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Our car recently stopped and was towed ($50) to a garage for repair. They found a gasket problem which was leaking oil into the spark plugs and replaced this at a cost of $100.

We then were told the car had "no spark" and would require an auto electrician. The car was again towed ($50) to the auto electrician who, after some elimination, discovered the camshaft was snapped and not an electrical problem after all ($100 for diagnosis).

We now have to have the car towed ($50) back to the mechanic.

My question is, should the mechanic be liable for the costs to and from the auto electrician and for diagnosis there?

Should they have not checked mechanical options after fixing the leaking gasket initially?

Any advice would be gratefully accepted as we have now spent $300 on a car that is probably not going to be worthwhile fixing.

Mel

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 25 September 2009

Firstly you would have to think long and hard about giving the car back to the original garage as they should have done the same checks as the auto electrician.

To answer your question; I think some sort of compromise needs to be agreed. You are owed a refund of the original job or you could negotiate an appropriate discount if you let them carry out the repair work now required.

Anyone can make an incorrect diagnosis from time to time but this garage should be coming up with the options to help restore your faith in their mechanical abilities not you.