ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 One of my mates is in a sticky situation. High level: 03 Plate WRX sportswagon develops engine fault (knocking, stays in limp mode) 90k on engine. Takes it to garage, they say needs new engine (doesn't specify why) Leaves car with garage, agrees to have 54 plate STI engine/ECU fitted from one of the garage owners' cars. No price agreed...rough costs of 2.5k fitted mentioned Car now fixed, he wants 2.6k for engine fitment and an extra 1500 for additional parts plus he's keeping the existing engine parts (turbo's etc). 4.1k (ex vat) for a car that was prob only worth 4-5k tops. Anyone else think these costs are crazy? I think it took a day to fit the engine. He's going to talk to the guy now about the price, I know he is crazy for not agreeing the price up front and for not getting second opinion but anyone have any ideas on what he can do about it if anything? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveR Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 all stolen from http://www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/main.nsf/Web+Full+List/8B0E576D1C2EEB5F80256D88002F7C6D In addition to these civil law rights, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 prohibit: [snip] * ommitting or hiding material information which would cause the consumer to take a course of action they would otherwise not have done had they known of that information at the time the transaction took place [snip] Paying for work: Obtain a detailed invoice showing parts, labour and VAT. If you disagree with the price speak to the manager straight away and point out your concerns. If you cannot resolve the matter, make the manager aware that you are paying "without prejudice" or "under protest" and will be following up the complaint at a later date. You should not refuse to pay. Garages have a right to retain the vehicle until full settlement is made and you may be committing the criminal offence of "theft" should you remove the vehicle without payment. For the same reason you should never stop payment on a cheque or credit card. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 ah thanks i was looking for that. We had a similar issue recently, much lower costs and paid the garage stating something similar, couldn't remember where i got the info from to do that. price is crazy tho yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackso11 Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Takes it to garage, they say needs new engine (doesn't specify why) Leaves car with garage, agrees to have 54 plate STI engine/ECU fitted from one of the garage owners' cars [/Quote] Did that not ring alarm bells? No reason specified but they happen to have a car (presumably for sale or they would like to sell it) that they can take the engine from..... then they are keeping the old engine too?? Maybe putting that back in the other car, fixing it and selling it on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Name and shame the garage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 Name and shame the garage Its just a local garage, he's knows he's not dealt with it very well and relied on good will too much, important thing now is what he can do about it. I'll get him to read through the link steve kindly provided. Its really dodgey though as the guy wants cash or he'll add VAT, that would be 5k!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 Did that not ring alarm bells? No reason specified but they happen to have a car (presumably for sale or they would like to sell it) that they can take the engine from..... then they are keeping the old engine too?? Maybe putting that back in the other car, fixing it and selling it on? I wondered that too, I was wary when they couldn't tell him what the fault was. I even offered to ask my mate with a trailer to take it somewhere else for him for a small fee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt H Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Sounds a nightmare. One of the biggest mine fields out there Car Garages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonathanc Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Well to be fair I would have worked out exactly the price before committing to actually carrying out the work. Most garages I've been with will call be to confirm before proceeding. I think the price is crazy considering the fact that he is keeping the old parts too... Whole thing sounds bit dodgy to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 Well he knocked him down to 3400, only a 30day warranty tho. He just has to take the hit on his wallet and learn his lesson. The car is flying so at least he's happy on that front! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo2810 Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 I thought the garage was obliged to give all parts back to you when they replace them (with the exception of tyres)? You pay for those parts as well as the new parts they fit, so everything is yours. The garage has no right to keep anything!!?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay n_a Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 i had the same problem with my old astra coupe i hired a van and travelled 150miles with a mate so i could pick the car and the old engine up and when i got there they wouldnt give me the engine they just said it was part of the deal although it was never mentioned or in writing! i also found they had charged me for a new battery and to re gas the air con that they hadnt done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 Sad thing is it was the guy who's always serviced his car. Just goes to show, you can't trust anyone and agree everything up front. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampy442 Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Did he get all his parts back and the option on the engine? As Jackso said that dodgy engine could be in an other car and palmed off to another mug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozz Posted September 29, 2010 Author Share Posted September 29, 2010 Did he get all his parts back and the option on the engine? As Jackso said that dodgy engine could be in an other car and palmed off to another mug. Nope! Right dodgey guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swampy442 Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 So name and shame then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bignum Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 I`d have done it for a grand:d Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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