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Hi,

My issue all started when my car wouldn't start. When I turned the key, all lights lit up as normal and the engine would make its normal noise, but wouldn't ignite. So, I called a mobile mechanic service (found on google) and the mechanic diagnosed it to be the fuel pump (this took him less than 5 mins to diagnose). However, he said he could not replace the pump on site and the car will need to be towed to the workshop to be fully diagnosed and worked on. A woman from the shop then contacted me to say that she has organised for a tow truck, I asked how much it would cost for the repair, and she said they couldn't provide a quote until it was fully diagnosed at the workshop.

Once the car was at the workshop they provided the quote over the phone, which was initially $985 + GST for a full service, spark plugs, a new battery and shocks (apparently, it was leaking) PLUS labour. I told them that I only wanted the required work to get my car back on the road, so they removed the charge for the shocks reducing this to $610 + GST. I asked whether any other items included in the quote can be removed as I only wanted my car running again. The technician said no. I asked confirmation from the technician a number of times prior to approving this quote that the work they have quoted is work actually needed to get my car back on the road. He confirmed it was and explained that the full service was required as the previous mechanics that serviced my car did not do a proper job for a chain driven Toyota. He also mentioned that my battery was weak so needed to be replaced (he also said that he would give me back all the parts they replace so I can inspect - I never actually got these). I foolishly agreed to the repair, thinking I was getting professional advice.

After I paid and got my car back, I found out their company name (as it is different to their trade name and it could not be easily found on their website) and did a Google search. It was disappointing to find a number of complaints about the company overcharging for work not required. Now I am concerned that I have been treated the same way.

I've read similar questions regarding overcharging, and accept that I cannot challenge the prices quoted given that I approved it prior to them starting the work. However, I believe this case is different given that I specifically told them that I only wanted the required repairs to get my car back on the road and relied on their professional advice, otherwise I would not have agreed to the work being done if it was not required.

My first question is, would the above facts demonstrate false representation under section 13 (h) of the Fair Trading Act if it is found that the work they carried out was not actually required to fix the fault that I asked them to fix (engine wouldn't start), but was told it was required (i.e. needed).

My second question is, does AA provide services to inspect work done by mechanics to verify whether:
1. The work they have quoted was actually done.
2. The work carried out by them was, in fact, required to remedy the fault I wanted fixed. I already do not believe that the battery needed to be replaced to get my car to start given that all the lights and my stereo were working fine prior to them taking my car.

I note that the work was done yesterday and paid yesterday, and after multiple requests, I still have not received an invoice itemising the actual work done.

From your description, this certainly sounds like a case of more work being done than might have been necessary, however it may be difficult to prove after the fact and without the benefit of having the old parts.
In order to back up any potential action you might take against the repairer, it is important that you are provided with any parts that were replaced (including the battery), as requested by you.
As far as the servicing is concerned, did this include any tuning work (ie; spark plugs etc), as it is possible this could have been a contributing factor, but again, without evidence of the old parts, may be hard to prove or disprove.
I'm surprised that the bill has been paid without you receiving an invoice, as normally you would be presented with the invoice first, and I would insist on getting this (as you have been requesting).
Armed with the old parts and the invoice, you will then be in a better position to piece together the whole picture to see if you have been treated unfairly.
It may be possible to have an AA workshop (or another mechanic's opinion) to inspect the work, but firstly I think it's important to gather any evidence.