Car mechanic didn't complete work, do we owe for labor?

[badcarmechanic]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Florida


My father took his truck to a local mechanic that quoted him $2600 to replace the engine with a used one. A week later, he asked my father for money upfront to purchase the used engine and then asked for more money a second time. In all, my Dad prepaid him $2200. One excuse after another, it is now 4 months later and we've gotten nothing but excuses from him and just want to get the truck and money back. He has removed the original engine and is claiming that we cannot get a full refund of the $2200 already paid because we owe him $750 for labor for work he has already done. Is he entitled to keep money for labor at this point? He is saying he will not let us take the truck back until a release is signed which I assume will state that he is entitled to keep some or all of the prepaid money. My father is in his 70's, it has hurt him financially to not have use of his truck for 4 months and my parents cannot afford to have this guy keep their money and not get a running truck back.

 

[justalayman]

The engine does need to be replaced which involves removing the original engine. He has done that so he is due some amount of money. You need to research the "book time" and multiply that by his hourly shop rate. That will result in a reasonable sum he is owed. If he has done other work he would have a right for compensation for
That.

If you cannot come to an agreed amount you have two choices; pay what he demands and attempt
To reclaim anything you believe is unjust through the courts signing a release or waiver may be imosssible to overcome.

The other option is to sue him seeking a return of the truck where he can counter claim for what he believes he is owed. You have a right to contest the amount claimed if you believe it is not valid.

 

[badcarmechanic]

Thank you very much