggest repairs, but we cannot "make" you pay us to fix it. You may have to tow it out of the shop if it is undriveable, but in your particular case, I think you are being hustled.
It is a dirty shame, too. We professionals are sullied by association with unscrupulous "grease monkeys".
There may be some kind of "public safety" or "unsafe vehicle" statute on the books in OR, but the onus would be on the vehicle owner, not the repair facility. If I determine the vehicle is unsafe to drive and you refuse the repairs, I cannot, "by law", refuse to relinquish your vehicle to your custody. I can, and I will, try like hell to convince you to save your life, and the lives of others on the road. I cannot , however, force or compel you to listen to me.
2007-05-12 17:07:33 · answer #5 · answered by d_cider1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with David. I will not let a vehicle leave my shop, with any unsafe conditions, without a signed waiver of liability. I am unaware of any laws that would not allow him to release the vehicle, however.
2007-05-12 14:54:03 · answer #6 · answered by rat396 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen to dave,& mike. I was a mechanic for a cab co. in N.Y.C. for 2 yrs, I ended up incapacitated for a while & my car needed some service, the Head-mechanic tried to tell me the work i had done before i got hurt was wrong. sorry I don't trust any mechanics since then! I do all my own work, & if I get hurt again, it'll wait till i'm well enough to fix it. no one's gonna die if i don't! I wouldn't trust theese mechanics if i were you!
2007-05-12 15:33:03 · answer #7 · answered by busted_glass 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same thing happened to me in Connecticut. They told me the car was nothing but rust. I would be killed in any kind of accident because it would fold up like an accordion.
So I bought a new car. I had no idea. I am glad they told me.
2007-05-12 14:36:19 · answer #8 · answered by John 16 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would depend on whether or not he gave you an estimate and if you in turn agreed to it. Otherwise you should be able to. Especially if you tell him up front you can't pay for it. Then he'll definitely want to stop the work.
2007-05-12 14:36:14 · answer #9 · answered by happytwenty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