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Car fixed

dukebound85

dukebound85

macrumors Core
Original poster
Jul 17, 2005
19,218
4,342
5045 feet above sea level
Got my car fixed

Originally they had quoted me 390

Had confirmed it was 390 to do job on 2 seperate occasions....nothing written just verbal

Go to pick up my car and its 760


What can I do? I am uber pissed as
1) it's 2 x what its was quoted as
2) they didnt even call to confirm to go ahead with price

I have my car but havent paid yet. No bank/cc info given but did sign receipt if that means anything
 
Dude, you should have gotten a written estimate. I can't believe that they let you take the car without paying for the repair first. :rolleyes:

I would go in and talk to the manager about the situation. Maybe you can come to a compromise.
 
Found out what the parts cost then negotiate with them on the labor since they messed with you on the total cost vs. the quote. Good luck.
 
Go back and ask to see an itemized receipt. Make it clear that you were quoted the $390 and you didn't approve anything more, but also compromise with them a little. Depending on what was done, I would say don't pay more than meeting them halfway ($575). Then let them know that you can't pay it all now as you didn't budget it costing so much, but that you will pay the total within the next couple weeks.

After that, NEVER go back to them again.

The shop I go to always gives me two numbers for every estimate. One for what they expect the repair to cost and the other number is what it would cost in a worst case scenario. That way I am not shocked if they call and say they need to do such-n-such that will cost so-n-so more...but they ALWAYS call if additional (above lowest quote) work is needed. I trust the guys there and most of the time they get the job done below the original low quote.
 
bad advice here. you'll get a mechanic's lien on your car and be up a creek.

explain your concern and see if they'll cut you a break. if not, pay it and learn from it.
 
From wiki on Mechanic's Lien:

Vehicular definition of a lien sale

If a person has repaired, furnished supplies or materials, towed or stored a vehicle and has not been paid for the services rendered, that person has a lien against the vehicle. The lien arises at the time the registered owner is presented with a written statement of charges for completed work or services. Although if services were performed that were not agreed upon and no written and signed estimate was issued beforehand, a mechanic has no right to keep the title owner from reclaiming the vehicle. If a mechanic asserts a fee that is not reasonably related to the work performed, and refuses to return the vehicle until that price is paid, the owner of the vehicle will be able to recoup a storage fee from the mechanic, as the mechanic is in the wrong for refusing to return the vehicle.

If the vehicle is towed by a public agency or private towing company, the lien arises when the vehicle is towed or transported. The lien may be satisfied by selling the vehicle through the lien sale process.

To conduct a lien sale, the person/lienholder must have possession of the vehicle and have lien sale authorization from DMV. Interested parties, including the registered and legal owners of record will be notified before the sale occurs.
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