QUESTION
A mechanic broke the computer in my car. What can I do?
Asked on Mar 10th, 2012 on Consumer Law - New Jersey
More details to this question:
I noticed that my car hadn''t been running right when it was idle or stopped at a traffic light. In fact when the car was in those positions it would shake, the interior lights would dim & go back to normal & there would be a strong gas smell. So I took the car to a mechanic whom I''ve used in the past. They changed the fuel pressure regulator for $200 & told me I''d be good to go. When I was driving it home I noticed the shaking was worse & it was over heating as well. I took it back & told them the problem wasn''t fixed. I went to go pick it up & they broke the computer & the car won''t run. They said that it was an underlying problem & I need to pay for it to get fixed at the Chevy dealership. When I dropped it off it wasn''t even close to being in that state. What can I do!??
1 ANSWER
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This is a question of causation. Like people, sick cars can deteriorate quickly, and it is not clear that the mechanic exacerbated the problem. Based on your own description, it seems that the mechanic didn't cause a new problem - he just didn't fix the one you had. The symptoms are practically identical.
It is clear that you don't trust this mechanic, and it seems they don't have the skills to fix the car at this point. Therefore, trying to get them to do something for free or a discount seems to be off the table.
You can consult an attorney about a suit, and I suspect you can find one to represent you, but you'll likely have to pay them. I doubt that's worth it. If you can find one to do it on a contingency basis, you will still pay in the end if you win, but you won't have to come out of pocket. I doubt you will get a lawyer to take this on contingency as there's not a big pay out. Plus, you will likely need to get the car fixed in order to determine the cost to do so and establish your damages.
If it were me, I'd ask the first mechanic for a refund (you can tell them they're lucky you're not suing them). Then I'd go get it fixed to at least have wheels to visit attorneys:)
Answered on Mar 12th, 2012 at 7:37 PM