What would YOU do.....? (mechanic taking the mick)

Anihilator

Question 1 - Did the car need these repairs?
Question 2 - Did the garage overcharge?

If the answer to these is yes then no then I would pay up and get the car.

kwaks

Have you spoken to the manager yet? Seeing as he has been the one supposedly working on your car. What parts have they ordered? Those costs are pretty expensive parts. Why does he say the brakes are dangerous? Which part of the braking system? Do not disclose the fact it had just been MOT'd, that can be saved for when you need it.

Essentially they cannot charge you for work you did not authorise, however as some have suggested get a backbone, or at least a large burly mate to go visit the garage with you

ohyeahitssorcy

is this some back street mechanic or a main dealer type establishment ? if its a large reputable garage then i would have throught they would be a member of a trade body like the retail motor industry federation who offer an arbitration and conciliation service check out http://www.motorcodes.co.uk/our-codes/service-and-repair/ and http://www.rmif.co.uk

andygb

There is something in law called "Lien", and I think that the motor trade can use it to keep hold of someone's vehicle until they have paid for repairs.
The OP sent the car in for repair, expecting for it to be fixed. Following a diagnostics exercise, the electrics were investigated, and a part needed.
All of this is not unusual.
The thing which is unusual, is that the OP has left the car with the garage for two months without trying to get it back, or pay for the work which has been done.
I would have been phoning the garage a couple of times every day, asking for updates. After a couple of days, I would have popped in, and asked to see proof of the work carried out, and then threatened legal action immediately if I was not happy.
What make of car was it as a matter of interest, because French cars have a nasty habit of "self combusting" because of dodgy wiring.

pitkin2020

This is kind of the problem when people really have no understanding of cars, garages just grab you by the balls and keep squeezing till your wallet pops open.
I don't know if there is a great deal you will be able to do as others have said you basically let them have the car for 2 months, as for what was agreed and what wasn't is only your word against theirs. I would be asking for all the parts back that they removed/replaced on your car also.

I'd certainly fight it though if you didn't agree to all the work, and as another poster has already said, if you got a spare key I'd go take it back and lock it in the garage during the night.

Another way to get some money back is to get an article printed in the local rag, its always funny how unreputable people always do a U-Turn after a bit of bad publicity. Again though don't do this unless you are absouletly sure you are in the right.

Goodl uck I think your going to need it.