Garage complaint

[mrlittleboat]

Hi all,

I recently had my vehicle engine replaced with a refurbished engine and fully paid, but a few issues occurred whilst with the garage.

I notified them that there were quite a few scratches to the front of the vehicle and a couple on the wings as well as there’s a slight smell of fumes entering the car.

Also to mention that the mechanic stated I would need a new turbo if I could get one to be fitted.

I ordered a new turbo, but when they called to say my vehicle is almost ready and still had to wait 3 hours to be completed, they had already put in a new turbo, which was twice the amount I paid for the one I ordered, in which they said they recommend to cancel the one I ordered and would still be charged the one they got.

So here’s the real issue, I complained as stated above about the scratches and fumes, which they deny, even though they said they would send me videos of the old engine coming out and refurbished engine going in, but the only video they sent is from underneath with the engine out.

When I asked them for video from the top showing the engine going out and the other going in, they said that I was insulting their mechanics and then decided to void the 12 months warranty due to trust and demand to return the vehicle to take out the refurbished engine and put back the old one and also stating that the engine is the property of the workshop.

To refrain from further possible problems or damages ie scratches, I decided to drop the claim and leave it that.

They thanked me for dropping the claim but still demanded to return the vehicle to take the engine out.

Basically who is in the wrong and what advice would you give?

[Time4another]

That escalated quickly.

There does have to be a degree of trust, I certainly wouldn't be asking for a video of the engine being lifted in and out. Wouldn't be putting up with treatment like that from a garage with regards to wanting to remove the engine.

[mmm-five]

Was this a specialist garage or one of those scammy 'engine reconditioning' specialists?

[mrlittleboat]

Thanks for that, but I was told I would be given videos of this prior to the work done, gave them my email too so they could send it, but they didn’t and when I asked for it they couldn’t provide, I just wanted clarification that it was not them as they denied. They started to get defensive about it.

[mrlittleboat]

mmm-five said:

Was this a specialist garage or one of those scammy 'engine reconditioning' specialists?

I didn’t know any better at the time, but yes it seems a bit suspicious as they wouldn’t accept credit card only bank transfer or cash!

[Unreal]

What was the car and model and how much did you pay?

And as previously asked, what type of garage did the work?

[No ideas for a name]

First question... Does it actually have a replacement engine?
Ie. A different engine number.

[mrlittleboat]

Unreal said:

What was the car and model and how much did you pay?

And as previously asked, what type of garage did the work?

Jaguar F Pace 2.0d £2,900 for engine and £420 for turbo

Apparently they specialise in refurbishing engines, they take the old ones, refurbish them and sell them on to another that needs replacing.

[mrlittleboat]

No ideas for a name said:

First question... Does it actually have a replacement engine?
Ie. A different engine number.

Haven’t looked to be honest, but definitely a piston gone.

[Pica-Pica]

No ideas for a name said:

First question... Does it actually have a replacement engine?
Ie. A different engine number.

Agreed. I certainly would have noted down the old engine number first. That is whole idea of engine numbers.

[the-norseman]

Hmm sounds like a dodgy garage to me, they have probably fitted you an engine they have bought off eBay for about £600 probably not refurbished at all.

[Hoofy]

I would be asking the CAB and local Trading Standards office for advice. At this stage, I wouldn't mention the business in question but it's good to know where you stand legally. Sounds a bit odd that they want to take the engine out and presumably put back the old one. Have you already paid for the work?

Also, silly q: does your car now work fine (scratches and petrol smell aside)? Did the old engine display any problems that the new one doesn't?

[Robertb]

Surely if they've accepted your payment then its most likely that title of the goods has changed and they can't demand you bring it back for removal, nor can they just void an agreed warranty on a whim unless you've broken some usage/servicing condition.

Asking for demonstrative proof of the new engine being fitted seems entirely reasonable. Reputable engine builders I've spoken to will supply pics and details as its part of the maintenance history of the car.

All sounds very dodgy indeed.

[No ideas for a name]

Pica-Pica said:

No ideas for a name said:

First question... Does it actually have a replacement engine?
Ie. A different engine number.

Agreed. I certainly would have noted down the old engine number first. That is whole idea of engine numbers.

The original one will be on the V5C.

Someone should be updating that of course.... when I had a replacement due to Nikasil, the dealer dealt with updating the V5 for me... I wouldn't expect a smaller operation to do that... most likely down to the owner.

[mrlittleboat]

Thanks all for your responses.

They still tried to tell me to return the vehicle or they would come collect.
I told them that the engine I bought is legally now owned by me and if they try to take my vehicle would be classed as theft.

They replied confirming they will not take back the engine, but the warranty is now void.

I believe if anything happens during the 12 months, I’m sure I can take legal action as I have got the warranty contract in writing.

I’m still yet to look under the bonnet to look for the engine number. If it’s the same as the original, can I pursue legal action???

Engine runs fine just a little bit noisier than before on the old engine, maybe they used cheap oil??? Or check for a top up.

On another note, wondering if any experts out there, my f pace wobbles if going over 50mph hitting the brakes or when taking a right bend over 50mph. Had the tracking done, front wheels are balanced and had brake fluid changed (as I thought there might be air in the system). Since I done the tracking and fluid it’s not as bad as before. Another garage asked about discs and pads, but they are new, he said possibly a faulty calliper. Any advice???

[the-norseman]

You need to open the bonnet and check the engine number asap.

[Alex_225]

It's all a bit of an odd one and the garage certainly seems iffy.

My initial thought about them being so keen about getting the engine out and putting the old one back in, is if there was a reason they wanted that engine back. Not because you raised issues but something amiss with it. Was it stolen? Was it not rebuilt and just slapped in from another car and they're worried there's an issue?

Firstly, I can't imagine they can just void the warranty. If you had an issue within 12 months, I'd imagine by law you have cover. Secondly, if you're able to prove the engine wasn't changed then you'd absolutely have a claim as they've charged you for work they haven't done.

[Gericho]

I would tell them that you're reporting them to trading standards and the Police for fraud. See how they like that.

[Decky_Q]

1. It would be bonkers to remove the old engine and then put it back in, you can be pretty sure it has been changed.

2. Recon ingenium engine is BS, they bought a 2nd hand engine from a wreck on ebay and fitted it. These engines are problematic to the core, a rebuild would be pointless when a 2nd hand one is available for about £2k and save 40hrs of labour.

[GeniusOfLove]

I'd take that to We Buy Any Car right now. RIGHT. NOW.