Ripped off by garage and considering taking them to small claims court?

mcchris

Hi All,

I'm quite infuriated. On 16/12/2015 I took my car into crown cars service centre in Ludgershall, Andover, Hampshire. SP11 9LU. to diagnose why my engine management light was on. I was told it was due to a faulty lambda sensor.

I asked the mechanic if it was a big job and he said no, it was only going to take 10 or 20 mins so I was relaxed and took my car in to get this fitted. At the end of fitting he gave me a bill for £210. I was quite shocked because the most expensive sensor I had seen was £131 at halfords so where was he getting this price? He said it was a genuine part with 12 months warranty and I should've asked for the price before he fitted it so I was at fault.

I didn't see the point in arguing so I paid up. Fast forward to 3 days later (19/12), the light comes back on. I immediately contacted him to let him know that the car is still faulty.

At this point I was already feeling cheated that I had been overcharged and the fix did not work. So today 21/12/2015, I went to his garage and he diagnosed the fault and said I'd need to pay more to check and change other parts but that the fault was still the same.

At this point I asked for my original part to be fitted and a refund to be given as I wasn't willing to pay any extra. He refused! I then tried explaining to him that by law, he was required to fix my vehicle for the fault he diagnosed and charged me for at no extra cost to me.

At this point an unidentified man who claimed the workshop belonged to him asked me to get out of his workshop. I refused and said I had paid for a service and it wasn't met. He insisted that I 'get out' of his workshop (in those exact words) and that my car had other issues which is why their fix did not work.

I want a refund as I am £210 short with the same problem as before I took it to the garage. Also feel like my consumer rights have been violated. Should I go down the solicitor route or contact Citizens advice first?

Thanks for reading and helping. Much appreciated.

trinidadone

firstly, welcome to moneysavingexpert.com

wow, you have had some experience eh. you have a problem with the car, told it was a small job, got stung for over 200 quid, and the problem comes back after three days.

Do you klnow what other parts need to be "chewcked and changed" as it does sound like a senor issue?

mcchris

Thanks Trinidadone,

He mentioned taking the throttle unit apart and cleaning it, mentioned the catalytic converter and said it could be another sensor underneath the car.

All theoretical with no surety which gave me no confidence with their ability. First time using the garage as well, safe to say they have lost a customer.

trinidadone

mcchris wrote: »

Thanks Trinidadone,

He mentioned taking the throttle unit apart and cleaning it, mentioned the catalytic converter and said it could be another sensor underneath the car.

All theoretical with no surety which gave me no confidence with their ability. First time using the garage as well, safe to say they have lost a customer.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

you obviousewly dont want to take it to another garage, and be more money out of pocket. I think the CAB needs to step in.

Out of interest, what made you decide to choose this particular garage?

mcchris

They gave me a good quote on some repairs for my old car. Thought they were cheap and cheerful.

Okay, I'll contact the CAB tomorrow. Really can't stand them getting away with my money after being so disrespectful.

Thanks.

trinidadone

I am sure i know the answer, but what would you like to resolve this issue?

mcchris

Nothing short of a refund. I don't care much for an apology.

Achievable?

trinidadone

mcchris wrote: »

Nothing short of a refund. I don't care much for an apology.

Achievable?

ok, then i would assume you would go elsewhere to get the car repaired? are you using the car at the moment?

mcchris

Yes, currently using the car. The fault does not affect the car being driven.

CAB have asked me to write to the garage asking that the work is done at no extra cost to me but I would rather not have them touch my vehicle.

Either way I will be writing to them and seeking legal counsel outside of the CAB. I'm quite determined to get my money back!

Thanks for your help

trinidadone

mcchris wrote: »

Yes, currently using the car. The fault does not affect the car being driven.

CAB have asked me to write to the garage asking that the work is done at no extra cost to me but I would rather not have them touch my vehicle.

Either way I will be writing to them and seeking legal counsel outside of the CAB. I'm quite determined to get my money back!

Thanks for your help

I guess they have asked you to write, as this i evidence you have given them the opportunity to fixed the car at no extra cost

forgotmyname

What is the fault code showing now?