Mechanic wont fix

[rollin707]

Over 3 years ago I dropped my bus off with a mechanic in a different state (it's very hard to find mechanics to work on old buses). He told me he was very busy and it might take him several months to get to my bus. I would call every few months to check in and he would tell me he was busy. I wasn't having to pay storage and I needed a machanic so I waited patiently. Eventually he retired and the people in charge called me and asked me to come get my bus. They assured me it was road worthy and ready for the long drive home. I took it for a test drive and it broke down and caught on fire inside of 5 miles. I got it back to their shop where it has sat for the last six months. What can I do?

 

[Just Blue]

Over 3 years ago I dropped my bus off with a mechanic in a different state (it's very hard to find mechanics to work on old buses). He told me he was very busy and it might take him several months to get to my bus. I would call every few months to check in and he would tell me he was busy. I wasn't having to pay storage and I needed a machanic so I waited patiently. Eventually he retired and the people in charge called me and asked me to come get my bus. They assured me it was road worthy and ready for the long drive home. I took it for a test drive and it broke down and caught on fire inside of 5 miles. I got it back to their shop where it has sat for the last six months. What can I do?

What state? (mechanic, not you.)

 

[quincy]

Over 3 years ago I dropped my bus off with a mechanic in a different state (it's very hard to find mechanics to work on old buses). He told me he was very busy and it might take him several months to get to my bus. I would call every few months to check in and he would tell me he was busy. I wasn't having to pay storage and I needed a machanic so I waited patiently. Eventually he retired and the people in charge called me and asked me to come get my bus. They assured me it was road worthy and ready for the long drive home. I took it for a test drive and it broke down and caught on fire inside of 5 miles. I got it back to their shop where it has sat for the last six months. What can I do?

If I were you I’d either find a new mechanic or I’d find a new bus.

You could ask the mechanic for a refund or sue for a refund.

 

[rollin707]

What state? (mechanic, not you.)

Oregon

 

[zddoodah]

You're free to sue the mechanic. Did you really not know that?

 

[quincy]

If you are claiming $10,000 or less, you can file your case in small claims court. Here is a link to information on filing a small claims case, offered by the Oregon State Bar:

https://oregonlawhelp.org/topics/mo...court/how-file-case-small-claims-court-oregon

 

[rollin707]

If you are claiming $10,000 or less, you can file your case in small claims court. Here is a link to information on filing a small claims case, offered by the Oregon State Bar:

https://oregonlawhelp.org/topics/mo...court/how-file-case-small-claims-court-oregon

I guess my problem is what to do with the bus. If I have it towed a long distance, $10k may not cover my headaches. And obviously if I sue I wouldn't want them working on my bus even if a judge ordered them to fix it. Also, no lawyer is going to want to get involved (unlikely) because there's not enough money in it even if I have a case.

 

[rollin707]

You're free to sue the mechanic. Did you really not know that?

Yes, obviously I can sue the mechanic. Then what? Did you really not have the foresight to see the problem?

 

[quincy]

I guess my problem is what to do with the bus. If I have it towed a long distance, $10k may not cover my headaches. And obviously if I sue I wouldn't want them working on my bus even if a judge ordered them to fix it. Also, no lawyer is going to want to get involved (unlikely) because there's not enough money in it even if I have a case.

What do you want to do with the bus then? I guess I am not sure what you are hoping for here.

 

[AlmostThere]

How much is the bus worth? How much are the repairs? You haven't used the bus in three years. What do you plan to do with it?

 

[Zigner]

A broken down, burnt out bus...maybe it's best to let it fade away.

 

[quincy]

The bus potentially could be sold for parts or scrap metal.

If the bus is an old VW bus rather than an old school or city transit bus, on the other hand, there could be more value in repairing it. There is still a healthy market for those.

 

[not2cleverRed]

A broken down, burnt out bus...maybe it's best to let it fade away.

Apparently some distant cousins of mine would use it for a family reunion.

 

[Bali Hai Again]

The bus potentially could be sold for parts or scrap metal.

If the bus is an old VW bus rather than an old school or city transit bus, on the other hand, there could be more value in repairing it. There is still a healthy market for those.

Counterculture hippies from Haight Ashbury or Woodstock still alive would buy the VW bus for sure. Just paint some flowers and peace signs on it.

 

[rollin707]

What do you want to do with the bus then? I guess I am not sure what you are hoping for here.

I want to sell it. It has to be repaired in order to do that. It's an old transit bus that's been professionally renovated; basically an RV. Could be worth $20-$40k. I guess my conundrum is that towing it and having it repaired somewhere else could cost $10k. I suppose if I was successful suing I would at least get that back, but that's a big if. I guess what I'm hoping for is an answer on my likelihood of a successful lawsuit.