'The car was a piece of s***': Argument ensues over five-digit repair job

When it comes to vehicle repairs, Aussie motorists all hope for a smooth ride.

Yet, sometimes, the journey can hit a pothole or two.

For one driver, a trip to the mechanic sparked a conversation on social media about the transparency of vehicle repairs.


An incident that recently made rounds online involved a disgruntled customer.

The customer was left fuming over a $12,000 repair bill for his Mazda CX-5 Diesel.

After 14 weeks in the shop's custody, the vehicle's alternator failed following an engine replacement.


compressed-pexels-vehicle mechanic.jpeg
The man went to the repair shop last Tuesday to complain about his vehicle's condition. Image Credit: Pexels/Malte Luk


'Where's the alternator that came out of it?' he pressed as he requested it via email as evidence.

The man, who was initially assured of a 50,000km warranty, filmed his confrontation with the repair shop staff.

However, this confrontation escalated quickly and became a full-on bout.


'Who are you?' he asked an employee, who politely requested the man to stop recording.

'This is going on social media, bro,' the undeterred customer retorted.

'That car wasn't going when the motor got fixed, we've got f****** recordings of it. The car was a piece of s***,' the vehicle owner said.

The situation escalated when the employee attempted to take the man's phone, which led to a scuffle.

Watch the whole commotion here:

Source: @tumataenga.thoren/TikTok

The video of the incident garnered divided opinions online.

Some Aussie motorists criticised the man's aggressive approach and suggested more appropriate avenues for resolution.

Aussies may consult a disputes tribunal or ask for an MTA mediation.

Others, on the other hand, sympathised with the man's frustration due to the exorbitant repair costs.


This incident raised questions for motorists across the country.

So, how can you ensure you're not being overcharged for car repairs?
  • Get a second opinion: Do not hesitate to shop around and get another estimate from different mechanics.
  • Ask for a detailed breakdown: Request an itemised invoice that lists all the parts and labour costs.
  • Know your warranty: Be clear on what your warranty covers and for how long. Keep all related documentation in case.
  • Communicate clearly: If you want to keep old parts or need specific repairs, put it in writing.
  • Understand the scope of work: Sometimes, fixing one problem could uncover another. Understand the potential for additional repairs and how they will affect the overall cost.
  • Check reviews: Before choosing a repair shop, read reviews and ask for recommendations.
Key Takeaways

  • An angry customer filmed his confrontation with his mechanic over a $12,000 repair bill.
  • The man claimed that the alternator failed after the engine was replaced despite being given a 50,000 km warranty.
  • The situation escalated when the mechanic attempted to remove the customer's phone during the recording.
  • Some criticised the customer's aggressive approach, while others sympathised with his frustration over the repair costs.
Have you ever felt overcharged by a mechanic? How did you handle the situation? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's help each other navigate the sometimes bumpy roads of vehicle maintenance.
 
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Yes that happened to me - vehicle put in for work which I had written an itemised list for the work. A service was requested as part of that work - got the car back and had to go on a emergency pick up 60lms away - pulled into a service station 20klms away as car was overheating - no oil in engine. Went back to business and they denied work requested - I showed them my written instructions, which had greasy fingerprints all over it - which I told them would be evidence for court if they did not replace my engine - my engine was cooked by the time I got the car back to town. They huffed and puffed and threatened me but I stood my ground and got very loud so the other auto businesses around them knew what was going on.
Upshot was they had to give me a new motor installed to my satisfaction - I had it checked out by a Gov body and they passed it - at their expense.
They thought because I was a woman they could put one over - wrong - I had a great teacher before I got my licence and he gave me advice I have been following for almost 60 years - my father!
Good on you. Unfortunately, more than not, women are the targets of being ripped by some of those scumbuckets.
 
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