19 months and rebuild still not complete

Osborne

Hi all,

This is quite a long story so i'll try and keep it to the point. I'm not exactly sure why I am here but would like to get it off my chest and would appreciate your opinions.

In January 2013 I sold my previous car. I had my heart set on a replacement and this particular car was quite rare. The only one I could find was an example with a blown engine. I did some research into mechanics in my area that would be capable of such a job. I contacted a few and decided on the man the car is currently with. Before purchasing the car I talked with him several times and let him to do his own research. He came back to me and said he would be able to the job. I bought the car in March 2013 and he told me it should be ready by the May Bank Holiday 2013 and cost no more than E2500. That was fine and I left him to it.

The Bank Holiday came and the car wasn't ready. I was in no rush at this point so this wasn't a problem. I told him to keep in touch and left him to it. He never contacted me to I made contact with him a month later to see what progress was made. It still wasn't ready because he couldn't source certain parts etc. This went on until August 2013 when I was told it was nearly ready. I told the mechanic that I would be taxing and insuring the car so I could start driving it straight away. (I realise this was stupid now.) I also paid him E2000 as I presumed it would have it very soon.

I was then informed he had encountered more problems and it would be a couple of months longer. This had continued for another 12 months. He never contacts me and it is a struggle to get hold of him unless it's via text message. He has made various excused for the delay. I have since bought another car so I wasn't in a rush. My years tax and insurance is now nearly up apparently the car will be ready by the end of September, 19 months after he got the car.

At no point was there any confrontation. I did express my dissatisfaction and threatened to take the car but I believed his assurances. He now won't let me know how much the build will take and I really don't think I should pay full whack. I know the majority of this is may fault as I wasn't pushy enough and expect to get plenty of stick for it. I'm wondering what should I do when it is complete and I get the final bill.

TL;DR - Car went to a mechanic for a rebuild. Was told it would take a couple of months. Has been 19. What should I do?

Thanks!

Oz

Chimaera

If he's been stringing you along for 19 months, he's probably not going to finish it any time soon. He's been paid a substantial portion of the original agreed price. I'd get it out of there and find someone else to complete the work.

010010011010

19 MONTHS to do a 2 day job? get it out of there, hes not bothered.

was he meant to be rebuilding the engine or fitting a replacement engine. what model of car was it out of interest?

georgefalls

Seems like he's taking you for a complete mug.
I'd demand the car back, plus whatever I'd already paid him, unless he can give you a definate date, and stick to it.

Have no further contact with him. Pay for a solicitor to write to him demanding return of all monies payed and have the car towed immediately to a proper mechanic.

Caliden

Small claims court.

Max you can get is 2k which fits your situation.
Costs €25 to make a claim.


Gather as much evidence as you can and perhaps even record a phonecall or conversation so you can use that to back up your statement.

EazyD

As said above you should get it towed out of there and demand a full return of any money you have paid up to now. If he doesn't comply then go the small claims route. Sounds like a total joker tbh so I wouldn't even consider his services even at a hefty discount.