Another Dealer Horror Story, Part I
Senior Member
Joined: 04-03-2018
Posts: 249
From: Florida
Chris
In Florida auto repair shops are regulated by state statute.
There are strict rules for them to follow and if not any subsequent work by law without authorization is essentially free.
These rules are very specific. Use your rights 
To file a complaint about a motor vehicle repair shop, use our online form or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). For out-of-state residents, please call (850) 410-3800.
Here is a .gov site https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resou...Vehicle-Repair Read the whole page.
Florida statutes are online too if you care to be precise.
So in short, you most likely are not liable for any charges past what the original water pump and chain kit repair was ($700,00?), if even that since that never was accomplished.
You are a lot more freee with your cash than I would be in this situation.
As far as the BBB is concerned, they may scare the dealer into responding, but it would be voluntary at best, they have no enforcement powers, despite their implications, just a social following
In Florida auto repair shops are regulated by state statute.
There are strict rules for them to follow and if not any subsequent work by law without authorization is essentially free.
If a repair will cost more than $100, the law requires the repair shop togive you the option of:
- Requesting a written estimate;
- Being notified by the shop if the repair exceeds an amount you specify; or
- Not requiring a written estimate at all.
- When a written estimate is required, you must be given a copy.
- Ask if the prices quoted are for new, used or rebuilt parts. Make sure the written estimate clearly states which condition.
- The repair shop must get your approval before exceeding the repair cost by more than $10 or 10 percent, whichever is greater, so make sure you give the shop a phone number where you can be reached.
- You can cancel repairs if they exceed the estimate and the repair shop must reassemble the vehicle, unless it is unsafe to drive. The shop may charge you for tear-down and reassembly only if you were given notice of that charge on the estimate.
- You are entitled by state law to get back any replaced parts if you requested them initially. However, the repair shop may charge a fee and, if the parts are under warranty agreement with the manufacturer or distributor, they may not be returned to you.
To file a complaint about a motor vehicle repair shop, use our online form or call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). For out-of-state residents, please call (850) 410-3800.
Here is a .gov site https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resou...Vehicle-Repair Read the whole page.
Florida statutes are online too if you care to be precise.
So in short, you most likely are not liable for any charges past what the original water pump and chain kit repair was ($700,00?), if even that since that never was accomplished.
You are a lot more freee with your cash than I would be in this situation.
As far as the BBB is concerned, they may scare the dealer into responding, but it would be voluntary at best, they have no enforcement powers, despite their implications, just a social following
The BBB has no enforcement abilities. It isn't a government organization, which means that it can't levy fines or force a business to respond to a complaint, and their mediation services are entirely voluntary. .
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,448
From: Fredericksburg,VA
The "General Manager" is not always what it sounds like, usually it is the top of the sales negotiating chain, with nothing to do with the entity "Service Department". Sometimes the "Service Department" is operated by a completely different company. When you buy a used car from a GM dealership and need them to fix something they very rarely use the "Service Department" next door, they send it to a independent shop; take that for what it is.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 05-10-2017
Posts: 10
From: Florida
Other than the new head I had dropshipped, I haven't spent a dime yet, and they definitely don't have my CC number. But they've had my car hostage for 2 months. I'm leaning toward what donbrew said, the "General Manager" is probably just the Sales Manager. I think I need to figure out how to get a hold of the actual Owners.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-03-2018
Posts: 249
From: Florida
Glad it worked out for you.
But they still are just a scare tactic relying on social prominence.
The source I quoted Chris is the State of Florida department that grants the dealers their operating license, with full authority to shut them down.
The dealer can be criminally charged and fined.
Here is my demonstration of the BBB
I once had tenants that unjustifiably filed a complaint with the BBB on me and despite several threats by the BBB, I never even responded.
None the less, I hope Chris takes affirmative action to get this resolved in his favor.
But they still are just a scare tactic relying on social prominence.
The source I quoted Chris is the State of Florida department that grants the dealers their operating license, with full authority to shut them down.
The dealer can be criminally charged and fined.
Here is my demonstration of the BBB
I once had tenants that unjustifiably filed a complaint with the BBB on me and despite several threats by the BBB, I never even responded.
None the less, I hope Chris takes affirmative action to get this resolved in his favor.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 05-10-2017
Posts: 10
From: Florida
No written anything, this has all been over-the-phone dealings. Thank you for your advice I'll look at those links now, thank you. Whenever I think about this whole thing it pisses me off, so I've been hesitant to go down there to tomorrow because I'll probably lose my temper if they try to give me the run around yet again.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-03-2018
Posts: 249
From: Florida
Other than the new head I had dropshipped, I haven't spent a dime yet, and they definitely don't have my CC number. But they've had my car hostage for 2 months. I'm leaning toward what donbrew said, the "General Manager" is probably just the Sales Manager. I think I need to figure out how to get a hold of the actual Owners.
Doesn't matter who the owner is or shop manager is. Whoever will just keep stringing you along as they have been for months.
Do you really think the owner doesn't want to get as much of your money as he possibly can?
That shop will change it's tune once the State is involved. Simple as that.
This might give you more info.
https://brickelllegal.com/auto-repair-fmvra/
The shop is just trying to BS and bully you into whatever they want.
Up to you to stop them with some real clout.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 05-10-2017
Posts: 10
From: Florida
I'm running into a dead end trying to find the actual "owners" of the dealership. online it basically just says owned by the "Chevy Auto Dealership Group of North Florida" which I can't find is a real thing.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-03-2018
Posts: 249
From: Florida
I just gave that for reference for the infractions that are common.
I'm sure your shop broke a lot of the rules.
Just start by calling the State complaint number and go from there.