Mechanics lein??
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2
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Mechanics lein??
Does anyone know, can a mechanic put a lein or charge you for work done even after they give you back your truck?
I took my truck to a local shop for the check engine light. I was getting code P0303. He replaced the spark plugs and reset the code. I paid my first bill. The next day the engine light came back on again, I took it back to him. They replaced the spark plug wires and reset code. That same day the light came on again so I took it back the next morning. He said he doesnt know why the engine light keeps coming on when it doesnt when he drives it. During the time they had my truck it seems like they were using it as a parts truck to run errands. They used a whole tank of gas ($80/supreme) and ran to the city that is almost 40 miles away. They left tie downs in the bed that werent mine and I was missing a piece ofplastic trim in the drivers door. He allowed me to take the truck without paying after he second time. This last time I picked it up he said he fixed a heater hose above cylinder 4, but didnt charge me again and I signed no papers. I am just wondering if he is able to charge me after the fact now that he gave me my truck back. I am still trying to get the trim piece for the door from him.
I took my truck to a local shop for the check engine light. I was getting code P0303. He replaced the spark plugs and reset the code. I paid my first bill. The next day the engine light came back on again, I took it back to him. They replaced the spark plug wires and reset code. That same day the light came on again so I took it back the next morning. He said he doesnt know why the engine light keeps coming on when it doesnt when he drives it. During the time they had my truck it seems like they were using it as a parts truck to run errands. They used a whole tank of gas ($80/supreme) and ran to the city that is almost 40 miles away. They left tie downs in the bed that werent mine and I was missing a piece ofplastic trim in the drivers door. He allowed me to take the truck without paying after he second time. This last time I picked it up he said he fixed a heater hose above cylinder 4, but didnt charge me again and I signed no papers. I am just wondering if he is able to charge me after the fact now that he gave me my truck back. I am still trying to get the trim piece for the door from him.
I Like Tires
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,828
Likes: 250
From: Texas
Nah once he releases the vehicle to you, the law would see that as him agreeing you have held up your end of the bargain as far as any payment that may have been necessary.
If he were going to place a mechanic's lein he would need to hold the keys and vehicle in his possession until you pay him.
As for all the strange stuff you noticed, I would find a different mechanic were I you.
If he were going to place a mechanic's lein he would need to hold the keys and vehicle in his possession until you pay him.
As for all the strange stuff you noticed, I would find a different mechanic were I you.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 542
Yeah, don't go back to that guy. Cut your losses and find another trim piece for your door. He has no recourse for any money he may think you owe him. He presented you no bill, and did not inform you of any charges.
Big red flag - why were there tie-downs in your bed? Back in the day, a shop may have needed to test-drive a vehicle to diagnose it, but if you get a code, a competent and capable shop can retrieve it.
Stay away from that crook.
Big red flag - why were there tie-downs in your bed? Back in the day, a shop may have needed to test-drive a vehicle to diagnose it, but if you get a code, a competent and capable shop can retrieve it.
Stay away from that crook.