Damage from repair shop

[o2k]

Meineke did my timing belt about a month ago in my Volvo. I provided the parts. A few days ago I'm driving on the highway when my car just stops responding... I almost get into an accident.. I coast off at the next exit.. luckily near.. and end up being able to stop it at a someone safe area.

There is no crank when I tried to start it.. but I had full power from the battery. I thought it was maybe the alternator that had gone bad so I towed it to firestone. They did the testing on the electrical systems and found no problems.. They said they didn't know what was wrong with it.. So I had it towed to volvo. They are telling me the tensioner wasn't set right.. And the belt walked off.. Belt didn't break.

Volvo is saying my engine is done.. which apparently is the case in these cars when the belt comes off... It's going to need a new head, valves..etc.. $7100.. or more depending on what they need when they open it up.

I called the shop (located in upstate NY) that did it.. I told him the situation.. and he tells me, "we didn't do your timing belt.. we did your serpentine belt." I tell him, nope.. they did the timing belt.. I have the paperwork.. He tells me hell call me back.

He calls me back and tells me that the owner told me to tow it back to them. I said no. He said bring it in and they'll put the belt back on.. I told him I can't tow it because the car is at the volvo dealership in Long Island. So he said I can tow it to my nearest meineke and get it done.. I told him I'm no longer taking it back to meineke because they failed to do the job in the first place.. He said Ill get a call from the owner.

Next day I get a call from the owner.. he said to me that volvo charges more for labor he can refund me the money towards fixing the car at volvo. That isn't making sense to me... What about the damage?. and I am not interested in taking the car back to meineke.. I almost got in a car crash.. and I'm not happy about the whole situation.

I've been getting shit from a lot of the volvo members for taking it to meineke.. But I really can't disagree.. I didn't think a tensioner was out of their capability..

So.. How should I proceed with this situation with the damage? Do I have to take the car back to them or can I have them pay volvo to do it right?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

[Outlaw99]

this is a civil matter. not much leo's can do in here other than advise you to get a lawyer or take them to court.

 

[QuikHD]

I would take it back to them.

Why not give them a chance to make it right? Yeah, they screwed up, don't we all?

If there is engine damage, they wont simply be able to put the belt back on and send you on your way right? Then they will have to address that issue when the time comes.

 

[o2k]

oh boy.. newbie move.. I thought I was in roadside.. mods if you see this please move.

 

[Bronze123]

You need it to get it back to Meineke , sadly. I would look over your paper and see if the warranty applies to supplying your own parts. YES, i know the volvo dealer said it was not installed correctly. Ask Meineke is they have an claims specialist. These are folks who are third parties and examine the car, and talk to the tech. Normally whatever the claim specialist rules, is what happens.

Worse case scenario. get all your receipts from Meineke, Volvo dealer and whatever the claim specialist says. and possibly get ready for court.

 

[gt347mustang]

I stopped reading after you said "Meineke did my timing belt"...

Cliffs?

 

[o2k]

I would take it back to them.

Why not give them a chance to make it right? Yeah, they screwed up, don't we all?

If there is engine damage, they wont simply be able to put the belt back on and send you on your way right? Then they will have to address that issue when the time comes.

Well... My worst case fear is they replace the motor.. Cheapest one they find at a junkyard.. I've taken care of my care very well and would not want what ever crap
they decide to put in..

You need it to get it back to Meineke , sadly. I would look over your paper and see if the warranty applies to supplying your own parts. YES, i know the volvo dealer said it was not installed correctly. Ask Meineke is they have an claims specialist. These are folks who are third parties and examine the car, and talk to the tech. Normally whatever the claim specialist rules, is what happens.

Worse case scenario. get all your receipts from Meineke, Volvo dealer and whatever the claim specialist says. and possibly get ready for court.

Warranty doesn't apply to the parts.. But he said 1 year unlimited milage on his labor.. Not sure how it works if they didn't do it properly.

