Been ripped off by an eBay seller, help?

[mintyhit]

Sorry this is quite a long post but if anyone could offer me some advice I would be eternally grateful.

So the story is this –

About 2 months ago I bought a car (Honda S2000) – unfortunately a month later the engine hydro-locked and I ended up bending a con-rod, this ruined both the piston and the cylinder. The problem is with these engines are that the cylinder liners are non-replaceable and made from some advanced material that makes them almost impossible to bore out or even hone without specialised equipment and a lot of money. Because of this, and some online advice, I decided my best bet was to find an engine with a healthy bottom end and do a minor rebuild on the motor.

So, after scanning through e-bay for a while I found a guy selling a bare engine for £800 – it sounded like a good deal as most go for twice this - here is the description of the engine:

HI EVERY ONE
HERE WE HAVE A HONDA S 2000 ENGINE
YEAR 2000
ENGINE NUMBER S2AB1001329
236 BHP
F2OCZ ENGINE CODE
2000 CC
BARE ENGINE COMPLETE WITH HEAD
HERE IS THE STORY,
CAME IN WITH MISSFIRE, CODE READ, MULTI MISSFIRE,
REMOVED ENGINE COVER AND NOTED IT HAD MELTED COIL PACK, NOTED SPARK PLUGHAD COME ADRIFT, HAD STRIPPED THREAD,
CUSTOMER THEN DECIDED TO REPLACE ENGINE WITH A TUNED 1 FROM EAY!!!!! AT A COST OF 4K, AS HE HAD OWNED FROM NEW, HIS LIFE REVOLVED ROUND HIS CAR,
WE HAVE HAD THE PLUG HOLE HELI-COILED PERFECT WITH NO PROBS REPORTED FROM ENGINEER

ENGINE RUN 100% PEFFECT BEFORE HAND, AND ON ARE COMPUTER SCREENS HAS FULL SERVICE HISTORY, EVERY SERVICE SINCE 2004, SERVICED EVERY 6K, BUT I CAN NOT GIVE YOU THESE DUE TO DATA PROTECTION!!!! SO BE AWARE
GOTO SELL AS SPARES ONLY AS ENGINE CANT BE SHOW RUNNINNG, BUT AS I SAID MISSFIRE ONLY,, WHAT WAS RECTIFIED!!
COLLECTION WELCOME BURTON ON TRENT DE14 POSTCODE
DELIVERY AROUND £60
THESE ENGINES FETCH AROUND 2K
STARTING BID ITS ON SALE

So I had my reservations as I didn’t like the sound of the spark plug stripping a thread but I though it would be worth a follow up e-mail so I sent the following:

Hi there,

I am interested in this engine.

Can you tell me what the mileage on it is? Also, when the spark plug came adrift - I take it none of it fell into the bore?

Regards
James

His response was as follows:

hi james
64,000 miles, and the plug came out whole, did not break up, it wa due to the plug not being tight,
the engine was running with no smoke just a missfire, been told this is a comon fault, but never checked, engine been out just over 10 months sitting there, only reason its on ebay, because i was told it was worth about 2k,
these photos shown are of engine, took today
kind rgds jay

He gave me his number so I decided to give him a call to talk about the engine. The guy seemed pleasant enough on the phone. I asked him what I meant by “customer” and he said he worked for a company called Formula One Autocentres (a national chain). He gave me a full history about the car it came from, he assured by the bottom end would be 100% healthy and said the engine was running well before they removed it and I agreed to meet him at the garage and take a look.

So come Saturday I travelled down to meet the guy at the garage, he showed me round the back to the engine. Again, I expressed my concerns about buying it but he assured me it was fine – it was raining and getting dark so I stupidly decided to take his word for it and buy it for cash. I asked if I could have a receipt and he said I could just do a buy it now through eBay and state I paid cash – this would be my receipt, which I did.

[mintyhit]

I honestly don’t know what came over me as I am usually more suspicious but the fact I was at a big professional looking garage, the guy was the manager and he sounded like he knew what he was talking convinced me this was a good idea – plus he had over 200 odd 100% positive feedbacks on eBay.

