What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland
I have a car that had a tune up 40k miles ago (2006). Supposedly the spark plugs would last 60-80k miles. Just went to get another tune up along with some sensor repairs from a different place and the spark plugs broke off in the cylinder. Seems they overheated and fused to the cylinder, probably because the spark plugs that came out of the car are not the ones the invoice of the previous tune up place said they put in there, are not even the same brand, same kind (platinum vs regular) and not the correct model for my car. Also, they didn't replace the spark plug wires with this tune up, tho I think that is standard on a tune up. Due to the damage to the cylinder and that two out of four are still partially in the car, a cylinder head replacement is necessary (est $1500 job).
I was hoping my high mileage car would last another year, but with this, the car is undrivable. I bought another car and couldn't even get a trade of any value. The first repair place is dragging its feet getting back to me about how they are going to handle this and saying their insurance adjuster will get with me but so far no action. The car is worth as much as 2k on a trade-in but retail about 4-5 but with the sensors still not done and if they fix it with junk yard parts.. I'd be looking for what's next and would have the hassle of selling it. I think they owe me a check and they can do whatever cause they shouldn't have defrauded me in the first place. Now I have a car payment and they may be able to say my decision, but to go from worth something to worthless to worth who knows.. .. not fair at all. And if they upcharged me for the wrong part they may have done it to others and justice doesn't seem to be served by just fixing the car.
I think the fastest way to a settlement is to sue. I have a signed statement from the 2nd repair shop that the spark plugs are the wrong ones for my car. I've had to pay them 269 for the diagnostics and the hours they spent trying to deal with the spark plugs and the car is in their parking lot now. I have the title. And I have a copy of the invoice from the previous shop's tune up saying what kind and part number of spark plugs they supposedly put in.... no tuneups in between. I have pictures of the spark plugs stuck in the car and the actual spark plugs the two that came out, one stripped, and the one with the threads stuck in the car - only the ceramic part.. and the other is still in the car. The part number is not listed on the list of recommended parts for my car.. from champions website. It is a different part number. and the statement saying it is the wrong fit for my car.
What can I do? Small claims court may not allow punitive damages but I think they should be assessed so what are my options?
I have a car that had a tune up 40k miles ago (2006). Supposedly the spark plugs would last 60-80k miles. Just went to get another tune up along with some sensor repairs from a different place and the spark plugs broke off in the cylinder. Seems they overheated and fused to the cylinder, probably because the spark plugs that came out of the car are not the ones the invoice of the previous tune up place said they put in there, are not even the same brand, same kind (platinum vs regular) and not the correct model for my car. Also, they didn't replace the spark plug wires with this tune up, tho I think that is standard on a tune up. Due to the damage to the cylinder and that two out of four are still partially in the car, a cylinder head replacement is necessary (est $1500 job).
I was hoping my high mileage car would last another year, but with this, the car is undrivable. I bought another car and couldn't even get a trade of any value. The first repair place is dragging its feet getting back to me about how they are going to handle this and saying their insurance adjuster will get with me but so far no action. The car is worth as much as 2k on a trade-in but retail about 4-5 but with the sensors still not done and if they fix it with junk yard parts.. I'd be looking for what's next and would have the hassle of selling it. I think they owe me a check and they can do whatever cause they shouldn't have defrauded me in the first place. Now I have a car payment and they may be able to say my decision, but to go from worth something to worthless to worth who knows.. .. not fair at all. And if they upcharged me for the wrong part they may have done it to others and justice doesn't seem to be served by just fixing the car.
I think the fastest way to a settlement is to sue. I have a signed statement from the 2nd repair shop that the spark plugs are the wrong ones for my car. I've had to pay them 269 for the diagnostics and the hours they spent trying to deal with the spark plugs and the car is in their parking lot now. I have the title. And I have a copy of the invoice from the previous shop's tune up saying what kind and part number of spark plugs they supposedly put in.... no tuneups in between. I have pictures of the spark plugs stuck in the car and the actual spark plugs the two that came out, one stripped, and the one with the threads stuck in the car - only the ceramic part.. and the other is still in the car. The part number is not listed on the list of recommended parts for my car.. from champions website. It is a different part number. and the statement saying it is the wrong fit for my car.
What can I do? Small claims court may not allow punitive damages but I think they should be assessed so what are my options?
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