If it’s been a while since you have taken your car to the dealership for repair, you’re probably thinking, “how long can a dealership hold your car for repair?” Mostly, insurance and warranty require the car to be fixed within 15-20 days with a maximum of 30 days (cumulatively).
What happens if you leave a car at a repair shop?
The general rule that covers pretty much anything to do with your vehicle when it’s left at a repair centre (with their authorization) is referred to as “care and custody.” Simply put, your shop and its employees are expected to exercise the same care and protection of your property as they would their own, with some …
How long does your car stay at the shop?
Answer: Generally, the average car repair lasts for at least 12 days. Of course, this the time your car is in the repair shop, depending on the kind of repair that you are getting. You want to ask your body shop tech or owner for a more specific amount of time that your car should be fixed.
Can I just leave my car at the mechanic?
Yes. Your mechanic has the legal right to keep your car until you pay the entire repair bill. This is referred to as a mechanic’s lien or garageman’s lien, which basically secures payment to the repair shop for the repairs that have been provided.
Can you negotiate with a body shop?
Go to the auto body shop offering the lowest price and ask the manager for a 10 percent discount. If the manager is unwilling to negotiate, tell him you have obtained quotes from nearby shops and will take your business to one of them unless he lowers his price. He will most likely give you a discount.
Can I sue my mechanic for taking too long?
You would have to go to Small Claims or District Court, depending on the amount of money sued for. You will probably need another mechanic to look at the car and tell you how much it is going to cost to finish it. You would sue the mechanic for the cost to finish minus the $500 you haven’t paid him yet.
When a mechanic is taking too long?
When you find out the repair is going to take longer than expected, talk with the mechanic and ask why the delay has occurred and when you can reasonably expect the car to be done. Stay calm, polite and friendly and expect the same in return.
How long do body shop repairs take?
However, even cosmetic repairs can take time because an expert body shop will put in the effort to match the paint used for repair work with the colour of your car. Repair work for minor collisions can take on average one to two weeks to complete, but smaller jobs like scratch removal may be completed sooner.
What should you not say to a mechanic?
I recommend vehicle owners shouldn’t say to their mechanics:
- ‘Just do what it needs. ‘ This can leave a vehicle owner open for a very expensive repair. …
- ‘I don’t know anything about cars. ‘ While many people may feel this way, I never believe it.
What can I do if my car is too expensive to fix?
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your mechanic or service center. Inquire about any available discounts to see if you can save money on the total repair costs. This may not always be possible, but it’s worth a shot. You may even be able to apply for a payment plan instead of facing a lump sum payment.
Can you negotiate at car shop?
Dealers make bigger profits on finance deals, so let them negotiate the car’s value on that basis. You can decline the finance deal once you’ve agreed on a price. If you’re struggling to get a discount but really want the car, offer to buy it there and then. A quick sale may help you agree a price.
How do you negotiate with a car shop?
5 Steps to Negotiate a Better Price for Car Repairs
- Understand the issue. There’s a difference between feeling like the mechanic’s estimate is too high, and knowing so. …
- Leverage the facts. …
- Get quotes from the competition. …
- Offer to provide the parts yourself. …
- Get car repair financing. …
- Slash Your Insurance Costs.