Body shop held car for five months and not returning calls

[plenty]

In June of this year my car went in for some paintwork to be done by an individual who came recommended to me, and who initially advised the work should be done in two weeks.

In hindsight there was a major red flag at the very start, when the painter claimed he'd sent me a written quote which never arrived. At the time he seemed like a reasonable enough fellow and we agreed to proceed on a handshake and a gentleman's agreement, but no actual contract has been entered.

Five months of repeated excuses later, I've got no idea what state my car is in or what costs have been incurred. He's now completely ignoring my calls and messages.

The person who recommended this painter to me (whom I trust) assures me my car is safe and the painter has some genuine health issues, but I just need my car back.

I can't show up and confront face to face, as his unit is in a private estate behind locked gates.

Citizen's Advice suggest a Letter Before Action followed by court. albeit I don't have an actual contract that has been breached? They say there's no point calling the police as I handed over the car willingly, therefore it's a civil not a criminal matter.

Any advice appreciated.

[Sebring440]

plenty said:

I can't show up and confront face to face, as his unit is in a private estate behind locked gates.

Go and wait for the gates to open. If it's an industrial estate or units, the gates will open regularly. Then go in.

[No ideas for a name]

plenty said:

....

The person who recommended this painter to me (whom I trust) assures me my car is safe and the painter has some genuine health issues, but I just need my car back.

I can't show up and confront face to face, as his unit is in a private estate behind locked gates.

So, it seems the guy that recommended him knows fully what is going on but won't tell you?

Depends how much of a trip it is (i.e. not hundreds of miles), but I think I would be going over to his unit.
Gates are locked you say... is there a buzzer system? If its not on camera, then pressing Unit 1 for Mr Painter he might answer.
Pressing button for Unit 2 saying you have a delivery for Mr Painter at unit 1 and not getting an answer.... Unit 2 might say - he hasn't been seen for ages, or odd, I saw him this morning.
Blagging that you have a collection or delivery for one of the units will get you in.

[CMTMB]

Sebring440 said:

plenty said:

I can't show up and confront face to face, as his unit is in a private estate behind locked gates.

Go and wait for the gates to open. If it's an industrial estate or units, the gates will open regularly. Then go in.

Exactly what I was going to say. I'd have turned up a long time ago.

[alscar]

Perhaps get your friend to speak to him on your behalf as a start.
If that doesn’t produce anything of use then as suggested simply go down there when the gates are open although if your man is unwell you may not be actually able to see much.

[Decky_Q]

When I was getting welding done on a classic restoration I knew it could go to the bottom of the list, so stayed on the guy every other day and if he didnt answer I'd call down to see why he was doing sills on another car while mine was sitting there. After a month of no action I trailered the car away to another restorer that was ready to start that day.

If you have any way of contacting him, wish him well in his recovery sorry you were unable to work together and make it clear you are coming to take your car away.

[oakdale]

On a private estate behind locked gates?
Sounds very dodgy to me.

[Short Grain]

As stated, get your mate to tell the guy to talk to you. Also, get yourself down there anyway, wait for gates to open and go in! 5 months ffs!

[martinbiz]

oakdale said:

On a private estate behind locked gates?
Sounds very dodgy to me.

Not at all, plenty of small ind units are behind gates, I have one about a mile away from me

OP as said above get down there and wait, the gates will be opened and closed all day long, visitors, deliveries etc. It's not rocket science

Some seem to need help deciding what to have for breakfast

[plenty]

Thanks all. At least it took 8 replies before someone decided to take a pop. Appreciate all who have given non-judgemental advice.

[reddiesel]

plenty said:

Thanks all. At least it took 8 replies before someone decided to take a pop. Appreciate all who have given non-judgemental advice.

There were a few of us biting our lips

[Short Grain]

plenty said:

Thanks all. At least it took 8 replies before someone decided to take a pop. Appreciate all who have given non-judgemental advice.

A fairly gentle pop, tbh!

Wouldn't let anybody hold my car for 5 months without telling me why and showing me!

No offence meant, Sincere Apologies if I did cause any!
Just make sure your cars OK! I presume you can do without for transport, another car maybe?

[hidetheelephants]

Ill or not they should be communicating and facilitating you moving your car to a painter who can do the job.

[Steve-B]

hidetheelephants said:

Ill or not they should be communicating and facilitating you moving your car to a painter who can do the job.

!! And when you go get it check the mileage to make sure its not been used as a runabout/playtoy !!