My mechanic has held our van for 4mo.+. We had the van towed to his shop feb. 2nd for diagnosis and estimate. I have maintained communication with the owner/mechanic directly. After checking in regularly for 2 and 1/2 months I explained to the mechanic how important this vehicle is to us and the sooner we could get it repaired the better. First week of june I stopped in to check on the diagnosis, "needs a valve job" ($1800). "Whats your turn around time on a valve job?" He assured me, "could have that ready on monday". My van has had little work if any done to it since that conversation (three weeks ago). We need this vehicle, we are happy to pay and have given deposits to help expedite the project. We are paying for a home out of state and need the van to move. Also, we have jobs that we've had to postpone starting.
2007-06-23 16:18:34 · 14 answers · asked by DAN REVERE 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Do this:
1) Tell him you are contacting an attorney...wait ONE day
2) Contact an attorney...wait ONE day
3) File a lawsuit
**EDIT
To all of you pukes that are saying to have the van towed to another mechanic: Most states give THIS mechanic the right to keep the van until his bill is fully paid.
MY answer is the most practical...You have to satisfy the mechanic unless you want to spend months and months in court..
2007-06-23 16:22:33 · answer #1 · answered by jgain 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have seen this scam before IF it`s a scam. Have you tried to get the van back yet. Then comes the storage fees. They will run the price up so you can`t afford to get it back and then you fall into the time frame they can posses it legally. what i would do if it is a scam. get a tape recorder. 1 call them and ask if they take a check or credit card don`t say your name. 2 then ask for the total. -1&2 is for the police . 3 then go there with a tow truck and the police- Now they can`t play with words when you go to pick it up cause you have the tape and police. 4 take the vehicle somewhere else 5 go straight home and cancel the check or credit card. 6. Let them take you to court for payment. The judge is awhere what they are trying to pull cause nothing takes that long to fix, even if you have to order parts. My ex has had this happen to her and she lost the vehicle due to storage fees and the bill was so high she lost it, she was even making payments. My lawyer and my friend has advised me he has seen this many times and this is basically the best way to get the vehicle back . you just have to be smarter than them and get dirty. Give them no indication what you are doing they might remove more from the vehicle. hit them like a brick oneday please note i stated IF this is a scam . I have lived it and dealt with it . there is always a possibility
2007-06-24 03:34:40 · answer #2 · answered by miiiikeee 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The shop can hold the vehicle for as long as they like, or I should say as long as you let them. Even to have your car towed in, meaning it isn't on the schedule, they should be able to work the vehicle in relatively soon. There could be many reasons why it has taken this long. The parts could be back ordered for some reason, they could have too much work to fit it in, could be lazy, or just plain taking advantage of you. I would suggest going down there with a tow truck and paying for the diagnostic time and what repairs have been completed, if any, and having it towed to a dealer. Other than that you really have no other options.
2007-06-23 16:26:24 · answer #3 · answered by Erin R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
4 months for a valve job? That sounds crazy. God pick up the van, if it won't run at all then have another shop tow the van to their shop. I can't think of any reason for a delay that long. If the shop owner gives you any hassle, then get a lawyer and sue him. I'm sure the lawyer can think of several things to sue him over. Don't put up with this, you guys have been more than paitent with him. good luck.
2007-06-23 16:25:29 · answer #4 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are being ignored and ripped off. Have the van towed to a different mechanic.( 1800 for a valve job????) a completely rebuilt engine is around $1500.
2007-06-23 16:25:51 · answer #5 · answered by Fl1959 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You didn't indicate what State you reside in. It varies quite a bit from State to State. Check with Attorney generals office in your State if you cant get resolution.
In the case of my shop, we give a written estimate and also a time frame. Now, often we'll get backed up by a day or so, but months is just crazy. Sit down with him, get a detail of work to date and costs to date. Then agree in writing on a date of completion.
If it's not in writing, its hard to resolve.
2007-06-23 16:31:30 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take it to another shop like a dealer then it will take about one week. that is if it needs a valve job, ask your shop for the compression test results. the numbers should be about 125/150lbs. if no test dune then take it to a real shop. if the # are at 125 to 150 and within ten lbs. of each other then it don`t need a valve job. and check with better bis, to see if he has a bad rep.
2007-06-23 16:29:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't have to give him any amount of time. I would hire a tow truck driver and go get your van! Have it towed to another mechanic. If he gives you any trouble, call the police and they will make him release it to you. Make sure you bring the title of the van with you.
2007-06-23 16:24:22 · answer #8 · answered by Be me 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need a honest mechanic... not that one. A good mechanic can change an engine in 2-3 days... of course doing extra thing beside that.
2007-06-23 16:22:58 · answer #9 · answered by odacrem69 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its your van.
Have it towed elsewhere and charge send him a bill for car
rental during that time.
You won't get anything back ... but unless you have a signed
contract with him indicating timelines, you don't have a legal
leg to stand on.
2007-06-23 16:21:44 · answer #10 · answered by Elana 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