93 replies to this topic

[DEXISWOLF]

Sounds like a true nightmare

[SecretSugar]

Sorry but you are being a push over! You shouldn't of had to go home to get keys to lock your car. At the end of the day its in his care therefore his responsibility and still you are not doing anything about it, when evidence is pointing that this garage doesn't give a hoot about your car. You need to get your car out of there before even worst happens such as its stolen, or anything more is damaged. Passenger door unlocked and bonnet open and exposed electrics should of been the biggest alarm for you to get it out that place. Then to find dirty parts on your seats which will be impossible to clean! Foot wells full of water! What is it going to take for you to get it out? Because at this rate, your car is going to be slowly but surely ruined, and then probably submerged in water.(cost slowly racking up and more things going wrong) I would run this cowboy to trading standards! Grow some pride and tell this guy to ram his work!

Edited by SecretSugar, 25 January 2014 - 08:08 PM.

[Sean C]

Have to agree with SS. You've given this cowboy too many chances. The longer it goes on the less likely your gonna get your car back in working order...

[Spaceibiza]

Another Update. Things have moved on... and then seemingly backwards again.
The car is back at the original garage, the other has sent it back down as he didn't have engine lifting equipment (id have thought this pretty basic equip for a professional garage, but anyway), so its back at the 3 month no work done garage. SHOCKING NEWS, after 2 weeks of not doing owt he removed the engine, split the gearbox AND sent it off to a gearbox specialist all in one day after I nagged the hell out of him. this was just over a week ago now...... no sign of anything more happening.
I went down there this Friday to see what's going on, (this is at 3.00 pm - left work a little early to do this) to see no one around, so I had a bit of a poke about my car.

 

I found the bonnet left open, (in high winds and generally bad conditions), and exposed electrics underneath (no engine in), my steering lock off, parts of engine - dirty parts - on my seats, water in the foot wells, yet more rust and most worryingly the passenger door unlocked. This is in an unsecure yard next to a main road where the local chavs like to congregate. (before anyone gets any ideas about a free MPI shell I went home got my spare keys and locked the car up and placed the bonnet shut).

So its now 3 months and 3 weeks ish, ive missed 15 nights out with my mates (now at uni so I rarely get to see them), 3 monthly car meets, various runs out. and have been scrounging lifts to get to and from work. I know I should remove it but its passed the point of no return now I think, and im sure he will eventually do the car in the next week.... I hope. Just thought a good rant on here about his levels of customer service and car care, not to mention time keepings, was due, plus ranting makes me fell a little better

 

That is unacceptable from any garage. I would be fuming if that was my car! I would take some photo's of where it's been left unlocked and the dirty parts on the seats. Take some more of any other deterioration whilst it's been in their care. If your not totally happy with the end result when you get your car back, at least you have evidence of whats been happening that you can take to trading standards if you feel you need to.

[silver_toes]

I have to agree with SS here. I have historically accepted jobs done to a less than acceptable standard as im too trusting and hate confrontation.

Can you put out a plea to your local mini community, there must be someone who could help you out with recovering the car from this jokers garage. I think the first thing you need to do is get the car back into your posession. This should at least stop the damage which is being done.

 

You can then start thinking about pursuing this guy to get your money back/damages.

 

Good luck.

[59 Speed]

Another Update. Things have moved on... and then seemingly backwards again.
The car is back at the original garage, the other has sent it back down as he didn't have engine lifting equipment (id have thought this pretty basic equip for a professional garage, but anyway), so its back at the 3 month no work done garage. SHOCKING NEWS, after 2 weeks of not doing owt he removed the engine, split the gearbox AND sent it off to a gearbox specialist all in one day after I nagged the hell out of him. this was just over a week ago now...... no sign of anything more happening.
I went down there this Friday to see what's going on, (this is at 3.00 pm - left work a little early to do this) to see no one around, so I had a bit of a poke about my car.
 
I found the bonnet left open, (in high winds and generally bad conditions), and exposed electrics underneath (no engine in), my steering lock off, parts of engine - dirty parts - on my seats, water in the foot wells, yet more rust and most worryingly the passenger door unlocked. This is in an unsecure yard next to a main road where the local chavs like to congregate. (before anyone gets any ideas about a free MPI shell I went home got my spare keys and locked the car up and placed the bonnet shut).
So its now 3 months and 3 weeks ish, ive missed 15 nights out with my mates (now at uni so I rarely get to see them), 3 monthly car meets, various runs out. and have been scrounging lifts to get to and from work. I know I should remove it but its passed the point of no return now I think, and im sure he will eventually do the car in the next week.... I hope. Just thought a good rant on here about his levels of customer service and car care, not to mention time keepings, was due, plus ranting makes me fell a little better

That is unacceptable from any garage. I would be fuming if that was my car! I would take some photo's of where it's been left unlocked and the dirty parts on the seats. Take some more of any other deterioration whilst it's been in their care. If your not totally happy with the end result when you get your car back, at least you have evidence of whats been happening that you can take to trading standards if you feel you need to.

As above.

Get as many pictures as you can, all the marks, the way it is being left open, and a photo of where the car has been left with a picture of the garages name / sign would be useful and get the thing out of there (take it!)

They have had it far too long and may never get the job done for you and they certainly don't give care about your possession, so are they eventually going to do a good job anyway?

What would you do if there were more parts missing off it next time you visit?

Get it towed out ASAP, then start to get the other parts back.

Good luck, Ian

Edited by Smackfiend, 26 January 2014 - 09:25 AM.

