car repair nightmare - what are my rights?

kimtwin

I took my Chrysler cruiser to a local garage 10 weeks ago. The power steering had gone and they diagnosed that the pump had gone. Repairing that and replacing discs and brakes on front wheels cost me £800. I drove it home and the steering went again. I rang them and returned the car the next day. They gave me their customer car to use.

That was the last I have seen of my Chrysler. They have replaced the new pump and put a new steering rack on. They said they thought it was the steering rack and this was £300 more than the pump would i agree to pay this difference and they would not charge for the labour. I agreed that was 9 weeks ago. New pump, new steering rack and the problems still not solved. I got very cheesed off with them 2 weeks ago, particulalry as they are now starting to complain about the length of time I have had their customer car. They have now put my car into the chrysler dealership as they maintained it was faulty parts from Chrysler which chrysler disputed. However chrysler dealership are now telling my local garage that they can't find the problem either and they think it could be the (new) steering rack but are refusing to change this as if it isn't the fault they will charge the local garage for the new steering rack that they put on but wasn't needed (hope you can follow this). I have left the local garage arguing with the Chrysler garage.

My question....what of all of this am I liable for paying? I feel that I asked them to do a job, they did it, I paid them what they asked. The job I paid for didn't solve the problem therefore they now foot the bill to put the job right. I'm not sure given that the new steering rack didn't rectify the problem that I should even be liable for the extra 300 pounds. I only agreed to pay that because they told me it would fix the problem.

They haven't told me I owe them anything and it may be I'm jumping the gun but want to be well informed if they do present me with a bill. Not sure what i can do next to get my car sorted either.

many thanks:eek:

Hintza

Nightmare.

Car repairs can become the "How long is a piece of string?"

But there can't be much left to try! Assuming the have discounted suspension, springs and bushes?

somech

or a simple pressure valve

kimtwin

blimey do you think it could be as simple as pressure valve after all this time and 2 garages looking not to mention the money.

Thanks for the suggestions of what could be wrong but can anyone offer any advice regarding the potential bill i may get, not to mention what i have already paid out

Much thanks

somech

they diagnosed a fault replaced the part did'nt fix it so they misdiagnosed the fault.
any decent garage would only charge to fix the actual fault and should refit parts that are'nt faulty.
the pressure valve (somewhere on the pas pipes) is they only thing they have'nt replaced (cost around £20)

kimtwin

Oh my, could it be as simple as that?!
I just feel a bit out of my depth when talking to mechanics. I know they are very significantly out of pocket with my car and they are moaning about the time that I have had their customer car. All this i realise is not my problem but it is making it difficult to talk with them and to assert myself. If it is this minor problem I think the chance of me getting any of my £800 back is pretty slim.

I am dreading speaking to them on the phone but know I must ring them today...... and i really really want my 'fixed' car back