Put my car in for its MOT last week and got it back same day, just rcvd a bill for £250!

[flier]

I was not advised that any work had been needed for it to complete its mot. Where do I stand, and what should I do first?

I would be asking the garage why they didn't ring you to let you know it was likely to fail its MOT (as presumably that's why repairs have been done) and tell you what repairs were required and how much each part was plus labour and VAT, and also why they thought it acceptable to undertake the work without permission from you?!! Possibly seek advice from CAB or trading standards?

The garage I use did this when our car was serviced recently, they rang me each time they found a problem - gave the price of repair and labour, told me whether it desperately needed the work or not (i.e it needed new radiator and they said this needed doing urgently and also a section of exhaust was corroded but exhaust wasn't blowing so wasn't urgently needed). They then waited on my say so before doing what I asked.

It is very unusual for a garage to do that. the usual drill is for you (or them) to say when booking it in "any minor repairs up to £50" (or whatever) "just get on and do them"

That saves you having to go back another day to fix a blown bulb or worn wiper.

It is normal for them to phone and ask what to do if there is a repair required above the agreed limit. For all they know you are handy with a spanner and can change a bald tyre, fit new shock absorbers or brake pads, or whatever.

Either they have made a mistake, or they are trying to take advantage.

If this is the garage you regularly use, phone the service manager and say you don't think they have acted correctly. Calmly and politely, of course. Then stop. Don't say any more and wait for him to reply.

If you are not satisfied, never go back.

BTW if they did the work withgout your instructions, you are only obliged to pay "a reasonable amount" so you need to know what it was. I hope they gave you an invoice with breakdown of parts and labour. if not they are on sticky ground and they know it. Don't take your car back until this is resolved as they are allowed to keep it untiul you have paid and charge you storage fees and even sell it for scrap

You need to get a reciept for the work done - then get another mechanic to gve it a lookover and see if the work listed has actualy been done.

Then complain loudly because all they were 'sposed to do was the MOT.

thanks for the replies. Thinking on it, I think they did the same last year. It's a small. local garage. I picked the car up the day it was done, keys were left in the ignition, they didn't even phone to say it was finished.
Think I will have to pay them a visit on Monday, as feel I'm being taken for a ride, regardless of wether or not the work was required