So my first warning sign was the fact he immediately attempted to cancel the transaction on e-bay – I spoke to him on the phone and he said it was so he didn’t have to pay seller fees. I ignored the request and decided to take a closer look at the engine.

I took the cylinder head off and to my horror found this:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5183/5608842893_7f76fdf2c9.jpg

The engine is basically f@cked – something must have fallen into the bores on cylinders 3 & 4 as they are both ruined, both the liners and the pistons and even the valves and cylinder head combustion chamber – it is basically scrap and there would have been no way to tell from the outside. :(

There is no way this engine was running "100% beforehand" has the guy insisted - it had suffered a major fail.

I immediately called the guy and knew there would be a problem. He started banging on about the fact I looked at the engine first and that he had already shared the money out with his staff. I told him that I wanted a refund and he said he would call me back Monday (yesterday). Yesterday comes and instead of calling me I got a message on eBay simply saying:

“no need to call, there is no refund, the engine states spares or repairs on add”

Now I am not sure what to do next – I think eBay will refuse to handle this as a case due to the fact I stupidly paid cash. I am wondering if I should try and contact his employer directly or take to small claims or something…

Anyone have any advice for me? I know I shouldn't have paid cash but I feel like I have been ripped off basically.

[PDL]

If you have bought it from a trader or shop you will be covered under the sale of goods act. As the engine has an inherant defect. Go on line and read about the sale of good act, then call the bloke bakc and advise you will refer him to the trading standard based on the sale of good s act.

[Gamsa]

eBay won't be interested because the sale was outside their control. I haven't understood from your description exactly who you bought the engine from. The manager of the branch in his personal capacity, or the garage itself, or are you not sure? If the former, all you have to go on is the breach of a term of a verbal contract (good luck) or a misrepresentation based on the advert (looks fairly convincing). Bear in mind you'll spend money taking on a solicitor to handle the claim for you, and that the guy may not have the money for you to recover (or your solicitors' fees). If you could make a strong case that you bought it from the shop (despite not having anything in writing from them, or a receipt) then you could use the Sale of Goods Act. Sorry, but I suspect this one will be written off as an expensive piece of experience.

[Mr.Number]

Wait until it is dark and raining again and cap his knees when he leaves work. Then torch his garage. Be sure to find out what car he drives and torch that too. Wont solve your problem but will bring his quality of life down somewhat.

[mintyhit]

eBay won't be interested because the sale was outside their control. I haven't understood from your description exactly who you bought the engine from. The manager of the branch in his personal capacity, or the garage itself, or are you not sure? If the former, all you have to go on is the breach of a term of a verbal contract (good luck) or a misrepresentation based on the advert (looks fairly convincing). Bear in mind you'll spend money taking on a solicitor to handle the claim for you, and that the guy may not have the money for you to recover (or your solicitors' fees). If you could make a strong case that you bought it from the shop (despite not having anything in writing from them, or a receipt) then you could use the Sale of Goods Act. Sorry, but I suspect this one will be written off as an expensive piece of experience.

Well that’s the thing - he was selling on eBay under some PARTS style username.

I spoke to him on a mobile and he said he said the engine was from a customers car, I asked him if he was from a garage and he said yes, he was the manager of the Formula One Autocentre in Burton.

I looked it up on the internet and even found a picture of him on the branch website:
http://www.f1autocentres.co.uk/branch/car-tyres-service-mot-Burton/6/

When I arrived he met me round the back, showed me the engine, went on for about 20min about how it was all perfect and I could just plug-and-play so to speak. I told him exactly why I was buying it and what my concerns were and he just came saying that he absolutely guarantees the engine is sound.

I paid him in cash – did the buy-it-now on eBay and took the engine.

I was thinking of calling him at the branch today as he is now ignoring my phone calls but I wanted to try and find out what my legal position is.

