Mobile Mechanic took my car for repairs, Still not returned.

Ljuln on 14/07/2018 - 12:07
Last edited 14/07/2018 - 12:50

Hi All,

I am making this post because I do not know what to do. (some events are missing to reduce the size)

I found a mobile mechanic via auto guru who done a great service on my wife's car, he was polite, done a good job, was well priced and had 5 star reviews on autoguru. He did state when we want to use him again to go directly via him not via autoguru for better price.

Anyway i have a old car, 2001 model that had some steering issues, I called him and he said he is happy to pick it up and have a look at it in his workshop and get the issue fixed. At this time i was on leave and said he has a few weeks to do it before going back to work. that was around the 20th of may.

Fast forward i was returning to work on the 4th of July I called him 2 weeks before he said he is still trying to find some parts because the car is old. But he will have it back by the 4th, I call him on the 3rd and he still has not finished my car and stated he is still looking for parts etc etc and he will call me in a few days (now using my wife's car to go to work), few days pass and I call him again (early last week) and he states that it needs a new steering rack and its not worth fixing the car blah blah blah, we agree he will return the car. He said he will call me in a few days. My wife calls him on wednesday and he said he will have the car for us today. today he is ignoring our calls. We call auto guru and they say he is no longer a mechanic on their system.

We do not know what to do, we need the car and either get someone to look at it or scrap it and buy another car if his diagnosis is honest. But we feel he has no desire to return the car. He keeps fobbing us off. We have two kids under 3 and my wife is finding it hard entertaining them at home with no option to take them to see their friends or participate in their play groups.

What are my options? Is this something ACCC or consumer affairs can help with?

I dont usually do these posts but i am stuck and really have no idea what to do.

edit: Trying to hold off calling the bikies for now.

EDIT 2: Thanks for your replies i will do a police report.

Automotive

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 12:15
    +30

    Have you tried going to the police?

    He has your car and refusing the return it, sounds a lot like theft.

    • juln on 14/07/2018 - 12:23
      +1

      I was thinking the same, I just want my car back. He said he was going to return it today. But I am now leaning towards a police report, at work right now though :(

      • Cheap Charlie on 14/07/2018 - 12:41
        +8

        At this point I would not muck around.
        Its clear this request for service has turned sour.
        I am not sure if the police will get involved once they are aware that you released the car into this persons care.
        Still, I would explore this avenue as it will only cost you your time.
        If the police do not want to act, maybe you could encourage them to call the person.
        This may be enought for this person to want to part company with your car ASAP.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 13:06
          +6

          Car was given for repair nearly two months ago.
          Owner has asked for their vehicle back. It is not being returned, thus it can be considered stolen.

        • Cheap Charlie on 14/07/2018 - 13:09
          +4

          @Drew22: In the eyes of the law its not that black and white.
          Common sense does not equal law.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 13:41

          @Cheap Charlie:

          Can I borrow your car for five minutes?

        • Cheap Charlie on 14/07/2018 - 13:45
          +1

          The way the world "should" work is not law.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 15:01
          +2

          @Cheap Charlie:

          Theft by deception is a crime.

        • Cheap Charlie on 14/07/2018 - 15:06

          @Drew22:
          You would have to prove the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their belongings.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 15:30
          +2

          @Cheap Charlie:
          You prove that in court.

          So far, mechanic has the OPs property for two months for what should have been a couple of days and is now unwilling to return it.
          That is sufficient for now.

        • Cheap Charlie on 14/07/2018 - 22:02

          @Drew22:
          So skip the police and attempt to sue the guy?

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 22:19

          @Cheap Charlie:
          Your name doesn't check out mate… Better change it to Moneybags Charlie

          So, you're telling me you wouldn't bother reporting it stolen to the police?
          If the police can scare him enough with a phone call or a visit, why sue?

        • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2018 - 00:11

          @Cheap Charlie:

          It'd cost money to sue someone (and we're not in America), and the police may be able to recover it sooner.

          You're not living up to your name.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2018 - 00:40

          @Cheap Charlie:
          You do know that the police get involved before someone is proven guilty of something in court, not after…. Right?

        • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2018 - 12:46
          +3

          @Amayzingone:

          It doesn't take two months to fix any steering problems.

          If the car is in pieces and undrivable then that is the "mechanics" problem, he's had two months to fix it.

        • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2018 - 13:14

          @Drew22: Get it from the mechanic.

        • ozzpete on 16/07/2018 - 09:41
          -1

          @Drew22:

          If the car is in pieces and undrivable then that is the "mechanics" problem.