I stopped reading after you said "Meineke did my timing belt"...

Cliffs?

Lol! Cliffs.. Meineke ****ed up my car.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

 

[QuikHD]

Well... My worst case fear is they replace the motor.. Cheapest one they find at a junkyard.. I've taken care of my care very well and would not want what ever crap
they decide to put in..






Warranty doesn't apply to the parts.. But he said 1 year unlimited milage on his labor.. Not sure how it works if they didn't do it properly.








2

I'm sure you could step in long before the engine even gets removed from the car.

As a service business owner, I would never offer up money for someone else to "repair" my mistake. You have any idea how many customers have tried that one only to find out there was no problem and they only wanted to scam a refund??

Let them have a look at it, maybe it will all work out ok. Like I said, mistakes happen. Maybe they will bend over backwards and make you happy in the end.

 

[SVT F15O]

As a service business owner, I would never offer up money for someone else to "repair" my mistake. You have any idea how many customers have tried that one only to find out there was no problem and they only wanted to scam a refund??

Let them have a look at it, maybe it will all work out ok. Like I said, mistakes happen. Maybe they will bend over backwards and make you happy in the end.

^This^

 

[o2k]

I'm sure you could step in long before the engine even gets removed from the car.

As a service business owner, I would never offer up money for someone else to "repair" my mistake. You have any idea how many customers have tried that one only to find out there was no problem and they only wanted to scam a refund??

Let them have a look at it, maybe it will all work out ok. Like I said, mistakes happen. Maybe they will bend over backwards and make you happy in the end.

I guess it can't hurt.. I just had a hard time taking him seriously when he said hell give me a refund.. Seemed like he was just trying to get out of it.. But ill talk to him and see what he wants to do..

 

[RDJ]

I'm sure you could step in long before the engine even gets removed from the car.

As a service business owner, I would never offer up money for someone else to "repair" my mistake. You have any idea how many customers have tried that one only to find out there was no problem and they only wanted to scam a refund??

Let them have a look at it, maybe it will all work out ok. Like I said, mistakes happen. Maybe they will bend over backwards and make you happy in the end.

Seriously? he had the car TOWED to volvo. so you want him to pay to have it TOWED to meinike so they can look at it and say "gee nothing we can do" and then he will have to pay to have it towed back to the dealer?

this is the most idiotic thing I have read in quite sometime.

You sould post what service buisness you own so people can avoid it. if you screw up something as serious as my engine I am certainly not going to give you a second bite at the apple.

I guess it can't hurt.. I just had a hard time taking him seriously when he said hell give me a refund.. Seemed like he was just trying to get out of it.. But ill talk to him and see what he wants to do..

tell the owner of meinike that he can take his ass over to the volvo dealer and take a look at it if he wants. then give him the number of your attorney.

 

[QuikHD]

Seriously? he had the car TOWED to volvo. so you want him to pay to have it TOWED to meinike so they can look at it and say "gee nothing we can do" and then he will have to pay to have it towed back to the dealer?

this is the most idiotic thing I have read in quite sometime.

You sould post what service buisness you own so people can avoid it. if you screw up something as serious as my engine I am certainly not going to give you a second bite at the apple.



tell the owner of meinike that he can take his ass over to the volvo dealer and take a look at it if he wants. then give him the number of your attorney.

Wow, I just met someone who is perfect! Glad to know the world has people who don't make any mistakes.

With your attitude, I'd tell ya **** off. You seriously think this sort of thing NEVER happens? Let me know where your attitude gets you in life. Corporate world doesn't respond do excited customers....FACT

Yeah, if I owned the business and someone else ****ed with it after the problem happened....I'd tell ya tough luck. I would want to see it first hand untouched.

Besides, as a shop, he has insurance to pay for stuff like this.....give the guy a chance.

And BTW, MAYBE If he doesn't act like a jackass.....the shop owner may pay both tow bills....but you would have stepped on your own dick long before that!

