Advice re AWOL car mechanic

[ceaddas]

I needed some work doing on my car, and got a recommendation of a small local garage, great reviews on Google.

Vehicle went in, unfortunately then repair delayed due to Covid, which I understood. Call again for an update last week, took a while to get hold of them but spoke on Thursday - arranged to pick up Monday, but left it that I would call to confirm time. Come Monday, called to arrange a time, no answer, so left a voicemail on mobile and landline. No call back and no answer again Tuesday morning so I went there, place is all shut up, car is there but not repaired and filler cap off (in the rain!) and all fuel has been drained. Cannot get hold of the mechanic.

It's a Limited Company, still trading per Companies House, but facebook page has now gone. Unfortunately I don't have spare keys, mechanic has the only set, so I can't take the car even if I wanted to. Still can't get hold of him, calls going straight to voicemail, but my text and whatsapp messages are showing as read. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions please?

Keep going down there at various times of day. If no response still, call a recovery vehicle. You can get the barrels and locks changed (although it’s a pain) by an auto locksmith as long as you have proof the vehicle is yours.

Obviously don’t pay for any work, until you’ve had it assessed by an independent mechanic.

Print screen texts as they can be deleted from both ends

Thank you for the fast replies.
@Em8725, its about half an hour away so logistically difficult to visit often without a car. I got a lift yesterday. Rural area so not much in the way of public transport unfortunately. If I go with my log book and maybe call AA for recovery, would that work, do you think? Presumably I could try and recover costs through small claims?

@Violetmo0n, top tip thanks! I've done that.

I’d call a locksmith/AA and see what they need from you. They may accept it over an email and meet you there?

Has it got a valid MOT? I’ve had customers with issues in the past getting recovered if they don’t have a valid MOT.

I should think you have a good chance of reclaiming money if you’ve got proof you’ve tried to collect the car reasonably. You’ve tried calling, texting, visiting etc.

I work in a garage and I couldn’t ever imagine being this uncontactable without good reason, without letting the customer know in advance!

Take photos of the car before you get it recovered. Prove the fuel cap was off as it may cause issues down the line if water gets into the fuel system (I’m not 100% sure though!)

If I go with my log book and maybe call AA for recovery, would that work, do you think?

You may need proof of ownership rather than just the log book. I’m not sure the AA will carry out this type of recovery, you can ask them.

Also, the places I’ve dealt with for theft relevant parts ie barrels and locks, want logbook, driving license, and bill in the matching names and address, and a signed letter to say you’ve requested the parts. I don’t know if that’s the same with an auto locksmith, as I usually deal with the manufacturers.

How are you getting on? I had my fingers crossed you’d hear back from them today.