Cowboy mechanics - PICS!

[jimbooboo]

AUTO P FECT based in Wath South Yorkshire is the abortion clinic in question.

Had my service with them just before Christmas which was fine, I was happy with it and thought they'd be good to do some other work in the new year..

Skip forward to today (Saturday 11th Jan) and I am absolutely baffled by the utter ****e quality of service I received.

I handed in my car on the Thursday for:
Timing belt
Upper Drivers side control arms (as there was a knocking going over small bumps)
Front Passenger side wheel bearing (there was *is* a lot of vibration and wurring noise when any load was applied to that side of the car)


Picked the car up and paid them, happily as I thought the noise had gone and everything was sorted, about 200 yards up the road I noticed all the issues were still present so I rang him on the way home and he said the Rear Drivers side needed doing too despite not telling me this when I picked it up which would meant he noise wasn't coming from the front passenger side..

I thought they would have tested it out and then worked out which one needed replacing.. NOPE

Of course, he "would be happy to replace the back one too"..


So anyway I got home an had a look round and noticed the bumper alignment was completely off with massive gaps everywhere mainly between lights and bonnet.

Strangely, there was a load of sikkoflex on the passenger side headlamp between the edge and the bumper and I have no idea why, Its like they were trying to glue it in place or something.. Anyway it looks a complete hash. Also, where the bumper meets the wing it doesn't sit flush either..

Upon opening the bonnet I noticed MORE things such as:

1. Excessive movement in NS & OS headlight units (they wobble about and not fixed in properly at all)
2. Mechanic has screwed angle iron into the headlight housing and then to the cowling
3. Missing screw cap on engine cover
4. Bent bracket holding headlight connection blocks
5. Random bit of polythene stuffed under bonnet seal (i presume to insulate a wire terminal wtf)
6. OS wing next to headlight has been bent
7. Coolant below minimum even after waterpump change
8. One of the top mount bolt washers has been replaced with some stupidly oversize washer and the bolt head is unsupported at one side

Heres the hideous bracket doing absolutely **** all:


Heres that stupid pointless bit of polythene under the seal and you can see just how badly fitted the bumper is:


You might be able to make out the sikkaflex, but you can definitely see the massive gap


Nice bent bracket, not much but thats not the point. Why not bend it back?




They've also *lost* one engine cover screw cap and the rubber part of the passenger side fog light surround

All in all I am throughly ****** off. I rang them up after I got home today and spoke to the owner and he can't understand the reason behind the bracket and sikkoflex (as he didn't carry out the work) so I have to go in as soon as its convenient and he'll take a look.

Where do I stand in all this? Anyone have any legal advice? I really don't feel comfortable with them carrying out more work so would rather they financially reimburse me and I go elsewhere.

I'm going to have the wheel off tomorrow and see if they have actually replaced the wheel bearing seen as its still so loud when driving.


Will keep you updated with pics or more stuff I find tomorrow!


Cheers, James

 

[lynallbel]

The garage itself might be okay work wise, but its the mechs that make the place tick, and what hes probably done is stick a boy or someone who hasnt got a clue on your car.
I would take the car and see him, if hes any good it will all be fixed asap foc as it should be.
In my mechs mind I am thinking if thats the std of work you can see, whats the cam belt like!

 

[Av4nt]

indeed whats the cambelt like!? and legally..when you took the car in it is the garages responsibility to ensure the car is kept AS IT IS when you left it with them and not pass it back in any other way than how it was! Especially stuff that shouldnt even be tampered with! I would be trundling in their with a fkin nail gun if it was me.. sorry they have messed you about its not on!

 

[dualmono21]

i live just up the road in birdwell , barnsley
cant say i know the place to be honest , but from the pics i wont say thats a bad thing
let us know how you go on about getting it rectified
if your not happy try avg technics in doncaster they are superb

 

[voorhees]

James,you should have gone for an VAG specialist as they are obviously not specialised
Citizens Advice - Problems with the quality of garage repairs or service

interesting snippet from that site
Extra protection with a credit card and debit card

If you pay for the repair or service by credit card, and if the work costs more than £100, you are protected by s.75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Section 75 makes the card provider as responsible as the dealer if something goes wrong. You are entitled to take action against the dealer, the card provider or both. This does not apply to charge cards or debit cards.

