I had the timing belt, water pump replaced on my 2003 Ford Focus for a cost of $950. After I picked up the car from highly rated shop in Grants Pass, Oregon. The Focus would miss fire and would stall at random. The check engine light was also flashing.
I’m no car mechanic by any means, should I ask for the $120 for having the car towed back , since they claimed they did not plug in the fuel injector on number one cylinder in correctly?
I apologize for such dumb question , but recently moved to Grants Pass. After living in Seattle where dealt with the same mechanic for 25 years. Where never had an issue
Also, my mother traded in her 2012 Toyota RAV4 for a 2019 Fiat 500c? Is this the biggest automotive mistake when my dad traded in her 1964 Corvair for new 1973 Matador wagon?
I would. They should have thoroughly road tested the vehicle after a big job like that. At least they were honest about their mistake.
@inthedetails
I will give your suggestion a try. I’m a retired cop, I don’t like to cause conflict . When picked up the Focus the first time they gave a big song & dance about how great of a shop they where. Then after I drove the Focus for two miles when started running poorly and stalling with the check engine light flashing, I called a towing company and paid have the car towed back, they kept the car for four business days to tell me their “mistake”
Honestly its a big job and $950 is too low of a price. If I was to guess I would say the repair quote is a little low so they were probably rushing to get it done so they don't lose money. That's the unfortunate reality of owning a shop - ultimately you have to keep the heat on and that sometimes means rushing things. Its a simple, stupid mistake and it shouldn't have happened but I wouldn't take an aggressive approach. I would just explain that the car should have been road tested, they know that, and they should reimburse for the tow. Its unfortunate on all sides but it is what it is.
Scotty is gonna have a hissy fit when he hears you’ll traded in a RAV4 for a Fiat 500!
Yes absolutely, ask for ALL your money back. They obviously didn’t do the job correctly which resulted in the misfiring and the timing being off. What a nightmare.
Ask around for an honest mechanic in your area.
@inthrustwetrust
She 85 years old, so yah maybe it’s time take her driving privileges away. Also Cannabis is legal in Oregon
@Gremlin72
Haha I see what you did there! But please, let’s keep that the first & last time you reveal any more ‘secrets’ on this forum!
That’s outstanding for her to be still be able to drive at 85! I wish her the best of health and happiness.
There is no question that the shop should cover the towing charge. They should thank their lucky stars the mistake only cost them $120
Yes, you are entitled to a refund of your towing cost. Yes, the car trade is the biggest mistake since the Corvair for Matador swap, although Ralph Nader might disagree. Actually, if the swap makes your mom happy, it's a good thing.