 

[bdcardinal]

That really sucks. I had my t-belt done at the dealer along with serp belt, t-belt roller puller, tensioner, and water pump for under $700. The tensioner setting is dependent on the ambient temperature, bet they didn't do it properly.

If they do get a junkyard engine, make sure it is out of an R car at least.

 

[Machdup1]

Seriously? he had the car TOWED to volvo. so you want him to pay to have it TOWED to meinike so they can look at it and say "gee nothing we can do" and then he will have to pay to have it towed back to the dealer?

this is the most idiotic thing I have read in quite sometime.

You sould post what service buisness you own so people can avoid it. if you screw up something as serious as my engine I am certainly not going to give you a second bite at the apple.



tell the owner of meinike that he can take his ass over to the volvo dealer and take a look at it if he wants. then give him the number of your attorney.

All this.

 

[RDJ]

Wow, I just met someone who is perfect! Glad to know the world has people who don't make any mistakes. !

let the butt hurt flow through you man. I never said I was perfect and never said I didn't make mistakes

With your attitude, I'd tell ya **** off. You seriously think this sort of thing NEVER happens? Let me know where your attitude gets you in life. Corporate world doesn't respond do excited customers....FACT !

Who said anything about excited customers? I have very little problems with people I deal with but once they have screwed me they rarely get a second chance to do it again. ESPECIALLY if they cost me an engine. as far as where my "attitude gets me in life" I am doing quite well thank you for playing.

Yeah, if I owned the business and someone else ****ed with it after the problem happened....I'd tell ya tough luck. I would want to see it first hand untouched. !

and I would tell you the same thing I told him. to get your happy ass over to the volvo dealer because I would NOT have it towed back to your shop only to have to have it towed a FOURTH time, two of them being to the dealer. and if you blew me off I am sure the testimony of the other two shops that have already "touched" it would be worth their weight in gold at the courthouse. because I garauntee you if you told me "tough luck" that is where we would next meet.

Besides, as a shop, he has insurance to pay for stuff like this.....give the guy a chance. !

so let the insurance pay for the new engine to be put in by someone that knows what the hell they are doing.

And BTW, MAYBE If he doesn't act like a jackass.....the shop owner may pay both tow bills....but you would have stepped on your own dick long before that!

actually it would be FOUR tow bills or did you miss where it has already been towed twice?

I gather from this response that you do what a lot of people do, and that is open your pie hole without actually reading the entire OP.

 

[2KBlackGT]

I think you should give them the opportunity to make it right.

 

[QuikHD]

let the butt hurt flow through you man. I never said I was perfect and never said I didn't make mistakes
Who said anything about excited customers? I have very little problems with people I deal with but once they have screwed me they rarely get a second chance to do it again. ESPECIALLY if they cost me an engine. as far as where my "attitude gets me in life" I am doing quite well thank you for playing.
and I would tell you the same thing I told him. to get your happy ass over to the volvo dealer because I would NOT have it towed back to your shop only to have to have it towed a FOURTH time, two of them being to the dealer. and if you blew me off I am sure the testimony of the other two shops that have already "touched" it would be worth their weight in gold at the courthouse. because I garauntee you if you told me "tough luck" that is where we would next meet.
so let the insurance pay for the new engine to be put in by someone that knows what the hell they are doing.
actually it would be FOUR tow bills or did you miss where it has already been towed twice?

I gather from this response that you do what a lot of people do, and that is open your pie hole without actually reading the entire OP.

Butt hurt....yeah you do still need to grow up.

OP, good luck hope you use some common sense on this. Some of these guys will just cause more complications.

Just remember, the guy didn't "Screw you" like the above poster "thinks", he "screwed up" big difference. Let him make it right before you start demanding things and telling him to meet your criteria.

 

[RDJ]

Butt hurt....yeah you do still need to grow up..

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I am not the one that responded to critism with a childish rant.

