Garage giving project car back unfinished
Discussion
EDIT: Resolved for now, see page 2
Bit of a strange one this, car has been at a garage for around 12 months doing an engine conversion. Garage has now said I need to find somewhere else as they’ve lost interest and also don’t have enough time due to loosing a mechanic and are now looking for new premises due to landlord selling.
Basis is the same floorpan so uses existing engine mounts, and car already had standalone ECU of which sensors would not need changing.
Things have gone incredibly slowly as the garage does day to day work, and does mine evenings/weekends when the can from what I gather.
Engine, cams, injectors all in, and downpipe/cat in place. Water/oil/air lines aren’t done, not sure what is/isn’t done other than that.
Basically, where do I stand on the bill?
Obviously they haven’t done the work I’ve asked, but they have done some. I’m guessing it’s going to cost me more overall to complete it with another garage having to go over some of the same ground. Do I have to just pay whatever they say and take it on the chin?
Bit of a strange one this, car has been at a garage for around 12 months doing an engine conversion. Garage has now said I need to find somewhere else as they’ve lost interest and also don’t have enough time due to loosing a mechanic and are now looking for new premises due to landlord selling.
Basis is the same floorpan so uses existing engine mounts, and car already had standalone ECU of which sensors would not need changing.
Things have gone incredibly slowly as the garage does day to day work, and does mine evenings/weekends when the can from what I gather.
Engine, cams, injectors all in, and downpipe/cat in place. Water/oil/air lines aren’t done, not sure what is/isn’t done other than that.
Basically, where do I stand on the bill?
Obviously they haven’t done the work I’ve asked, but they have done some. I’m guessing it’s going to cost me more overall to complete it with another garage having to go over some of the same ground. Do I have to just pay whatever they say and take it on the chin?
Edited by Solel on Tuesday 4th October 12:08
Tough one, they will want paying for the work they have done. I doubt there is any contract but the spirit of the contract was to finish and they have not so they would not be on a strong footing.
Any deal really needs a win / win so maybe offer them some cash as a reasonable amount to cover their work and walk away….I had similar but paid in advance, the bloke couldn’t afford the refund so I took some of his vehicles to cover some of my loss….I had a scary bloke on my side.
Any deal really needs a win / win so maybe offer them some cash as a reasonable amount to cover their work and walk away….I had similar but paid in advance, the bloke couldn’t afford the refund so I took some of his vehicles to cover some of my loss….I had a scary bloke on my side.
I dunno if it's as simple as it being fair to pay them for exactly what they've done.
At the very least you're paying someone over and above to go over their work to understand exactly what has and hasn't been completed and even if they can broadly pick it up where it is there'll be all-sorts of "discoveries" and caveats if future problems emerge. And that's assuming you can find someone who wants to - in my game the standard/smart advice whenever a half-finished refurb is mentioned is always always "walk away"
At the very least you're paying someone over and above to go over their work to understand exactly what has and hasn't been completed and even if they can broadly pick it up where it is there'll be all-sorts of "discoveries" and caveats if future problems emerge. And that's assuming you can find someone who wants to - in my game the standard/smart advice whenever a half-finished refurb is mentioned is always always "walk away"
Solel said:
BertBert said:
what was the agreement on costs for the project initially?
No exact cost, but he knew what my budget was and was working to keep it to that or close to itGood luck
In the situation you've described I wouldn't really want to pay much at all if anything. Finding someone else to continue the work is going to be a pain in the backside - nobody likes taking on a project that's half way through if it's not very clear cut as to what's already been done and what still needs doing. Different mechanics and garages will have their own opinions e.g. they may wish to do things in a different way to what's already been started.
There's a good aim of trying to pay only what you're obliged to but there's a much more important aim not cutting your nose off to spite your face. It may be better to pay a little more than you'd like to ensure your car's back in your possession, and quickly. Not doing so may cost you parts or the car if you're not careful.
I agree with people suggesting you go with something that can transport your car home. Get it out of there quickly.
I agree with people suggesting you go with something that can transport your car home. Get it out of there quickly.
I would say that with the vagaries you have with the garage that you need to be prepared to argue a good bit.
Ask then to highlight everything they have done and put a cost against each bit, unless the bill is so low that you are happy to pay.
As for finding another garage to fix it, that depends upon the car, something really specialised will be harder than say a VW where everything is interchangeable.
Do you have somewhere to keep it until you find another garage?
Ask then to highlight everything they have done and put a cost against each bit, unless the bill is so low that you are happy to pay.
As for finding another garage to fix it, that depends upon the car, something really specialised will be harder than say a VW where everything is interchangeable.
Do you have somewhere to keep it until you find another garage?
Solel said:
BertBert said:
Solel said:
No exact cost, but he knew what my budget was and was working to keep it to that or close to it
And how was that ascertained? On a time and cost per hour basis?But I'm with everyone else about getting your car back ASAP. Be all sweetness and light not unhappy and take the car away while they take time to itemise a bill for you. Then you can assess what's been done and not done and determine how much if any of the bill you want to pay.
Wishing the OP all the good will in the world, but can't see the garage letting the car go til the bill is paid.
Arguing your corner is all very well, but they've got your car and unless you're going in mob handed, it won't be leaving their premises without the bill being agreed and settled IMO.
Need to proceed with care because I think another poster above might be right - if the business is failing or relocating, if it's not sorted soon to both sides satisfaction they've got your car and a load of parts, not you.
Keep us posted, good luck talking to them today.
Arguing your corner is all very well, but they've got your car and unless you're going in mob handed, it won't be leaving their premises without the bill being agreed and settled IMO.
Need to proceed with care because I think another poster above might be right - if the business is failing or relocating, if it's not sorted soon to both sides satisfaction they've got your car and a load of parts, not you.
Keep us posted, good luck talking to them today.
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