Ahh my local garage

[busymare]

I am sooo annoyed I need to rant!

My car went for a minor service to a local garage (nothing wrong with it- running perfectly just time for oil change etc).

They told us that they had damaged it whilst doing the work and kept us waiting 3 days whilst they waited for the part to repair the damage they had done. We collected the car and they said they would post the bill when the secretary was back.

You guessed it- they have charged us for repairing the damage they told us they had done. We asked them to reconsider the bill they have said no.

I do not understand the mentality- if they had told us they found a fault we would have paid and thanked them for it but THEY TOLD US THEY DID IT so why should we pay???

They now say the conversation never happened and we can prove nothing but I know it happened and I am disgusted that they could behave like this.

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

[bow1607]

First of all go down and speak to them face to face, ask who it was who phoned you (did they ring your mobile, if so check your log so you can see the time they rang and who was there).
If no further ask to speak to the manager and threaten to get the local papers involved if this isn't sorted out quickly.
The cheeky so and so's!!!

[bomerang]

go toyour trading standards they are really good

[gillwales]

legally you do not have to pay the bill and I would put that in writing sent recorded delivery. Make a kist now of the events that happened with times and who you spoke too and what was said. Did they supply you with a replacement car while yours was being replaced? But I agree with Bomerang, go to them and they will properly advise you of how to word the letter, if not go to the CAB
good luck

[busymare]

Thanks everyone.

Unfortunately trading standards say that as we can't prove that the garage did the damage or that they told us they did we are on weak ground. They recommend getting quotes for the repairs and deducting that from the bill, but apparently the garage could still pursue us for breach of contract if we don't pay the full bill.

It is really odd- I don't know if a mechanic told us something that he is now not admitting to his boss or if they are actually just trying to screw us. I guess I should do as Bow recommends and go and talk to them in person but I hate confrontations and find myself giving ground far too easily!

[ruftytuftyrider]

Could your other half go with you or if not a friend who can give you moral support.

[gillwales]

what was the damage? Was it something that would have prevented your car being driven? If so the fact that you drove the car to the garage should be proof. I would send hubby to speak to them, make it clear that if they continue with this that you will be letting all of your friends and neighbours aware of what has happened. Was the phone call made to a mobile, if so you should have a timed record of the call.

good luck x

[plinketyplonk]

Report them to the Institute of Automotive Motor Engineers which all garages should belong to. You could also tell your insurance company and they may arrange for an independent assessor to visit you to review the damage and the bill.

[primrose3]

Were you given a receipt when you dropped the car off to say what it went in for?

How much does the work for the damage come to?

I'd go down in person and kick off, they won't want you causing a scene infront of other customers!

[randombadger]

Spread their name far and wide.......good garage scheme may like to hear about them too.........