          True. Additionally, it is my understanding consumer law etc, that any mechanic, can not leave the car in worse shape then when it came in. ie. Even if they cannot fix it, and have to put it back together without charging $$, they still must do this.

          I looked into the laws somewhat, when a mechanic put the wrong gear box in my car. I kind of felt a little bad because they now had to take it out, then put the correct 1 in, and I couldn't afford to pay them more than for the single gearbox install (the wreckers mistake gave me wrong gearbox, which almost fits) .
          The mechanic may not like doing the right thing (putting it all back together the way it came in, or in better shape) but it comes with his job. Just as many business do 'free quotes' it is accounted for in pricing etc, that a certain ammount of labour is unpaid.

  • donga100 on 14/07/2018 - 12:27

    Can't you just go and collect it?

    • juln on 14/07/2018 - 12:29

      Mobile mechanic, don't know where he is located, he picked it up. Plus he should be returning it. He picked it up.

      But if i had to pick it up i would, but he hasn't even gave me that option.

      • rompastompa on 14/07/2018 - 12:37
        +1

        he hasn't even gave me that option.

        Have you asked him for those details? I'd be forcing him to. Does he have an ABN? It's likely registered to his home address.

        • juln on 14/07/2018 - 12:39
          +1

          No i didn't ask him he assured us he will return it today, I now his phone is off.

          I will look up his ABN.

        • rompastompa on 14/07/2018 - 12:39

          @juln: He may also want some $ for his time, if you're keen and not too hard done by, maybe offer him $100 for attempting to find the parts/repair?

        • juln on 14/07/2018 - 12:54

          @rompastompa:

          I already agreed to give him 300$ for his time :(

        • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 15:01

          @juln
          Is it off or just blocked your number?

        • HeWhoKnows on 15/07/2018 - 12:35
          +1

          @rompastompa: Probably more than that if he has dissambled part of the vehicle.
          But yes would stand to reason if OP does not wish to proceed with the repair.

        • bbourke85 on 16/07/2018 - 10:53
          +1

          @juln: (profanity) that dude don't give him a cent

      • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 16:08
        +2

        Do some research. Try searching the ABN directory and other various business directories, not to mention white pages, google his name, the business names etc.

        Also call autoguru and see if they can give you the address, I would put some pressure on them to hand over this information as you found him through them and they at least have a social responsibilty to assist you.

        • mgsydney on 15/07/2018 - 08:53
          +2

          ^this - in addition to calling the police on their general line. These areas turn grey quickly and it is hard to determine what is criminal theft vs civil wrong because the mechanic/potential fraudster isnt communicating with you effectively.

          Is the vehicle insured? They may need to be added to the mix later on. Again very grey but if they are an interested stakeholder, contact them.

      • Ravenousryan on 15/07/2018 - 18:04

        Search his name/company name on abn lookup. It may lead you to an address. Search google etc also. You might get a street view if he has a home workshop.

        Edit - oops, someone above already suggested all of this. Sorry!

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 12:38
    +1

    Sounds like police might not get involved.

    Depending who's behind the counter, she/he might say it's a civil matter. If one refuses to take a report saying that is a civil matter, kindly ask to speak with a supervisor and get his opinion on this.

    Also, you can do this over the phone.

    • Tee Rex Arms on 15/07/2018 - 14:31
      -3

      This isn’t customer service, Police won’t go and get a supervisor for you.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2018 - 15:29
        +1

        You could go to another station though, sometimes the first officer you speak to will be hopeless and the next really come to the party.

      • [Deactivated] on 15/07/2018 - 17:11

        Sorry Mike, if you ask, they will get a supervisor for you unless you are on the streets and he can't or is not in the position to come and see you.

    • ozzpete on 16/07/2018 - 09:49

      Also, you can do this over the phone.

      much better to do these less urgent/emergency matters over the phone . The officers at the station likely have much more urgent/serious matters to attend to. If you are in NSW, the police assistance line is 131444 .
      **if there is any need to go into a station at some point, they would let you know this when you speak on the phone.

  • holdenmg on 14/07/2018 - 12:41

    What do I do if I know the person that steals my property?

    If you are aware of the person that stole the property contact your Local NSW Police Station.

    Can I report my stolen motor vehicle online?

    If your motor vehicle has been stolen you will need to ring the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or attend your Local NSW Police Station to make a report.

    http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/community_portal/online_reports…

  • DarkOz on 14/07/2018 - 12:42
    +2

    Is your car insured? If it is I'd reported it stolen to your insurer and let them take it from there. Otherwise reported it stolen to the police.