If you use a debit card to pay for the repair or service or if you use a credit card and the price of the work is less that £100 (your rights under s.75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 would not apply) you may be able to take advantage of the chargeback scheme.

 

[Craig Cull]

That's shocking! Rough b*stards! Makes you wonder how places like that servive! Is that little bracket for the headlight? If it is you want a full new headlight. They've obviously snapped a bracket of some sort.

Get a quote from someone else for a full rectification of the work carried out. Then take it to him and tell him this is what it's going to cost. Either pay for it or I'll see you in court. That's what I would be doing mate!

Shocking!!!

 

[Paul B7]

That's evidence of some of the roughest work I have seen and one reason I have been using the same VAG specialist for the majority of my car work these last seventeen years.
Good luck and I truly hope you get this mess sorted.


Paul B7

 

[Molnboman]

No need for me to give my opinion on your heartache....what pile of sh#t! Shouldn't we create a sticky thread highlighting recommended indie Audi Garages regionally? I know it may be a bit political because of Forum sponsors, but if it stops sh#t like this happening again. I think it would be a major benefit to all members in future.

Just a thought.

BR
A

 

[voorhees]

Shouldn't we create a sticky thread highlighting recommended indie Audi Garages regionally? I know it may be a bit political because of Forum sponsors, but if it stops sh#t like this happening again. I think it would be a major benefit to all members in future.

Just a thought.

BR
A

Recommended garage sticky is a good call,do you want to start it ? recommend one in ermm Sweden lol

The thing we wouldn't want is people chipping in with crap garages just in case we are open to legal proceedings.

 

[Molnboman]

Recommended garage sticky is a good call,do you want to start it ? recommend one in ermm Sweden lol

The thing we wouldn't want is people chipping in with crap garages just in case we are open to legal proceedings.

Hehehe, I could give you two in Sweden but the petrol / diesel used to get there from the Old Country maybe a bit cost prohibitive! Yes, you are right about getting exposed if there is an issue, however, as long as you are sensible and put a Massive disclaimer at the top of the thread, I think legally there would be no recourse. Maybe you could only recommend a garage after you have made a certain amount of postings on the Forum or have been a member for over a certain period of time.

I am fortunate, I don't need garages up here...I know the good ones and I know the chancers....I just hate to see other members getting stung by cowboys when it could be so easily avoided.

BR
A

 

[Craig Cull]

Recommended garage sticky is a good call,do you want to start it ? recommend one in ermm Sweden lol

The thing we wouldn't want is people chipping in with crap garages just in case we are open to legal proceedings.

Maybe recommended garages's as apose to crap garages would be a little safer legally lol

 

[hades-]

wow

 

[desertstorm]

Wow, I would be really worried about the job they have done on the cambelt if that is what they have done to put it back together , thats a joke.Looks like they have had an apprentice on it.
What is that bracket supposed to be doing. It looks like a self tapping screw into the headlight casing. That is liable to leak water and let it into the headlight. I would be asking for a new headlight.
Nothing wrong with having a thread on places not to go. Just as long as they have a link to a thread like this.
It seems that the OP would have recommended this place initially as he took his car back there.

Karl.

 

[jimbooboo]

I'm glad you all share the same opinion as me and agree this is unacceptable.

I will hopefully go see them tomorrow but I can't guarantee it as I start a new job and wouldn't wanna push it.

If I do go see them I really do hope they won't turn round and give me the cold shoulder and tell me to **** off. But If they do I have plenty of evidence I think to take them to court as well as a lawyer friend who can give me advice. I need to take some more pictures as there are still things that I haven't shown.


But based on the work I CAN see, I'm really dubious about the work that I cant.. mainly the cam-belt.

I noticed today that one of the boots on the upper passenger side control arm was ripped which I don't recall seeing before. There's some scratch marks around that area where it mates with the stantion? (the wheel hub housing?) They did do the wheel bearing so maybe they damaged that in the process too who knows, but it has fresh scratches.

Preparing for the worse, if the garage does happen to tell me to **** off, where do I stand legally? What if they turn round and say half the stuff was already like that?


