We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Do I have to pay garage for taking car apart?

My car broke down yesterday on the way into college and I got a local garage to pick it up.

I phoned last night to see if they'd diagnosed it yet and they said they thought it was the head gasket, and would let me know today. They did say when they rescued the car that it was possibly the head gasket as it is a common problem with these cars. (They hadn't lifted the bonnet at that point).

So I need to call them at some point today to hear the damage, and wondered if anyone had any advice on how much I should expect to pay if it is the head gasket and also is it a common fault with a punto?
There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.
«134

Comments

  • somabc
    somabc Posts: 67 Forumite
    I had the head gasket done on a punto last month, cost £400 (including head skimming).

    It will likely cost £300-500.
  • jordylass
    jordylass Posts: 1,102 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    oh dear, i need that like a hole in the head
    There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.
  • roddydogs
    roddydogs Posts: 7,479 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Ive got a Punto-at what mileage is the head likely to go?
  • jordylass
    jordylass Posts: 1,102 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Mine has done about 83000, not sure if that's typical, but apparently a common fault. The garage I took it to has quoted £604 to fix....
    There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.
  • pulliptears
    pulliptears Posts: 14,583 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I had a "M" reg punto, only done 36k when the head went. By this stage the car wasn't worth fixing (this happened 2 years ago) and I sold it on for £250 to a mechanic.

    Heard of a few going around the 36-40k mark so you did well jordylass lol
  • jordylass
    jordylass Posts: 1,102 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I have told this garage I am going to bring it home and think about what to do. I went to pick up the car but it was in bits and I have to go back later.
    I have the cost of recovery to pay for, but as they have started to dismantle the car without confirming any costs to me would I be within my rights to refuse to pay any added costs?
    There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.
  • hardpressed
    hardpressed Posts: 2,099 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If they have to take the car to bits to find out the problem then I expect you'll have to pay.
  • Hintza
    Hintza Posts: 19,420 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Why didn't you just get them to complete the repair? They need to get at the engine to diagnose exactly what is wrong with it. One has to assume they are not total rip of merchants and you should at least have got a quote for the repair and how much you are owing them now.

    You are messing them around a bit and I think you will have a relatively high bill and all that work will have to be done again by someone else. Once the head is off the worst is already done.
  • anewman
    anewman Posts: 9,200 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'd get it repaired if you can get your hands on the money. Will probably cost more than the car is worth, but better than buying a similar car with multiple couple hundred £££ issues needing to be sorted out soon.
  • pulliptears
    pulliptears Posts: 14,583 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    anewman wrote: »
    I'd get it repaired if you can get your hands on the money. Will probably cost more than the car is worth, but better than buying a similar car with multiple couple hundred £££ issues needing to be sorted out soon.

    Isnt there a good chance of the head going again though?
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.6K Life & Family
  • 254K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.