What happens if you dropped your car off at the shop and you can't get your mechanic to finish the job? Or your truck is ready, but not at the price you originally agreed to pay? Is there anything you can do?
The I-Team asked Consumer Ed about what your legal rights are after hearing a complaint: a person says he dropped off his car, and got an estimate of $400. Six weeks later, it was finally ready, but for $880.
What does the law say? If the mechanic has worked on the car and you refuse to pay the bill, he can keep the car until you pay up.
If you think you are getting the "mechanic runaround," the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection says do three things before you leave the shop: put in writing that you are paying under protest. Have the shop put in writing why the work was either done without your authorization or why it went so far above the original estimate. Also, leave the shop with your old parts in hand.
John Sours, the head of consumer protection and who runs the Ask Consumer Ed newsletter says you need to do a lot of work before your car is worked on.
"You need to investigate the mechanic you're dealing with. Many have experience ratings with the BBB. You can get that quickly cheaply. Do it. Ask for references, friend or neighbor. How'd it go? How close to the original estimate," said Sours.
It's not foolproof but it's a start. Before you leave your car with a mechanic, get an estimate in writing. Also, get in writing an agreement the shop will call you before they begin repairs or if the repairs go beyond that estimate.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:56:24 GMT
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap.
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap. If you have more than one child who needs braces, you have quite an expense on your hands—but FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle found some ways to make it a little more manageable.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
The FOX 5 I-Team found a pattern of payments and perks to one family by the local district attorney's office, and it's a pattern that has critics crying favoritism.
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John Sours of the Governor's Office of Consumer Protection.
