Legal Question in Consumer Law in Florida

Auto repair dispute

Truck overheated on interstate, limped to nearest repair shop (natl. Franchised chain precision tune) went home, they told me nothing until after vehicle was put on diagnostic.Said it was fan clutch,replaced it at$213.Told it was fixed,picked up vehicle, went less than 3 mi. Down road.Overheated, would not come and get me.Had to hire tow truck $45.Next day was told it was thermostat, replaced it, still overheated, had to take 78 yr. Old mother back to n.C. So i borrowed car and went on. I left truck with shop,they called and said they still could'nt figure out problem? Water pump was o.K..What about a clogged radiator!!! While in n.C. I called an auto mech. Friend and he said it was definately the rad.I bought one in n.C and took it back to fl. Called repair shop and said do nothing more and i would pick it up.They charged a total of $278.32 for unrepaired work that i didn't need.I offered to give back parts for refund and absorb the labor to no avail.They just wanted to give me in store credit.By the way it was the radiator all along!What recourse do i have?

Thanx- billy


Asked on 9/11/07, 12:58 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Rhonda Hood Hood & Lay, LLC

Re: Auto repair dispute

I suggest you file a claim in small claims court against Precision Tune in the county in which the repairs were to be made. As an alterantive or in addition to your suit, you can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they are a member. If they are, initiate a complaint with the BBB. They usually have a dispute resolution procedure. Please know that certain time limits apply within which you must bring your claim.

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Answered on 9/14/07, 11:04 pm
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: Auto repair dispute

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

You can file a claim in small claims court against them but you would have to bring experts to prove that they never made the proper repairs to your vehicle. Alternatively, you can contact the national office of the chain and explain the situation and let them know how upset you are and how you will let everyone else know about the lack of expertise by their franchisees. If they are smart, they will offer to intervene on your behalf and attempt to get your money back.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

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Answered on 9/11/07, 1:08 pm


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