Posted 23 July 2006 - 09:00 AM
I'm no law expert, but looking at this from a fair sided point of view;
In My book, if i take something to be serviced or repaired, and i pay for it, then i expect to get what i paid for.
If for any reason they are enable to carry out repairs/services to a SATISFACTORY (i think that satisfactory is now used insead of fit for the purpose) standard then i need to be told how and why that was not done.
To simply say "we fixed it but it may break again" is complete bullsh!t.
If they have carried out a repair and passed an Mot on the vehicle in the knowledge that the repair may not be sound, then surely they have broken mot rules???? though they can also say that the mot is valid for the day of the test and any faliures have occured since then.
Do the following (in order) until you get the result you want.
1) Wood and picket. They need to be given the opportunity to put right what is wrong. I accept that you may have lost faith in their workmanship but you could always get someone else to check it afterwards..
if they refuse, or carry out another substandard repair, unleash hell and do the following.
2)Write a letter to Wood and Picket. Detailing the exact problem you have encountered with their workmanship, highlighting the concerns you have over them passing MOT's on a car which was clearly not roadworthy, but that all you really want is your car fixed... failing that, ALL of your money back in order to have the repairs carried out by someone who can do it to a satisfactory standard. Be sure to write WITHOUT PREJUDICE at the top of the letter... this indicates that you are willing to discuss the matter further with them and are willing to negotiate your terms but should the matter end up in court, they can't use it as evidence against you and say "here's you money back as you wanted" because if it comes to court, you will be wanting more than just your money back. as it will have taken up loads of your time getting 3rd parties involved.
3) Contact your credit card company, tell them you have paid for goods or services that are not SATISFACTORY, you have returned to the point of sale and are still not happy and wish to recall the payment... they may or maynot help but atleast you have tried and they are aware of it.
4) Trading standards. go back to them and tell them that in your view and that of an independent 3rd party specialist, work is not to a Satisfactory standard and you want either all your money back or repairs carried out to a Satisfactory standard and payment for the inspections/ work you have had to have done by palmer bros. If palmer bros have stated that the repairs were dangerous, also tell trading standards this. They will tell you how to go about making a claim in the small claims court.
5)The governing body of MOT testing stations... i think it's the VOSN but i may be wrong... surely then need to know if people doing MOT's are passing dangerous cars as safe.
6) Send Emails/letters to Watchdog, Rogue traders, Mini World, Mini Magazine, What car, any other classic car magazines, even better if wood and picket advertise in them!! they may or may not be able to help you.
but at least you will be happy in your own mind that you have done everything possible to prevent something similar from happening again. If anyone of 4,5 or 6 start breathing down their necks after they've recieved a without prejudice letter, I think that they will be more than willing to help you..
7) burn them down.... lol
