Mechanic Stolen my Car?

bobwilson

I took my classic car into a specialist mechanic around 5 months ago. (It's worth about £3000). He works from his own garage. After around 2 months, he returned the car to me along with a £1500 bill. After paying the bill and driving around, it became apparent that the car hadn't been fixed. In fact, it had developed new faults during its time with him.

I read online about the situation to see if I'm protected by law, and the law apparently states I'm supposed to give this mechanic a second chance to rectify his mistakes if I want to stand any ground.

He agreed to take the car back to fix it properly, along with the 'new' faults that had developed during his care. He warned me that it may be a month until he can get around to it. I felt this was unacceptable, but he didn't give me much choice. 1 month on, he was saying it'd be fixed within a week or so. 2 months on, and he was still replying to my emails saying he's waiting for a new part that is hard to get, but that it will be fixed within a week or so.

He made constant assurances that he's searching for the correct original part, to keep the car original.

It is now a total of 3 months on since he took the car back in (over 5 months since I originally took it to him), and he has not been replying to my calls or emails for a month now. I've been very patient and have lost all faith in him ever repairing this car.

I informed him in advance that I'd need the car back by 24th May at the latest. It's now 27th May, and he is still not answering the phone, texts, or emails.

There are very few specialists in the country who service these cars, and his garage is an hour from me.

I've been to his garage but can't get through as it's protected by a front gate with no means of access other than calling him and him letting me in (but he won't answer the phone). I have no idea if he even works there anymore.

Have I just lost my car to this guy? I have no idea what to do. Call the police?!

Quentin

Try to trace him.

He may have gone bust with your car locked in his premises, taken ill, died etc.

See if neighbours know.

fivetide

Ask about.

Google him. I assume if it is so specialist then he is known to other owners. Do you have a club? Is anyone in contact with him etc etc....

maninthestreet

What car is it?

AdrianC

The garage is only an hour away - have you been there yet?

If the car is unusual and the part being sought is not readily available, then - yes - there could well be a considerably delay in obtaining it/them. Have you investigated availability yourself? You say he's after the original part - are pattern alternatives available as a stopgap?

colino

If it's a classic and the repairer is an hours drive away, how did you settle on him?
Recall the route you took to find him, club, friend, other garage or whatever and retrace your steps. Maybe he has went belly up or perhaps he's lying on a beach spending the income from undemanding customers?

fivetide

AdrianC wrote: »

The garage is only an hour away - have you been there yet?

From the OP's original post:

I've been to his garage but can't get through as it's protected by a front gate