Issue with mechanic
Hi there,
Looking for some advice please.
We dropped our car to a mechanic last Friday, having confirmed with them that they could change a part related to the clutch area, which we provided. Another mechanic had started the work but was unable to finish as shut down by the council (very dodgy I know).
This new garage we went to had previously done work for me a few years ago, on a different vehicle, no issue.
We were told the work would be quick, as it was a small job. We tried to speak to the manager when we dropped it there on Friday, but only the receptionist was available.
We called on Monday to get an idea of where it was at- we were not given any info, just told "it's ok the queue".
Today we get a call and are told the work comes to 1200. We are shocked. We honestly expected 200e. We asked what had been done, as we had not authorised anything outside of the part being changed. We get a call back and we were told the whole clutch was changed, which we had not requested and had been assured was not needed, by a different mechanic.
I just looked up Google reviews, and it seems this garage are well versed in this- so many reviews say they overcharge, do unauthorised work and basically hold your car ransom. Many people have said they needed to get more work done afterwards. I feel like an idiot for not checking beforehand, but they had done a good job a few years ago.
Anyways, now we are wondering what to do. We do not want to pay 1200, and are furious they didn't check with us first. We never authorised any of this. Had they said it needed a new clutch we would have gone somewhere else, as it didn't make sense.
Have we a leg to stand on?
We are thinking of going out to them to see a detailed invoice, and offering maybe 300e cash. Can they call the guards? Should we pursue small claims court?
Any advice much appreciated!!