    • bdl on 14/07/2018 - 13:11
      -1

      To report it as stolen to your insurer, you'd need a police report stating that, no?

      • Cheap Charlie on 14/07/2018 - 13:13

        Police will issue a report based on the information "provided".
        I would not imagine insurance companies would even bother looking into the details of a police report on what sounds like a really low value vehicle?

    • Cheapskate Paul on 15/07/2018 - 21:48

      If you give someone the keys to your car and allow them to drive off, it is very unlikely that the theft would be covered by insurance.

      • Euphemistic on 16/07/2018 - 08:06

        They won’t cover you if someone drives off when you give them a test drive while you are selling it.

  • myusername on 14/07/2018 - 12:58

    have you checked https://www.carsales.com.au/?

  • bdl on 14/07/2018 - 13:12

    edit: Trying to hold off calling the bikies for now.

    That made me smile. :) Good luck with getting your car back.

  • Vieira4 on 14/07/2018 - 13:19
    +13

    This sounds like that episode of Seinfeld where the mechanic (Brad Garrett) lost his mind and stole Jerry's car.

    • lovesabargain77 on 14/07/2018 - 17:31
      +6

      Hope that OP doesn't have any golf clubs in his car.

  • holdenmg on 14/07/2018 - 13:32
    +4

    Have a look at the odometer when/if you get the car back.

    Mobile Mechanic by Day, Uber Driver by night. lol

    • D6C1 on 15/07/2018 - 14:42

      Uber Driver by night.

      Not possible. Uber cars have to be under 10 years old.

      • JIMB0 on 15/07/2018 - 16:53
        +4

        Not for uber eats.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 13:41

    Uber Eats with an '01

  • Quagles on 14/07/2018 - 15:09
    +1

    This is plainly a case of stealing when he wouldn't return the car and has cut off communications. Police is the only next step.

  • retiredfeline on 14/07/2018 - 15:46
    +1

    Maybe the mechanic gave his phone to a repairer who won't return it. :)

    Seriously though, good luck getting your car back. Let us know how it went.

  • Randxyz123 on 14/07/2018 - 16:06

    Tell auto guru they need to assist you in sorting this out.

    Call head office first thing Monday https://www.autoguru.com.au/contact-us tell them what has happened and ask them to call him for you. Him not working for them anymore is irrelevant. He did and at the time you were getting his services from them.

    If they aren't helpful I'd call the police and report what's happened. I don't think they'll be helpful because they never are with civil matters. I would still call them though.

    The next thing to do would be to seek legal advice.

    • coin saver on 14/07/2018 - 17:05
      +6

      " He did state when we want to use him again to go directly via him not via autoguru for better price".." I called him and he said he is happy to pick it up and have a look at it in his workshop and get the issue fixed." Totally a civil mater with no involvement from Auto Guru at all.

      • Buyme on 15/07/2018 - 07:48
        +1

        May help to know why he no longer works for Autoguro though. May help to explain a little more about him

        • mgsydney on 15/07/2018 - 08:55
          +2

          If this goes the civil law route, it would not be unreasonable to issue a subpoena on them for the contact details of this fella, especially for example if his address is hard to locate, or there is a bank account linked to the site for later garnishing of money to satisfy your loss - saves you doing bank checks later etc.

  • dylo on 14/07/2018 - 16:10
    +1

    Wow some OzBargainers are wild

  • chumlee on 14/07/2018 - 16:17

    What make and model?

  • Melb69 on 14/07/2018 - 17:41
    +4

    The guy never calls you back after saying he will return in. Take it to the police. A door knock to this guys is required. Tell them he has had the car for more than agreed. That you will pay the $300 or whatever for looking at car, but he couldn't fix it. Another lesson learned. Don't use freelance mobile mechanic. Always go through company, but I would always go to a reputed mechanics yard.

    • Gina Rinehart on 15/07/2018 - 07:13
      +3

      Always go through company, but I would always go to a reputed mechanics yard.

      But if there isn't an app for $service how can I ever consume said service? I don't know how to interact with other humans outside my generation!

  • theHMASfriendship on 14/07/2018 - 19:08

    What did the police say when you asked them?

    • ronnknee on 14/07/2018 - 21:11
      +25

      "Make sure you check with OzBargain first."

      • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2018 - 22:21
        +1

        They wanted the OP to first check with @Cheap Charlie to see if it was indeed a crime.

    • Tee Rex Arms on 15/07/2018 - 14:32

      They would tell him it’s a civil matter.

