Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Shop has retained car for 2 months for work that potentially takes 1 day to as

I'm having a new motor and transmission put into a car. I removed the old motor and transmission myself in 2 days, then sent it to this shop.I am by NO MEANS mechanically inclined, but the work was extremely simple.

They have now retained my vehicle for 2 months with no promise of when they will complete this job.If it wasn't for patient friends, I wouldn't even be able to get to work.

I have accounts from numerous shops who are familiar with this exact car and motor, that it should take no longer to 1 day to 2 weeks depending on how busy the shop is.

This is my only car, and I have no rental. I was willing to accept having no car for a little while, but not for 2 months.Besides getting a ride to and from work, I have not been able to travel anywhere!!

To be honest,the shop owner never really did give a direct promise for date of copmletion,(just a promise of ''as soon as possible'') but does that mean he can get it done in 5 years if he wanted to? I've called him over 30 times in the last 2 months, and everytime he has a new excuse.

Is there a course of action I can take in order to make him feel some pressure to complete my car in a more timely manner? Thank you.


Asked on 12/01/03, 1:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Shop has retained car for 2 months for work that potentially takes 1 day to

I suggest you make an appointment with a reputable repair shop and then make arrangements to recover your vehicle from its present location and have it taken to the new shop. You may have to "bail" your auto out by paying for whatever services the shop claims it provided to date, but you can always sue to recover those if necessary. Unless the shop was unable to get the new motor or some parts, it seems it's in breach of contract because it failed to complete the work within a reasonable period of time.

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Answered on 12/01/03, 2:13 pm


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