Car Mechanic Moving Goalposts

jaymoe

My gf took her car in this morning to have the bearings on the back wheels fixed. She was quoted £170 odd pounds. She was told it would be ready today. She has just called them to be told they have broken a drum and ABS ring when they started the repair and that they are waiting for the parts and now it would be £240

Are we really liable to pay extra for their damage?
Shouldn't they have called her to inform her of the damage before ordering the parts as she might not be able to afford the works.

Can anyone please let us know how we stand coz it seems harsh to me.

OlliesDad

jaymoe wrote: »

My gf took her car in this morning to have the bearings on the back wheels fixed. She was quoted £170 odd pounds. She was told it would be ready today. She has just called them to be told they have broken a drum and ABS ring when they started the repair and that they are waiting for the parts and now it would be £240

Are we really liable to pay extra for their damage?
Shouldn't they have called her to inform her of the damage before ordering the parts as she might not be able to afford the works.

Can anyone please let us know how we stand coz it seems harsh to me.

It would depend how they broke. If they were negligent then they should pay, if they broke as they were attempting the repair (could be that parts had eroded) then the cost will be with you.

In terms of whether they should proceed with the work - they should have asked, however your partner is now aware so is in a position to request them not to repair if that's what she would prefer. However I imagine the car will need to be recovered from the garage now.

bod1467

I'd (probably) be accepting having to pay for new parts (things happen), but in no way would I be accepting any labour charges relating to their removal and refitting, nor any profit element relating to the new parts ... cost basis only thank you very much.

Hintza

Sounds like a banger that required a lot of force to get the hub off. Cheap to me, I just paid £90 (inc VAT) to have an ABS sensor replaced.

jaymoe

They inspected the car and told her about the bearings and also the brakes and brake discs were on their way out. As they were this thorough is it fair to say if the abs ring and drum were corroding they would have spotted this too. I know it's hindsight but it just seems off that we have to foot the bill for their issue.

OlliesDad

jaymoe wrote: »

They inspected the car and told her about the bearings and also the brakes and brake discs were on their way out. As they were this thorough is it fair to say if the abs ring and drum were corroding they would have spotted this too. I know it's hindsight but it just seems off that we have to foot the bill for their issue.

I would certainly ask how it broke.. also ask to see the damaged parts when you collect the car.

jaymoe

Will ask to see the broken items and ask to remove labour costs. Thanks one and all

Hintza

If you don't trust them then find someone else.

When I take my car in for repair I ask what he thinks it will cost and he will give me a price, but that is just an estimate. If I want a fixed quote I would fully expect the price to jump 25%-50%. There are a lot of unknowns when doing work like yours.

So sure you can ask for the bill to be explained and to see the parts but if you are still going to be antsy over it then you will be looking for a new mechanic.

Just to repeat, if you don't trust him take it elsewhere the next time.

mttylad

And check the cost of the parts with a few other local motor factors.

arcon5

Hintza wrote: »

Sounds like a banger that required a lot of force to get the hub off. Cheap to me, I just paid £90 (inc VAT) to have an ABS sensor replaced.

You got screwed

Hintza

arcon5 wrote: »

You got screwed

How do you figure that one out? You don't know the cost of the part! All in I think the price was fair since labour was only £20 or so.