I had the entire exhaust system replaced by a mechanic in CO which I have gone to multiple times and always been extremely satisfied with their work. Because of this, I trusted them. They knew that I was leaving on a 4,000 mile road trip the next morning so everything had to be perfect. Before I even left my house the next day I noticed that the exhaust was hanging unusually low, but I did not have time to call in to the mechanic to ask about it, and since I trusted their work I assumed it would be ok. Not long after driving it began scraping the ground every time i drove over even the slightest bump or uphill. It was about 2 inches off the ground but I did not have the money nor time to stop to have it looked at before I reached CA. I went to a shop in CA and they noted numerous problems with the way the exhaust was installed - it was just plain wrong, missing screws, bent backwards, etc. The way it was installed destroyed my coverter. had to spend another $2000 to get it fixed
2007-06-23 10:00:53 · 7 answers · asked by eternicide 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I spent $1000 getting it fixed the first time when they did it wrong in CO. CA is more expensive as their parts must comply with certain regulations. I went back to the original mechanic who did the work wrong, and demanded that they pay for my CA bill, or, at the very least - reimburse me for the work they did which was done incorrectly and caused damage to my car. They refused, saying that under CO law, I have to bring the car back to them before I let another place work on it. But, that was impossible in my situation. They said that another customer had the same problem and took them to court, but he lost the case. I want to take them to small claims court and at least get back the money for the incorrect work they did, but Im not sure of the laws or how this process works at all. What should I do?
2007-06-23 10:04:51 · update #1
I also have many pictures showing how the exhaust was put in wrong, and also pictures of how it looks once it was re-repaired. I have a complete description from the mechanic in CA of everything they found wrong with it as well.
2007-06-23 10:06:58 · update #2
My car is a 1996 Toyota Camry.
2007-06-23 10:36:12 · update #3
Wow, what a story.Sounds like a case for JudgeJudy. I didn't catch the type of car you were driving but if you had a $2,000 exhaust repair it must not be an old 1985 VW Rabbit.
You have a small claims case for sure since they are the professionals. An attorney would be able to advise you whether or not you were over charged initially, too. That would scare them into a quick settlement rather than go to court.
It sounds like the guy was falling down drunk when he worked on your exhaust. I will say this, when ever I let someone else work on my car, I will inspect it right there in the garage or the parking lot and I'll test drive it and bring it right back within minutes if I notice something wrong.
Meineke installed the wrong exhaust (muffler and tail pipe) on my old truck six years ago and I just had it replaced this past Spring and they warrantied the entire job. All parts and all labor. I had my receipt, thank God.
Good Luck!
2007-06-23 10:25:51 · answer #1 · answered by CactiJoe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2000$ Bucks For A Coverter And Repair Is A Rip Off That Orther Shoped Ripped You Off I Bet... I Would Guess Your Trusted Shop Probley Forgot To Tigther The Mounting Straps Or Something. So It Wokred Losse.
2007-06-23 10:06:24 · answer #2 · answered by frozenfire75i 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a way for him to make sure the motor wasn't warped if he bothered to try it by what you said he most likely didn't test the head for warpage (it takes like 10 minutes to test for head warpage and since the head's were already off he should have done it) all he needed to do was use a straight edge and use a feeler gauge to see if it has excessive clearance im sure if you go in and yell enough he will refund your money then i recommend you take it to a dealer to get the new motor as that shop doesnt seem reliable
2016-04-01 01:09:52 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take it back where you got the exhaust work done to have it corrected. Shame on you for not having this work done a week or more before your road trip. Plan ahead next time.
2007-06-23 10:09:33 · answer #4 · answered by Phillip S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself into small claim court and file a claim, then they will be ready to negotiate or loose there.
2007-06-23 10:08:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Report it to your states Better Business Bureau
2007-06-23 10:06:04 · answer #6 · answered by sludgybigfoot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
small claims court
2007-06-23 11:09:12 · answer #7 · answered by miiiikeee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