get around mechanic's lien?

Question

I have had difficulty with this shop. I posted a question earlier about this. My car is on its third auto shop. It sucks but im trying to make the best of it. Looks like my car is finally going to be up and running. The second shop FOLDED and they gave my car to this shop next door which told me they would finish the work.

im exicted and I want to pay them for a job well done once its done but lately a lot of "problems" have come up and I dont want to be ripped off. I think since its a corvette he might think i have a lot of money...i dont! i had to take out a loan to cover repairs.

ill pay if he does a good job and is honest with me. But what if he tries telling me all this "extra" work. I know about the mechanic's lien but anyway around it? I mean if worse comes to worse can I just have a tow truck stop by and pick it up to remove my car out of there.

yes i know my car title will be affected but how? Bank has my title until its paid off in 4 years.

Answer 1

Sorry you've had bad luck..

Technically there is no way around a mechanic's lien short of a civil lawsuit intervention.

Be upfront to the guy that you don't have the money for any extras and need what needs to be done to get it going. Most reputable shops won't proceed on a car without written estimates as technically in some states it requires a signature from the owner, or the mechanic can possibly loose the money involved in fixing the car.

Ask that only work authorized is what's done, and all extras discussed first.

A mechanic's lien is usually issued only by the courts if the law forces the mechanic to give up the car for a payment (most will hold the car in storage for the bill).. Most of the time it won't really affect you other than the lein holder will also know about the situation since they also loose a interest in the car.

Most reputable shops will work it out with you for the bill and aren't trying to be idiots.... only dishonest ones I find will try back handed technics but those people usually wind up loosing in court for the work, as it wasn't requested by you.

Answer 2

You should have the title, but the bank will have a lien on it. The mechanic's lien is to protect the shops from people not paying their bills. They can hold the car and if you don't pay then they can sell it and use the money to pay the repair bill. The excess will go to the bank. Then the bank will still want the rest of their money.

It gets nasty sometimes. I hope it doesn't go that far. Maybe the shop will do a good job for you and treat you right.

Answer 3

I understand that in some states,Florida for one,the lender holds the title until the loan is paid off.But that has nothing to do with a mechanic's lien.
Why not try to assume the newest repair shop is being honest with you before reaching for ways to work around paying the bill.They probably worked hard to fix the problems the other guys couldn't and deserve more than that.

Answer 4

I believe a Mechanic's Lien is used to recoup costs when repairs are unpaid for. basically it's like an unpaid bill. I'm not sure they can override a bank loan, though. Unless you can prove the mechanic is ripping you off, I'm not sure you'll be able to just go tow your car off his lot, if he's done work to it which you haven't paid for ( no matter what your financial circumstance ). You are liable for the debt. I'd check with local law enforcement BEFORE you attempt to do that. Or try to work out a payment plan with the mechanic. Good luck!
- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 5

First if your car was towed to another shop without your permission call the police and report it stolen. Second the new shop must have a written permission to even have your car. It was taken there with out your consent and that shop can not hold you for any work it did or intends to do without your permission.