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.

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.

 

[riskydave]

"Bro" - straight away I would have my back up, your not my "Bro", looks like a dealer ship workshop, not sure but if it is a dealer they can't afford to just blatantly rip people off and as I say I would have my back up as soon as said ' Bro".
Also I believe if you drop your car off to a 'licenced' mechanic he is not obliged by law to give you the car if he considers it un road worthy or not repaired to a satisfactory standard. He is obliged to ring or contact you if it needs more repairs other than that quoted I believe though.
An engine replacement now days as a rule would not include an alternator unless the old one did not work and is not a cheap job on today's cars by any means which sounds like the case as he had already stated he wanted the old one back. Tuff case to sort out.

 

[Rain72]

Often overcharged by mechanics, who take unfair advantage of the client's lack of knowledge. Usually, the excess amount is small and on occasions a complaint has resulted in remedy.

The most recent occasion was when I needed a mechanical inspection of a motor home to get it registered. The mechanic, who came highly recommended, found a minor fault. Instead of telling me what fix was required and allowing me to consider my options, he fixed it without quoting and then phoned to say he'd done it and I could collect the vehicle on payment of well over $2000 more than I expected the job to cost. I responded by email, politely advising that I felt the charge was unreasonable and I had not authorised that repair and would never do so without a quote.
When I went to collect the vehicle, the manager called me into his office. He showed me an invoice he was issuing to the owner of a large freight truck used for business purposes and said ''This guy's bill is over $12000 and he is not complaining. He understands mechanical work is not cheap." He was extremely rude and offensive, and there was no valid comparison. I was a retiree with limited means preparing to sell a motorhome. The truck driver used his vehicle for commercial purposes and repairs were a business expense.

The manager claimed he was doing customers a great service by not returning their vehicle with a ''failed' report (as required by the State authority) but rather just fixing the issue and passing it. Well, that is NOT a service. That is a rip-off. He is denying the owner the right to seek a second opinion and quotes if that is their preference. I expected a phone call advising me of the issue and a quote - not a huge bill with no warning..

I advertised the motorhome for sale the following week and was shocked when a prospective buyer pointed out that there was not a drop of oil in the motor. I had been charged more than $2400 and the mechanic did not even check the oil!

 

[Rain72]

"Bro" - straight away I would have my back up, your not my "Bro", looks like a dealer ship workshop, not sure but if it is a dealer they can't afford to just blatantly rip people off and as I say I would have my back up as soon as said ' Bro".
Also I believe if you drop your car off to a 'licenced' mechanic he is not obliged by law to give you the car if he considers it un road worthy or not repaired to a satisfactory standard. He is obliged to ring or contact you if it needs more repairs other than that quoted I believe though.
An engine replacement now days as a rule would not include an alternator unless the old one did not work and is not a cheap job on today's cars by any means which sounds like the case as he had already stated he wanted the old one back. Tuff case to sort out.

You are likely correct in your assessment of this article, riskydave, and I agree using the term 'Bro' could offend. But some dealers DO rip off. After a trip to NT driving on dirt roads, my husband took our relatively new Nissan to the dealership (a major Nissan dealer in a big city) for a routine service. It was an expensive one (over $1000), claimed to be very comprehensive. Imagine our shock when, at the following service done by a different dealer, we were advised the engine was ''clogged with red dust'' and parts that we were charged to replace in the previous service were worn out and had never been changed. We had driven only on tarred roads between services. We complained to Nissan head office, but they responded that they had no control over their dealers service divisions.

 

[Bill MacL]

You are likely correct in your assessment of this article, riskydave, and I agree using the term 'Bro' could offend. But some dealers DO rip off. After a trip to NT driving on dirt roads, my husband took our relatively new Nissan to the dealership (a major Nissan dealer in a big city) for a routine service. It was an expensive one (over $1000), claimed to be very comprehensive. Imagine our shock when, at the following service done by a different dealer, we were advised the engine was ''clogged with red dust'' and parts that we were charged to replace in the previous service were worn out and had never been changed. We had driven only on tarred roads between services. We complained to Nissan head office, but they responded that they had no control over their dealers service divisions.

You should Name and shame that dealer.

 

[freedy50]

If he needs to swear like that I'd take less notice of what he's saying.

I've only taken my car to the main dealer where I bought it. The servicing cost is probably too high every time, but I know what they've done and they're very helpful.

And I keep my dashcam on silent so can see some of what they've done and when they take it on a test drive.

 

[Veggiepatch]

"Bro" - straight away I would have my back up, your not my "Bro", looks like a dealer ship workshop, not sure but if it is a dealer they can't afford to just blatantly rip people off and as I say I would have my back up as soon as said ' Bro".
Also I believe if you drop your car off to a 'licenced' mechanic he is not obliged by law to give you the car if he considers it un road worthy or not repaired to a satisfactory standard. He is obliged to ring or contact you if it needs more repairs other than that quoted I believe though.
An engine replacement now days as a rule would not include an alternator unless the old one did not work and is not a cheap job on today's cars by any means which sounds like the case as he had already stated he wanted the old one back. Tuff case to sort out.

A mechanic is not permitted to impound a vehicle for "unroadworthiness".

