Scammed by mechanic

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hulk161

hulk161

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Believe me I know its a ridiculous amount of time. After a month I was really pissed. So far I did get a oil change readout that has all mileage even my last one that was right before I took it to him. You wouldn't believe how foolish I feel but the guy blamed covid on part of delay and every time I called he would say he's backed up with cars.

So I talked to rental car place and they said there was no way they could calculate the mileage. My insurance guy told me to go to kellyblue book and calculate depreciation between miles. After doing all this I just decided to call this bastard and confront him. I accused him of the mileage issue and at first he said that he drove it just to test drive and figure out the mileage issue. I called him out on the ******** and said I have proof of the mileage of what I gave it to him and what I have now. He kept trying to argue but finally asked what he can pay to rectify the issue. I called my coworker and told him the deal and he told me he's had our old boss daughters car for 5 months. Im gonna draw up a contract tonight and come up with a number on what I feel he should pay then have him sign it tomorrow. I feel this will be the easiest way to solve things besides going to court
 

BG1988

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Whats up guys been a min since I posted. Wanted to get some feedback about a situation.

Back in November 2019 took my 2004 Denali with 159k at the time to a mechanic that was recommended by a co worker. I've dealt with him before and although his practices were strange example like pulling prices for work off the top of his head but I gave him the benefit of being 70 years old and him saying he's been a mechanic all his life credit. So I brought it in for the heat not blowing and a stability warning across the dash. I had brought it to him for that issue before and he told me that there was a issue with my traction control so he would take care of it. As time went on and the issues weren't getting fixed but I didn't bother him because luckily I have another truck so I called myself being patient. Come April he tells me all he's waiting for is a programming guy to program the computer and the stability issue should be resolved. Id call every weekend and he would give a excuse saying he's waiting on the guy, covid, parts delay due to covid the whole nine yards. At this point I'm pissed but he's got the truck and I don't want to make this a bigger issue. He then tells me that my brakes are bad all around but he'd done that back last summer so don't worry about it he'd take care of it. He then tells me that the exhaust system is corroded and ready to fall off and since its in the air do I want him to take care of it. I of course say yes. Every week he gave a excuse since the summer that the truck would be ready but no success. Finally yesterday I said this is enough and I called him straight out said enough is enough he replied well I'm under your steering wheel now and we should have the issue resolved. I told him straight out no thats it I'm coming to pick it up. So upon arriving the first thing I checked was the heat. The heat was blowing but only on defrost, the control module would not change to regular vents or floor. I told him and his response was well you need a new one. I told him well thats why I brought it to you. At that point I just wanted to get out of there. I looked at my current mileage and it's now at 172,642. When I bought it there was exactly 150k, I only use it for work and I live 13 mins from work. I gave it to him in November with 159k. He's driven it more than I have. At this point I'm more than pissed and definitely looking into taking this guy to court.
sue him for 11,000 dollars that comes to the IRS 0.52 cents a mile deal
 

Rocket Man

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Believe me I know its a ridiculous amount of time. After a month I was really pissed. So far I did get a oil change readout that has all mileage even my last one that was right before I took it to him. You wouldn't believe how foolish I feel but the guy blamed covid on part of delay and every time I called he would say he's backed up with cars.

So I talked to rental car place and they said there was no way they could calculate the mileage. My insurance guy told me to go to kellyblue book and calculate depreciation between miles. After doing all this I just decided to call this bastard and confront him. I accused him of the mileage issue and at first he said that he drove it just to test drive and figure out the mileage issue. I called him out on the ******** and said I have proof of the mileage of what I gave it to him and what I have now. He kept trying to argue but finally asked what he can pay to rectify the issue. I called my coworker and told him the deal and he told me he's had our old boss daughters car for 5 months. Im gonna draw up a contract tonight and come up with a number on what I feel he should pay then have him sign it tomorrow. I feel this will be the easiest way to solve things besides going to court
Let us know how that goes. Curious if he signs anything.
 

Danny3737

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Good for you to call him out. Hit him with a high number and work from there. I doubt he’s going to give you $11K, but at least you have a number to start with. I’d print out the IRS page and have it with you. Just tell him you called the IRS and they gave you the link for the mileage reimbursement. I’m sure he’s going to try to keep it under $1000. My guess is he will offer $500 at the most. I’m sure the last thing he wants to do is go to court. If you can’t come to an agreement, then call one of the TV stations that do consumer rip-off segments. Nothing kills a business faster than bad press. Good Luck and let us know what happens.
 

Danny3737

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I would also say he owes you for brakes, tire wear, depreciation, fluid replacement, air filter, wipers and time lost without a car. The last thing I would do is to let him do any further work on your car. I’d also inspect it for any scratches, door dings, etc. the last are almost possible to prove, but still worth bringing up.
 

OR VietVet

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Doesn't sound like the guy has a licensed business. He is just turning wrenches on the side, it sounds like. I could be wrong though about that. I agree, I bet he will not offer more than $500 and likely want to stick at $200. What did you pay him through this entire process?

Break it down as parts and labor.
 
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hulk161

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Well he said what can he do to rectify the issue. Plus he was fishing trying to ask questions about my proof on how I determined the 13k mileage. I straight out told him don't worry about that and that its well documented. Im dealing with a shady old man thats probably been doing stuff like this before. As far as being licensed it is a shop that he's the lone mechanic. Im taking it week after next to figure out what he did and what needs to be done.

I agree with you guys though it will probably come to 1000 for the mileage plus possibly whatever he didn't possibly do. The only noticeable issue is the climate control module not working I'm getting heat only on defrost and not the vents no matter what I push and the front shocks. It feels the same ride wise as it always has. I'll update as it goes. Thanks for you guys input
 
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hulk161

hulk161

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Let us know how that goes. Curious if he signs anything.


I agree Rocket. The contract idea is just to show him I'm not bullshitting around. Not gonna include the evidence. Just a statement on what happened and what we decide on.
 

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