:(

[Mr.Number]

On a serious note, im sure your kicking yourself now. On the other hand, if you had done things properly what would you have done differently ? Essentially you would have had to hear and see the engine running to settle your suspicions. This was never going to happen was it, so my case with trading standards would be that your trust could only go as far as the advert as described and your conversation with him, during which you asked for an engine run which he refused, didnt he !!! (Yes he did). As stated ebay will not get involved, although there is no harm in contacting them for advice on the next step forward, im sure they deal with cases like this regularly.

Personally I would be round the garage having a word making it very clear that the engine differs somewhat from how he has described it. You also feel he has mislead you about the engine. The fact he has an unhappy customer, yet said the money has been 'shared out' is no excuse for settling a dispute and immediately brings suspicion upon him.

Make your calls and be energetic about the matter, both with him and who you talk to.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[Gerry]

My opinion for what it's worth...

I would guess one thing..... if the bosses of this garage chain knew he was selling goods privately at the firms address and using their name to do this they would sack him on the spot.

I would ask the guy to reconsider and tell him you will have to approach the Area Manager of Formula one autocentres if he does not budge.

Gerry

[mintyhit]

Well I just tried to call and apparently he isn't in today. I'll call the garage again tomorrow and see what happens.

I personally think he will start claiming that it was a private deal but if this is the case then who does the engine belong to in the first place? If it was removed from a customer’s car on company time then surely it belongs to the company?

I think my case against him is fairly sound – I could probably do with a report from an qualified engineer on the condition of the engine. Perhaps one that confirms that it has not been run for months just in case he tries the old “damage could have happened after I sold it” routine.

I am hoping he will just back down and agree to give me a refund. I can’t imagine anyone would want to put their job in jeopardy for a relatively small amount of money.

I will keep you all updated - you just can’t trust people these days.

[Paivi]

My opinion for what it's worth...

I would guess one thing..... if the bosses of this garage chain knew he was selling goods privately at the firms address and using their name to do this they would sack him on the spot.

I would ask the guy to reconsider and tell him you will have to approach the Area Manager of Formula one autocentres if he does not budge.

Gerry
And when you get a refund, approach the Area Manager anyway.

[analogue_rogue]

If you have a copy of the original advert, a copy of the reciept and photo evidence that it is faulty and not as advertised:

In writing, sent recorded delivery to his place of work or home address (work address will be ok but take a print out of his picture off of website) stating, what is wrong, why its wrong and that you will give him 28 days to refund. if no refund is RECIEVED (not approved or other rubbish), state that you will take it further. You should state that you will take it to small claims court.

In the mean time, find your local county court and attend, ask for a small claims court application under £2000. Fill it out and get ready to put it in. It will cost about £35 - 80 depending on the claim.

If after 28 days he does not pay, send in the small claims court application.

They will action this and give you and him a court date, but he can settle and you can cancel the claim at any point up to this date. (i cant remember how the fee works with this though.)

I would be very surprised if it makes it to court.

You shold also contact his area manager in writing again recorded delivery, outlining what happened and what you intend to do.

[mintyhit]

Thanks analogue_rogue, that’s incredibly useful information! I take it you have been through all of this before?

I'll get all my photographic evidence together tonight and put together two letters, one for him at the garage and one for his regional manager.

Thanks again!

[He11cat]

Just to say I used a branch of F1 here fir my car ..
They fitted a clutch for me then told me another£800 for a new cat .
I smelt a rat took my car away for a second opinion there was nothing wrong with my car!!!!! The cat was fine and still is .. Basically tried to diddle me out of a few £100 ... Wouldn't touch these lot with a barge pole!

