Can a mechanic return a vehicle in worse condition and charge for his time?

Question

So, I brought my scooter in to a mechanic about a year ago. It was still running at the time (I rode it down there), but it would lose power under heavy load - like when trying to go up hills or when trying to accelerate fast. Long story short, company that made the scooter went out of business and parts are impossible to find. The problem is that the mechanic wrecked the old part (more specifically, the crank seal) to get it out. Why he even had to take the crank seal out to diagnose that as the problem I don't know. So now he's charging me over $200 to get the scooter back which is totally in pieces and won't even start if it was put back together. A scooter that runs but has problems is worth a lot more money than one that's in pieces and wouldn't start even if put back together. Does this guy legally owe me money? If so, what should I do? If not, what would be a fair way to approach the situation? Where can I find out more information about laws governing situations like this? Please help! Thanks.

Answer 1

  If you signed a estimate your out of luck. Mechanics often have to tear down an engine to diagnose problems. We are legally allowed to do that and sometimes the problem is larger than you want to pay for. Heres where it gets sticky, if they problem created an unsafe situation we cannot reassemble the vehicle and give it back to you in an unsafe condition. You still are obligated to pay for the time spent to diagnose the problem. The best example I can give you would be the guy who comes in and want new brake pads put on his car. After the wheel is off and the caliper is off the mechanic discovers the caliper is the problem. The customer demands the car put back together because he doesnt want to pay that much. The shop is liable for anything that happens if they reassemble the brake and let the guy go to another shop. It sounds bad for sure, but BAR is always on us. If we give them an excuse to fine us or take our license its done. If you still feel like the guy did you wrong contact BAR they will ask for your side of the story and the paperwork you have from the shop, they will then contact the shop and get their side and the estimate they gave you. I've never been contacted by BAR but I know shops that have. Sometimes they never hear anything again, sometimes they get fined or have to go to court with the customer.

Answer 2

If a mechanic had to tear down your scooter to see what was wrong with it he used his time and you owe him for that time. Its not his fault you have a scooter that he can not get parts for. Mechanics, just like everyone else,don't work for free. Maybe you need to get on the internet and see if you can't find that seal he needs, so he can put your scooter back together.

Answer 3

Make sure and read "choko1us" answer very close. That answer is correct.

Answer 4

No! Make him do it for free or sue! you have a right

Answer 5

no make him fix it for free or file for better business beru