Just remember, the guy didn't "Screw you" like the above poster "thinks", he "screwed up" big difference. Let him make it right before you start demanding things and telling him to meet your criteria.

where, exactly did I say they screwed the op? I didn't.

they did screw up, and the op can, if he wishes, have it towed back to meinike and have them take a look at it. but they are NOT engine people they are exhaust people who want people to think they can do it all. and as shown by this experience they failed at it, and failed hard.

They are not engine builders, and they are not engine repair experts. I would not let them touch another engine for my car under any circumstances.

and as the victim of the "screw up" I have every right to demand certain things from the guy who "screwed up". having it repaired by a quality shop is certainly a reasonable demand.

if it was a minor screw up with minor consequences I would agree with your thinking but this is far from a minor screw up

 

[QuikHD]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I am not the one that responded to critism with a childish rant.
where, exactly did I say they screwed the op? I didn't.

they did screw up, and the op can, if he wishes, have it towed back to meinike and have them take a look at it. but they are NOT engine people they are exhaust people who want people to think they can do it all. and as shown by this experience they failed at it, and failed hard.

They are not engine builders, and they are not engine repair experts. I would not let them touch another engine for my car under any circumstances.

and as the victim of the "screw up" I have every right to demand certain things from the guy who "screwed up". having it repaired by a quality shop is certainly a reasonable demand.

if it was a minor screw up with minor consequences I would agree with your thinking but this is far from a minor screw up

Didnt you say "once they have screwed me they rarely get a second chance to do it again." I must have taken that out of context?


I'm not saying let them fix the car.....Let them fix the situation.

Take it back there, let them throw a belt back on it and find out the engine is ****ed.

THEN, you have a leg to stand on when they were the ONLY ones who touched it. It would hold up much better in court if you NEVER let anyone else touch it.

AFTER they realize that THEY ****ed up the engine, you can now start your demands. Then take it to a corporate level with them.

You are 100% right, IMO they have no business doing major engine repairs. Brakes, alternators, batterys, tires, exhaust....thats what they need to stick to.

IF we already know the engine is ****ed, we already know this repair is going to fall into their lap. Reimbursment for towing should also be refunded as well. Lets face it, its going to end up in the hands of lawyers at some point.

Without letting them look at it in their shop will hurt your case. I know because I had a issue with a vehicle I bought that had the wrong engine in it (someone swapped a 6.0L out and put in a 5.3L).....My case wasnt rewarded quite as high because of the level of doubt the defendent kept complaining about.....he didnt get his chance to examine the vehicle after the problem was found.

 

[RDJ]

Didnt you say "once they have screwed me they rarely get a second chance to do it again." I must have taken that out of context?

yes you did, context is everything.

I'm not saying let them fix the car.....Let them fix the situation.

Take it back there, let them throw a belt back on it and find out the engine is ****ed.

THEN, you have a leg to stand on when they were the ONLY ones who touched it. It would hold up much better in court if you NEVER let anyone else touch it.

the DEALER has already said the engine is ****ed. did you miss that part?

AFTER they realize that THEY ****ed up the engine, you can now start your demands. Then take it to a corporate level with them.

we already know the engine is ****ed seeing as how it was towed to the dealer and they have looked at the car.

Without letting them look at it in their shop will hurt your case. I know because I had a issue with a vehicle I bought that had the wrong engine in it (someone swapped a 6.0L out and put in a 5.3L).....My case wasnt rewarded quite as high because of the level of doubt the defendent kept complaining about.....he didnt get his chance to examine the vehicle after the problem was found.

the owner can certainly go to the dealer to look at the car. his car is busted so it is not comparable to your situation, unless there are details you are not sharing. YOUR car was drivable so you could have very well driven it to the "defendents" place of business for verification. the OP in this case can't and now has two independent witnesses that his car was screwed because of the work that meinike did. personally I would not hesitate tot take that to court if I needed to.