  • Mrgreenz on 15/07/2018 - 10:35

    Seems like a weird thing to do, how much is the car worth? Not a whole lot more than 300 right? Maybe hes hoping you just forget about it. All you can really do is a police report and try to identify him?

  • Birchy on 15/07/2018 - 10:44
    +1

    Some thing does sound fishy with this bloke, even at the car being 17 years old it would have to be a pretty rare model not to be able to get parts for it. It will be interesting to find out what the real truth is here. One week would have been enough to get my alarm bells ringing. Hope it turns out well for you but honestly don't hold much hope.

  • AMLagonda on 15/07/2018 - 12:04

    What is the car? since when is anything too old to get parts for and fix?

    But yes sometimes its not worth getting it fixed and he may have the car in pieces and undriveable.

  • xuqi on 15/07/2018 - 12:08
    +1

    Geez, either get the car back today or lodge a police report ASAP. Who knows what this clown has been doing in your car in the meantime? (fines, criminal activity, etc.) all of which you may be on the hook for.

    Even if/when you get your car back, I suggest visiting your local police station and having a chat with them. You maybe able to lodge a report stating the person had your car for that duration, should any future issues arise.

  • HeWhoKnows on 15/07/2018 - 12:46
    -1

    Seriously why would any mechanic want to steal an old bomb of a car???
    Look at it logically.
    The guy has probably pulled the faulty area apart, cant source the part cheap enough and is probably stuck about what to do next.
    At this stage the car is still being repaired unless proven otherwise.
    Hence police wont get involved.
    OP should continue trying to make contact and make it clear they want the car returned and happy to pay for any work carried out so far

  • Tee Rex Arms on 15/07/2018 - 14:33

    Civil matter.

  • ChillBro on 15/07/2018 - 14:34

    OP, were these guys your mechanics?

  • D6C1 on 15/07/2018 - 14:45
    +3

    Get a new number and call him to come out near a police station for a "mobile repair" as you've broken down etc

    Confront him then in person.

    Yeah things might turn nasty but hey it's a try

  • Roll Eyes on 15/07/2018 - 15:21
    +3

    The car is not old enough to have issues locating parts. My car is 48 years old and I get parts in 3 days.
    Unless yours is European?? (Would take longer)
    I can’t imagine he’d take the risk of “stealing” it. My guess would be something has happened to the car.
    Make sure you come back here and tell us the outcome! We need closure.

  • Ravenousryan on 15/07/2018 - 18:00
    +2

    I have a bit of experience with Autoguru.

    Let's just say it was my job to call up people who left bad reviews and convince them to not publish them. Anything deemed too negative was just deleted though.

    All these sites do this.

    Also, anyone can sign up as a Mechanic and get on the site. Accounts are verified by speaking with a mechanic before it goes live. But all you need is an abn and you're good to go.

  • bmerigan on 15/07/2018 - 22:11

    FYI, I had a steering rack replaced in a 2001 car for $800. 1-2 days.

  • dealhunter42 on 16/07/2018 - 09:41
    +1

    Isn't the purpose of a mobile mechanic to fix the car at your home?
    Did you ask where his shop is located?
    Did you ask for a business card?
    Why didnt you tell them to fix the car at your place?
    Did you mention you would drop the car off to the workshop?
    A car having steering issues, shouldn't really be driven around.

    These are the questions you should ask before you give your keys to your car to a stranger.

    • HighAndDry on 17/07/2018 - 11:28
      +1

      Isn't the purpose of a mobile mechanic to fix the car at your home?

      Yes, yes it is. Apparently now it's also a good way to drive away in someone else's car while they watch and wave goodbye…

  • HighAndDry on 16/07/2018 - 12:41

    Let us know how it goes with the police. People are right that they may see this as a civil matter and (especially without an address) not take it on, but the main point would be to use the police report to force the guy to return the car, not actually hope the police will track it down for you.

    Might want to text the guy that you're going to do to the police first - the threat itself might be enough and save you some time.

  • Roll Eyes on 18/07/2018 - 11:43
    +6

    Pfft….these posts should be banned unless the outcome/ending is given to us!! It’s like going to a movie and 30min from the end the power cuts out. ;-p

    • akanub on 26/07/2018 - 13:54
      +1

      Not only that, they ask for help from the community yet do not give back in return. Keeping us updated informs others in similar situations.

      • Cheapskate Paul on 26/07/2018 - 13:58
        +1

        Name doesn't check out. Maybe you should change it to heretogiveback!

        I agree with you. There are some very selfish people out there.

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