Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and beginning April 20th, 2021 (Eastern Time) the Yahoo Answers website will be in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Trending News

Promoted
drumrb0y
Lv 5
drumrb0y asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 6 years ago

How long can a garage legally keep your vehicle if they can't fix it?

I've had my 2003 minivan in a garage for over 14 months and they've yet to fix it; I was given no written estimate and troubleshooting has been unending.

I'm going to try and pick it up or have it towed elsewhere and I don't want to be in the wrong by wanting to simply get the vehicle off of his lot.

Should I pay if he tries to charge for hours put into troubleshooting, or should I get a lawyer if he holds the vehicle hostage until I pay?

Update:

For those who want more details:

- I sent the van there to get the timing belt replaced after replacing it myself resulted in a failed OEM belt and likely a bad tensioner

- According to the mechanic, after replacing the belt, cylinder misfiring was found during engine testing; they asked me if it ran fine before breaking down - I said yes, it ran fine.

- The mechanic ruled out timing or damage from the timing belt failure; for some reason, the cylinders on one side aren't firing in sequence.

Update 2:

- Every time I inquire, they've got something they'd like to try next; I call back every 2-3 weeks and this is the ongoing story each time I call.

- There has never been a mention of storage fees or any costs up front.

At this point, I will pay for the timing belt repair but no more. I intend to stress that in the interests of all parties, he should just let me take the vehicle and go.

Would you consider this reasonable, or not? Why?

6 Answers

Relevance
  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    14 months is obviously not normal and there is a whole lot you're not telling us. My guess is he'd be glad to see that thing leave on the back of a tow truck.

    You haven't mentioned year, make, engine, model or mileage. It sounds like you probably damaged the engine when you tried to change the timing belt and now the valves are bent or you put something back wrong. They probably told you this and you can't accept it or don't want to pay for it so they can't be bothered to waste more time on it and stuck it out in the back 40. Go in and pay for the new belt and tow it away, they'll be glad to see you go.

  • Timbo is here
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    You are liable for the cost of all work carried out on the vehicle even for troubleshooting that found nothing. He will be able to hold the vehicle and eventually sell it to pay debts owed by you.

  • Assahola
    Lv 6
    6 years ago

    you can But they may try a charge you storage fee's why would you leave it there that long thats kind of a stupid thing to do. It sounds shady to me

  • realtor.sailor
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    14 months? They'll probably charge you storage.

  • How do you think about the answers? You can sign in to vote the answer.
  • Evil C
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    Why did you let it go for 14 months? If it were me, maybe after two months max.

  • KENNETH D
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    IT IS YOUR CAR HE HAS FAILED TO DO THE JOB IN A REASONABLE TIME OR EXPLAIN WHY HE CAN NOT DO IT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR CAR BACK.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.