So this guy has had my TT for 3 weeks to replace the water pump. He has done stuff to my cars before, and while he's not the fastest mechanic in the world, he usually gets my car back to me in a relatively timely fashion. But now every time I call he's got a different excuse...most recent one "im actually in the hospital right now. my wife just hit a deer." now he has stopped answering his phone and hasn't been returning my calls.

What do I do? At what point do I take legal action?

 

Have you driven over and tried to talk to him face to face?

 

^^^ Talk in person and do it asap. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Set a deadline of 5 days more and tell this person that. After that either get some legal help or just "pick your car up as is" (if you have an extra key).

I would guess they screwed something up and messed up the engine or something and have been trying to fix it. Or maybe crashed? Who knows, but that is more likely then it being stolen.

Is it a shop or just a guy? If it's a shop I wouldn't worry too much, I don't think someone would be willing to go to jail over a 9 year old car.

 

Man that's rough... You can't trust anyone anymore.

 

Hope he didn't start the car with the timing belt off time...that would be my guess seeing that he worked on the water pump.

 

Got a hold of him today...got the "in a day or two" again. I'm so frustrated. I just miss taking corners with it

I think it will all work out

 

This is exactly one reason I do all my own work on my car.

 

--Seriously... can't just trust any monkey holding a spanner anymore. Had a gearhead re-seal my oil pan with silicone for $100 and 2 weeks later the damn thing leaks like a sieve...
--Now, all repairs/upgrades/diagnostics are done by "ol' #1" me. If something gets messed-up, then the "blame-game" gets simpler to play.

Seeing as your car is worth more than this guy's whole trailer... I'de be putting some serious pressure on him for your vehicle back.

 

face to face is the best way to go. if that doesnt work, eat his children!!

 

Who do you think I am? Mike Tyson?

"You know I don't usually do interviews unless I fornicate with the reporter before. So are we gonna, you know?"---Mike at his finest