[greenwheels]

 I Think This Guy Is Taking The...... Am I Being Unreasonable.

Just to remind you of your title - yes, you are being unreasonable to yourself and your Mini. As Silver Toes says get it back to your home and then you will stop your Minis condition deteriorating any more. You can then concentrate on assessing the condition and deciding what it will take to get it back to a good state, then you will know how much compensation you are owed by this mechanic for damage and unreasonable time.

Get in touch with the Sheffield Mini Club and ask for their support.

[CCX]

Sorry but you are being a push over! You shouldn't of had to go home to get keys to lock your car. At the end of the day its in his care therefore his responsibility and still you are not doing anything about it, when evidence is pointing that this garage doesn't give a hoot about your car. You need to get your car out of there before even worst happens such as its stolen, or anything more is damaged. Passenger door unlocked and bonnet open and exposed electrics should of been the biggest alarm for you to get it out that place. Then to find dirty parts on your seats which will be impossible to clean! Foot wells full of water! What is it going to take for you to get it out? Because at this rate, your car is going to be slowly but surely ruined, and then probably submerged in water.(cost slowly racking up and more things going wrong) I would run this cowboy to trading standards! Grow some pride and tell this guy to ram his work!

This. I really feel for you - if I was in that situation I would be utterly distraught, as my Mini means everything to me. However, I think it's more than time for you to go on the offensive and report the garage. They couldn't possibly have cared for it any less. If you don't act, the damage could possibly run into the thousands, and who knows whether you'll ever be able to get full compensation (in fact you can't, because you'll never get back the nights out etc that you've missed while not having the car). 

 

Best of luck with dealing with the situation, really sorry that this has happened. 

[samsfern]

I'd have been in there and kicking off big time if he hadn't started the job after a week of having it, especially as if I didn't have another car. Then I'd have turnt up a couple of days later with a car and trailer or flatbed truck, just to see if he'd have started the job, if not I'd have taken it away there and then. 3 months of it sitting there waiting for work is a Mickey take and he's probably laughing at you. I don't have patience for time wasters like that, and I'm not really a people person anyway, lol.

Edited by samsfern, 26 January 2014 - 01:02 PM.

[AC&SONS]

I'm in Sheffield (in fact I replied to your Pistonheads thread) and I'd love to know which garage this is - it's nothing short of disgraceful what they've done. I'm in a lucky position where a) my car hasn't needed any big work doing in the time I've had it and b) my dad has been able to do everything that's needed to be done himself. I would be absolutely devastated to see my car deteriorate like that while the garage couldn't give a monkeys about it. If I were you I'd be getting it out of there, reporting them to Trading Standards and taking it it to a reputable Mini specialist who will give the car some tlc. I'm not someone who likes confrontation either but in this situation I can't see any other option when it's your pride and joy and it's going to cost a fair bit to put right.

[zinzan]

Wish I was in your part of the world, bud.  I'd bring the trailer around and have it out of there in no time for you.  Bloody ridiculous and irresponsible.  

 

Had something of a similar adventure last year with a local guy who promised to do a partial resto job for me while storing my Mini for the winter.  Six months later he'd pulled the engine and set it on a rolling table.  At least it was indoors however.  Then he asked me to come help so as to get it done sooner.  I went 5 times and I was the only one doing any work.  Then came the eviction notice phone call, where I had to remove the Mini with no front suspension in it on a flatbed while the useless mechanic's crazy friend was screaming and chucking stuff out the door at the neighbour (who he figured had gotten him evicted), and then suggested his girlfriend flash the neighbour to show him a good time.  I fully expected to be on the evening news that night.

 

It's tough having to cut losses in situations like this - been there.

[GeoHamFan]

Sorry to read this. Agree with pretty much everything that has been said. One thing struck me reading through, you said that the RAC took the car to the garage for you? Surely, and I'm sure there are better qualified legal brains than I on here, that implies that they have a degree of responsibility in this saga too. This guy is dicking you around and is getting away with it - because he thinks he can. I would be raising a complaint with the RAC and suggesting that as they were happy to leave the vehicle there that they have in some way approved the garage and ipso facto are also liable for the completed repair process. Honestly I don't know how far you'd get but as it appears that you pay 'membership' to them I would have thought that they would see the customer service angle - but it's gotta be worth an email or phonecall. (Also the RAC may be able to validate the condition the vehicle was in when they left it). Good luck. 

[Steely]

I'm guessing this garage is just a standard one, not a mini specialist? If so, I wouldn't let one of them anywhere near my mini to be honest.

[Chris1992]

for god sake man put your foot down!! if it was me i would be absolutely livid with him! ... like everyone else has said, get it out of there ASAP, the point of no return is when he completes the work, and doesnt look as if that is going to happen any time soon. take bucket loads of pics and stick them up on here.... also, i still want to know who this joker is!!

[redminijim]

hi mate. its horrible to be put in this situation..3weeks is a long time but 3 months ....you will end up footing the bill here for someone elses inexperience or ignorance , they will not look after your mini like you would as they have already showed this....

listen to all the good advice on here.put a plea out for some help locally near you on this forum someone may/will help. think it may cost you to get it trailered away but its going to cost less than the damage the garage may cause .ACT NOW take some support / parents/ friends or someone who is not going to get you talked down .... put your energy into acting sooner than late buddie as it will be on your mind , once its out of there you can clear ya mind and have a fresh start....I really hope you get it sorted sooner than later and to someone with a bit of passion about minis like most of us on the forum who will do a good job for you . good luck mate . keep people posted!!!