Cheers, James

 

[Luke2.0tdi2010]

What a complete and utter JOKE!!! I would take it back to the garage and demand your money back or else (as a threat, initially) you will be seeking legal advice! Shocking doesn't even cut it, I'd be absolutely F****** fuming!! (Well I already am...lol and it ain't even my car)
Really hope you get it sorted, without too much hassle.

 

[jimbooboo]

What a complete and utter JOKE!!! I would take it back to the garage and demand your money back or else (as a threat, initially) you will be seeking legal advice! Shocking doesn't even cut it, I'd be absolutely F****** fuming!! (Well I already am...lol and it ain't even my car)
Really hope you get it sorted, without too much hassle.

It really is mate. Its actually laughable I just cannot work it out..

 

[Mike_B]

Looking at your pictures on P/bucket, the one of the drivers side wing and headlight - it looks to me as though the mounting bracket is broken - assuming that to be the same on the passenger side then it would explain "Excessive movement in NS & OS headlight units (they wobble about and not fixed in properly at all)".

I'm baffled - and await your news with interest. Mike

 

[leegsi]

So what was the outcome?

 

[V6 Quatt]

What's the latest?? just read unbelievable I would be drafting a big bill up for that mess...good luck

 

[jimbooboo]

Hi all, been a little busy and not had much time to deal with them.. Started a new job monday etc

I have since noticed that they have split the boot on one of the upper control arm links on the passenger side, the same side they replaced the wheel bearing on.


I have called them to try speak to the owner but hes usually never in and always end up speaking to the manager.

The feedback at this point is:

- They accept the issue with the ball joint and will 'happily' replace it.

- The plastic in the seal "was left there to remind him to tape it up"

- The bracket in the headlight was to stop the headlight wobbling (even though it still wobbles and does **** all, the rear headlight fixing point on the headlight inst even secured)

- The bumper didn't align because its had a bump previously (even though me and my friend got it bob on when i replaced the headlights)

- The engine screw cap cover was already missing

- The ***wet*** sikkoflex was already there

- Usual fluff basically


I have have also noticed that hes butchered the Kufatec xenon harness on the drivers side. I get insane interference on the radio now when the headlights are on. I think they've chopped it and joined it back together with spade connectors and not even insulated them. Why they needed to do this I do not know seen as they just unplug..

I went to a VAG specialist just up the road and he thought it was unbelievable. I will be getting a quote from him to sort the rest of the work out.



Cheers, James

 

[jimbooboo]

Ive had the front passenger side wheel bearing off to see if they have actually done the work because the whiring/rubbing noise still remains and it does look like a new bearing so I know that's been done.

Ive taken a few more pics of the handy work:


Hole in headlight that I didn't notice before



Bent Drivers side wing as mentioned before



Ripped control arm boot that they did when doing the wheel bearing (so far the only thing they've said they will fix)



My butchered and badly/not insulated Kufatec Xenon harness



The new washer they decided to use for my top mounts. An excellent fit, wouldn't you say?

 

[voorhees]

Its just gets worse,did not think it was possible but it has

 

[lynallbel]

The control arm pinch bolt has been over tightened as the bolt is bent.
In light of the extra things you keep finding, I would in your case get someone else to check the cambelt side of things asap

 

[lee_fr200]

Oh my days I feel for you but you've also got to laugh at there shoddy workmanship! I'd certainly be going in and going through every problem with them and make them repair it in front of you and to your satisfaction,

 

[voorhees]

I'd certainly be going in and going through every problem with them and make them repair it in front of you and to your satisfaction,

You are joking aren't you ? I would think after the first visit my car would never enter that "workshop" ever again.

 

[DieselJake]

Hope this works out, had similar things happen myself but never followed through.

 

[Mike_B]

I dont get it - does the control arm have to come off to change a bearing? How on earth did the headlamp get what appears to be a large slot cut into it? Not to mention what seems to be broken top mounting brackets on both?

Updates awaited.

 

[jimbooboo]

Quick Update..

So I booked my car in 8 days ago to and arranged to see the NEW mechanic (at another garage) today, that I was intending to give me a quote to rectify the original faults. I was booked in for 4:30pm

I got there at 4:20pm and he said he was too busy to carry out the work as he had other "paying" jobs on that had to be completed.

