Where Do I Stand? Mechanic Damage

[ChRiDDa]

Hey All

Wondering where I stand regarding an issue I'm having with a mechanic?

The handles on my XR door trims were broken clean off (not going to go into details, makes my blood boil everytime I hear about it), along with a few major scuff marks on two trims and holes in the vinyl of another

Long story short - They want to fix it, by cutting the handles off another set of trims and attaching them to my trims, patching the holes and somehow, removing the scuff marks

I've informed them I'm not satisfied with this and that I would like the trims replaced (they WERE in immaculate condition, unmarked etc)

Just wondering where I stand in regards to having them replaced? They are refusing, based on cost (2.8k in trims), but yet they are happy to admit they've damaged them

Are they just required to repair them or do I have the option of having them replaced, given their condition prior to the vehicle going in to be repaired?

[xisled]

They just have to repair them back to the same standed they were before. If they cant then they need to replace them. Just because they broke them does not mean they have to replace them.

It is like if someone backs into your car, you would not get a full respray. They would only be responsible for the area that is damaged.

[Pepscobra]

It's a tough one.
I think the above advice is pretty right... Let them have a go at fixing it up, if you're not happy with the outcome you can try insisting on a replacement.
But make it clear to them that you are going to expect it to be perfect, this might get them thinking to just replace it the first time around.
Good luck.

[Itsme]

They are only required to repair to condition before damage only, give them a chance to repair before judgment.....
If unsatisfactory see what they have to say then discuss your options with consumer affairs if need to be.

BTW consumer affairs is free and they will guide you along the appropriate course of action.

[Simple6]

I could have sworn this exact thread was started a few weeks ago....

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by ChRiDDa

Just wondering where I stand in regards to having them replaced? They are refusing, based on cost (2.8k in trims), but yet they are happy to admit they've damaged them.

There's your answer right there...they've admitted they damaged them, and it's no longer your problem how it's fixed...if it costs thousands, so be it, too bad, so sad.

[Gaz]

2.8k for trims? Are they gold plated?

[XAGSV8]

Why don't you see if your insurance company will help.

[ChRiDDa]

Originally Posted by Gaz

2.8k for trims? Are they gold plated?

Lucky I was sitting down when they told me the cost of them!

2.8k was THEIR price

$1178ea was my price - $1178 x 3 = $3534

Couldn't believe it!

[Werd.]

My mechanic spilt some **** down one side of my car, it's in vertical streaks, kind of white. Tried to wash it off, no good.

HE'S LUCKY IT'S A 18YO LASER WITH A STUFFED PAINTJOB.
Better not try it on the AU when it goes in for some work

[IDT]

Originally Posted by ChRiDDa

Are they just required to repair them or do I have the option of having them replaced, given their condition prior to the vehicle going in to be repaired?

How the hell does this stuff happen?

Don't arrange a thing with them direct and stop all discussions. I can see this turning into a he said she said between you and them and in the end you will lose.

Once you give the go ahead to them to repair it your insurer will quickly wipe thier hands if things go bad. Use your insurer. They have a tonne more clout than you ever will. Get them to act on your behalf. Remember the cost to the insurer will be passed on to the mechanic. They will spank the mechanic hard.

Also if you have repairer of choice you could always take it to someone who won't accidently drive it into a tree.

[ChRiDDa]

This repair was organised through Ford - Unfortunately I had no control where the car went

I've been back to the Ford dealership and they've inspected the damage - Service & Parts managers both had a look and are less than impressed

Photo's have been taken and an email sent through to Ford head office - From what the Service Manager was saying, if Ford approves it, the dealership quotes on the job and they invoice the mechanic for the damage and the labour for the dealership to fit the new parts - What's good from my point of view is that it's everything that was touched by the mechanic - ie new screws for the door trims, trim inserts etc - Basically everything that comes with the trim as a whole is also replaced! Fingers crossed!

[xisled]

Originally Posted by IDT

How the hell does this stuff happen?

Don't arrange a thing with them direct and stop all discussions. I can see this turning into a he said she said between you and them and in the end you will lose.

Once you give the go ahead to them to repair it your insurer will quickly wipe thier hands if things go bad. Use your insurer. They have a tonne more clout than you ever will. Get them to act on your behalf. Remember the cost to the insurer will be passed on to the mechanic. They will spank the mechanic hard.

Also if you have repairer of choice you could always take it to someone who won't accidently drive it into a tree.

Insurance will accept the repair job from the mechanic. They will not force them to get new door trims.

Plus the excess the OP would have to pay, the excess will only be removed once the insurance company is satisfied that the mechanic has accepted liability.