Quote:
Originally Posted by ford38v8
Lazarus, You've reactivated many sad memories in most of us. We've all had personal experience with, or have friends who had experiences very much like those you describe.
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Sad,ain't it?
Back in the old days before the internet it was tough for a newbie to get good advise or learn what to avoid. I have known people,and I am sure you have too,that got into the hobby with all the enthusiasm in the world,but after spending thousands of dollars to buy a old car and spending thousands more getting it running,lost all their money and their cars due to "pro garage" scams,and just got disgusted and never bought another one.
IMHO,the best advice you can give a newbie is to NEVER leave their car at ANY garage unless they have a written and signed review of the car as it was when dropped off there,and a written estimate as to when the car is to be finished,what is to be done,and how much the total bill will be. There should also be a written and signed clause requiring the shop owner to notify you of any work that he wants or needs to do that will raise the final bill by 10 percent or more,and that failure to notify you and get your written permission to perform the work means you don't have to pay for it.
There should also be a clause in there that mentions storage fees and how much they will be unless there are no storage fees. if this is the case,the estimate should say there will be no storage fees unless the owner of the car doesn't pay his bill within 30 days of the work being finished.
If you/me/we are going to pay these professionals professional fees,they can damn sure conduct themselves in a professional manner.
Any shop owner refusing to do any or all of this should get a simple "No thanks!",and you should take your car somewhere you will get these guarantees.