This ****** me of massively as I arrange to leave work 1hr 40mins early in order get there in time as its a 1hr drive home + 10 mins to the garage. I will have to work back this time, which is a waste seen as it has been a completely pointless experience. Not only that, I will have to arrange MORE time off in order to see another mechanic.

I have absolutely no faith in any mechanics anymore and I'm thoroughly ****** off. What a ****ing joke.


Does anyone know of any mechanics who:
- Are based in either Leeds or Barnsley
- Open beyond 5pm and/or open saturday
- Are not useless
- care about their reputation


Also, if anyone has any suggestions regarding the legal aspect of things, please feel free to share them.



Thanks, James

 

[s3_trev]

I am absolutely lost for words with this. You would just like to go in there with a minigun and shoot the place to ****!

 

[jimbooboo]

Absolutely...

While this new mechanic hasn't really done anything wrong he has inconvenienced me and I won't be returning to him for that very reason. Shame because he is a good mechanic too.

I just don't have time for people that **** me over or waste my time.

 

[lynall]

Ask around at work or your mates someones bound to know someone.
Was that a new mech in the same garage or a new mech in another garage?

 

[jimbooboo]

Ask around at work or your mates someones bound to know someone.
Was that a new mech in the same garage or a new mech in another garage?

It was a new mechanic at another garage

 

[hades-]

sheffield anygood for you ?
with the lads that work on all my cars from escos to audis never had a problem in all the 20 years iv used them
but you would have to leave the car with them
and would be mates rates with no recipte of a discount with full invoice for any county court claim you may make.

 

[jimbooboo]

Sheffield isn't too bad I guess..

Live just off Junc 36 on the M1


Sounds good though mate I shall keep that in mind

 

[hades-]

List what u need doing I'll ask my pal
But once the bumper is off from the looks of it I'd say 1 or maybe 2 headlights from the pictures but once off they may be ok

 

[stevegrass777]

What shocking work,the wing sticks out to me as the highest priced damage ,to replace that with an Audi galvernized panel and get it painted properly would cost way more than a timing belt and tensioners and water pump.
Nobody would mind the odd clip broken or something as long as it was put back in a good condition but that repair on them wires looks very very poor,
It really does make you wonder what the timing belt is like,hopefully they put the good guy on the belt and the one with the Labrador and white stick just sellotaped and glued everything back together.
That reminds me wtf was he doing putting a screw in the top of the light.
I know Audi and VW can be hard to work on if it's your first time but with YouTube and instructions on the internet everywhere this is poor.
And putting a screw in a sealed headlight is just stupid.
It makes you wonder if they backed in it or something or dropped a ramp on it,how on earth did they damage that wing like that.
I am going to come down there and beat the wing out with your head until you tell me what really happened!

 

[jimbooboo]

Just a quick update:

I've received a quote for the damage and work that needs to be rectified and it now totals £404.16 including the bend wing damage.

I'll be typing up some emails and formal documents etc to go down the legal route.

It's sad that its come to this, the cost of the new repair exceed the cost of the original work.


On the plus side though, got a few mates round Friday night (9pm onwards), cleared the garage out with beers, got the car in and replaced the rear OS bearing and the vibrations have gone completely all for 1/3 the cost of the mechanic..


Cheers, James

 

[CHEZ]

this picture below, speaks a thousand words of the outfit you are dealing with!

The new washer they decided to use for my top mounts. An excellent fit, wouldn't you say?


good luck, but please do not go back for work to be done!

 

[Artimus]

I've been in similar situations in the past and know how it feels to lose faith in such a manner! I feel for you & hope they get their comeuppance! Leave it to Karma & they will probably do something similar to the wrong type of character.

.

Recommended garage sticky is a good call,do you want to start it ? recommend one in ermm Sweden lol

The thing we wouldn't want is people chipping in with crap garages just in case we are open to legal proceedings.

The problem with recommendations is that members can nominate their (unknown to the rest of us) friends or family & earn a bonus! I doubt I'd trust it personally.

 

[lynallbel]

Now call me suspicous, but you got a cambelt and upper arm AND wheel bearing done for under 400 quid!
I know they didnt do all the work, BUT their quote did include all the above?
I have to ask, did you just go for the cheapest quote?