Thinking of suing garage...any thoughts? Options

[broderp]

I have been having a garage do the welding work for my Celica.

See my thread here:
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=88228&hl=

All was well, until I got my car home. It all looked ok from the outside, but I noticed that the part they welded that supports the headlights and the bumper cover was crooked. They told me all the parts fit and the bumper goes on just fine, but in fact it didn't. When I went to install my headlights, the metal support was rubbing very tightly on the headlight.

I managed to install the bumper cover, but fit ok on the left side but there were huge gaps on the right were most of the damage was. There were other smaller issues as well, but this was major.

I took it back and showed them everything. They said they would fix it. I got the car back 4 days later. It looked great and I drove off. It rained and the weather was bad, so I didn't work on the car for a few days. I open the hood to see what work I needed to do and I find that they didn't fix any of the crooked welding. They simply replaced the oem bolts with long generic ones and used washers to force the cover up into the proper position!

I could have done that! Am I wrong in expecting them to be able to weld the part and weld it correctly? Or am I over reacting?

I'll post the pictures when I get a moment.

[Galcobar]

Documentation is indeed your friend -- photographs are crucial. I also suggest getting comparison photographs of undamaged versions of the various parts so you can demonstrate what is wrong.

Suing is the last option, not least because it's expensive and slow. Attempt to resolve the issue -- and after each meeting, send an e-mail summarizing the issues, any discussion had in person or over the phone, and what was agreed to happen next, or what you see as deficiencies still to be corrected. Better yet, start the discussion via e-mail and try to elicit explanations before going back in person to engage in verbal (aka undocumented) discussions. If you do sue, this documentation is proof you acted in good faith and tried to resolve the situation before resorting to the courts.

If personal discussions don't work, try the Better Business Bureau. If the shop values its reputation this can be an effective tool, and adds an objective third party. Further, if the BBB decides to cite the business as failing to offer satisfaction you can use this in any lawsuit.

You might also look into whether any of your local media are interested in consumer advocacy. The glare of the camera lights often has a salutary effect on the business' disposition.

This post has been edited by Galcobar: Jan 5, 2013 - 9:26 AM