Westminster, CA asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for California

Q: car repair rip off

Dealership increased the repair cost from $500 to $4,300 and repaired the car with no authorization

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3 Lawyer Answers
Yelena Gurevich
Yelena Gurevich
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Studio City, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It's not clear what your question is. If you believe the dealership breached an agreement with you, you could take them to small claims (anything under $10,000 is small claims). Generally, a lawyer cannot represent you in small claims so you would need to go to the nearest courthouse and go to the small claims desk and see if they offer assistance as to the steps you need to take (and some courts have that info on their website). Good luck.

Daniel Timothy LeBel
Daniel Timothy LeBel
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: The dealership and mechanics have responsibilities under California law. There's no need on your part to establish any agreement with the shop on their duties and your responsibilities.

First, before beginning any repairs, the auto shop must provide you with an estimate showing the estimated price for parts and labor and obtain your authorization. If the shop completed additioal labor and used additional parts which were not authorized, they have no right to hold you responsible for those charges. Finally, the auto shop must provide you with an invoice showing the final price for parts and labor.

You may wish to raise this matter with the Bureau of Automotive repair. If you believe this is a pattern and practice by this dealership you may also contact an attorney experienced in consumer class actions. Good luck!

Scott Richard Kaufman agrees with this answer

Scott Richard Kaufman
Scott Richard Kaufman
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Los Altos, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: I see no reason to respond here as Mr. LeBel has handled it quite nicely.

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