I've been down this track before with Kinghorn Ford at Nowra, NSW in 1999. What was going to be a basic 50000 km service, turned into a $1300 nightmare. They "stated" the brake pads AND disc rotors were worn and needed replacing. Strangely enough, I replaced the brake pads just 8000 kms prior. And disc rotors DO NOT wear out in just 52000 kms of service. At the same time, I had a 1987 N13 Nissan Pulsar which had the original disc rotors at 272000 kms!

I threatened the service manager with reporting the car as stolen as Nowra police station was just a two minutes walk away. He soon backed down and I rightfully got me EF II Ford Falcon back.

 

[relljube]

Unfortunately vehicle service costs are in the realm of the unknown. I had a Holden Cruze purchased new that blew the head gasket at about 30k requiring a complete rebuild - cost quoted $3000 approx. by the dealer. Every service since new was done through the dealer. I chucked a wobbly and threatened to go to the ACCC if Holden (service dept and spares still operating) did not meet this cost AND provide a warranty on this repair. They agreed to cover this but refused to pay for the hire car used for the 4 days while repairs took place.
Since then, the most recurrent items were the radiator hose, engine coolant reservoir then the coolant lines on & on. Every time I took it in for normal service they would find these - oh and the air conditioner should be "refreshed".
By end of last year with 48k on the clock I still was not confident in this vehicle. Loved the look of it but the motor left a lot to be desired in confidence. It also attracted 4 minor car park bingles - in my absence so I had to wear the cost of repairs/my insurance.
Got rid of this Jonah car - started to feel my age in trying to get in and out of it - now drive a Renault Koleos and so much happier all round. Boy I must be getting old - running at the mouth! Sorry ppl.

 

[Jest]

better ways to engage without the use of fuck all the time. angry or not.

 

[magpie1]

Think that there is a lot missing in this story....maybe one day the whole of the incident will come to light.

 

[Observer]

There are genuine mechanics and there are rip off mechanics.
Dropped my car off for a service/tune.Looked at the invoice and noted they replaced 8 spark plugs.
I had dotted the 8 spark plugs with a yellow paint prior only to find they were still on the engine when I went to pick the car up.
The cheek.

 

[Bridgit]

Often overcharged by mechanics, who take unfair advantage of the client's lack of knowledge. Usually, the excess amount is small and on occasions a complaint has resulted in remedy.

The most recent occasion was when I needed a mechanical inspection of a motor home to get it registered. The mechanic, who came highly recommended, found a minor fault. Instead of telling me what fix was required and allowing me to consider my options, he fixed it without quoting and then phoned to say he'd done it and I could collect the vehicle on payment of well over $2000 more than I expected the job to cost. I responded by email, politely advising that I felt the charge was unreasonable and I had not authorised that repair and would never do so without a quote.
When I went to collect the vehicle, the manager called me into his office. He showed me an invoice he was issuing to the owner of a large freight truck used for business purposes and said ''This guy's bill is over $12000 and he is not complaining. He understands mechanical work is not cheap." He was extremely rude and offensive, and there was no valid comparison. I was a retiree with limited means preparing to sell a motorhome. The truck driver used his vehicle for commercial purposes and repairs were a business expense.

The manager claimed he was doing customers a great service by not returning their vehicle with a ''failed' report (as required by the State authority) but rather just fixing the issue and passing it. Well, that is NOT a service. That is a rip-off. He is denying the owner the right to seek a second opinion and quotes if that is their preference. I expected a phone call advising me of the issue and a quote - not a huge bill with no warning..

I advertised the motorhome for sale the following week and was shocked when a prospective buyer pointed out that there was not a drop of oil in the motor. I had been charged more than $2400 and the mechanic did not even check the oil!

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!

 

[Veggiepatch]

There are genuine mechanics and there are rip off mechanics.
Dropped my car off for a service/tune.Looked at the invoice and noted they replaced 8 spark plugs.
I had dotted the 8 spark plugs with a yellow paint prior only to find they were still on the engine when I went to pick the car up.
The cheek.

I did that style of thing with oil filters, sump plugs and so on. Luckily. I wasn't cheated once.

Luckily for the mechanic, that is.

 

[DLHM]

I’ve been ripped off when getting my car serviced. I’m sure when the mechanics see me, they think, “This will be a good one to take advantage of.” I can’t hide my ignorance about cars very well.

Thankfully, I have help now. Thank you @Veggiepatch.

 

[Macarj]

Luckily I have an honest and good mechanic

 

[Observer]

Luckily I have an honest and good mechanic

Mechanics are to cars as hairdressers are to womens hair.Need to find the right one that suits you

 

[Penny4]

Wonder why he took his Mazda CX-5 Diesel to a Ford dealership - which is at NZ Central Ford Taupo by his TikTok video. $12,000 seems excessive. Probably had a geniune Mazda motor installed, instead of a reconditioned one.

 

[maxesmum]

My whole car didn’t cost $12000!!! Holy moly,I’d have dropped dead with shock! What did they fill it with? Liquid gold? My lovely little Mitsubishi runs on the smell of an oily rag,is serviced regularly and rarely costs much. Biggest bill I’ve had was when the fuel pump shat itself. $800 remove and refit.

 

[Keswickian]

My car repairer would always give me a call, explain the problem and a quote before doing anything.
It seems like this incident wasn't handled in a mature manner by either party.

 

[DLHM]

Mechanics are to cars as hairdressers are to womens hair.Need to find the right one that suits you

You got that right, @Observer!!