[Paivi]

In the mean time, find your local county court and attend, ask for a small claims court application under £2000.
You can now do it online.
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

[Dookbob]

I live near Burton, and about a year or so ago I took my car in to Formula one to have a pair of tyres fitted. I sat in the waiting area while they were doing the job, when in walks a guy holding a long socket extension with a wheel nut socket on it. He was waving this thing around making sure I could see what he was holding. Then he says, sorry mate , but your security bolt has busted, so I cant get the wheel off. I had distinctly heard a pneumatic impact driver being used a few minutes before this prick appeared. In short , the prat had destroyed the security bolt on one wheel, no way could you have done the damage with a wheel brace. I took it home , welded a big nut on the damaged bolt in order to remove it, then of course had to buy a new set. What a bunch of pricks they have working for them. Talk about live and learn. best of luck dealing with them mate .

[a7avenger]

Hi James, sorry to hear about this.
Just in case you don't know, have nothing to do with Heathrow Engine Center, MPH Engineering, Brent Engine Center or whatever other name they go by. They are based in Southall, Middx.
Steer well clear.:thumbsdown:

[analogue_rogue]

You can now do it online.
https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

Yeah I saw that. But by doing it by going down there you can photo copy the forms and send him them too.. adds a bit more seriousness... that and I'm old fashioned.

[Gamsa]

I think the advice below is sound. Legal avenues are always open if man-to-man negotiation fails. However, it's not the simple solution that it can be made to sound, which is why people make lucrative careers operating in it.

My opinion for what it's worth...

I would guess one thing..... if the bosses of this garage chain knew he was selling goods privately at the firms address and using their name to do this they would sack him on the spot.

I would ask the guy to reconsider and tell him you will have to approach the Area Manager of Formula one autocentres if he does not budge.

Gerry

[Gamsa]

This is all very well, but he could just say that the engine was fine when sold and that the damage was done by the buyer after fitting it in his own faulty car. Can you prove otherwise? It's as much a question of evidence as who is actually in the right. I would suggest an area manager of a national chain dealing in customer car parts on the side without receipts is more of a scandal to him that the trouble of turning up to court and lying. Don't forget - the buyer in this case has nothing in writing except the advert, and he didn't buy the engine through eBay which puts into slight doubt his honesty (as well as that of the seller admittedly). They have essentially used eBay to advertise a product for sale and fraudulently witheld the selling fee which eBay have a contractual right to. No one comes out of this looking like an angel, so you can't be sure which way a court will decide. Plus bear in mind the court fees may not be recoverable and that the buyer may claim not to have the cash to pay up, in which case expensive recovery court actions are also needed. This is a lot of hassle.

If you have a copy of the original advert, a copy of the reciept and photo evidence that it is faulty and not as advertised:

In writing, sent recorded delivery to his place of work or home address (work address will be ok but take a print out of his picture off of website) stating, what is wrong, why its wrong and that you will give him 28 days to refund. if no refund is RECIEVED (not approved or other rubbish), state that you will take it further. You should state that you will take it to small claims court.

In the mean time, find your local county court and attend, ask for a small claims court application under £2000. Fill it out and get ready to put it in. It will cost about £35 - 80 depending on the claim.

If after 28 days he does not pay, send in the small claims court application.

They will action this and give you and him a court date, but he can settle and you can cancel the claim at any point up to this date. (i cant remember how the fee works with this though.)

I would be very surprised if it makes it to court.

You shold also contact his area manager in writing again recorded delivery, outlining what happened and what you intend to do.

[slipperyweeguy]

I am sure there is a saying about being offered a solid gold watch for two dollars...
Seriously, it's a pity about the engine, but by your own admission, you thought you were buying something worth twice as much, in the dark, at the back of a garage, for cash, that had been defective and could not be heard running, against your own doubts.
You gambled and you think you lost, but have you? What is the actual market value of what you bought? What if you broke up the motor and sold as parts? What if you manage to rebuild one good motor from the two and then sell the surplus parts? Have you shown the parts to a proper motor engineer or engine workshop who can advise on servicability and repair options for each block/liners? Just how many parts are beyond use or repair? I would. Been there, done that.
Laws and letters will not get your car running, so put your time and energies to fixing the problem rather than dwelling on a bad deal.

I am not a lawyer. If I were I would not be giving free advice.

[utopia]

Seconded...what Gerry said.
Sold from company premises, by the manager, during working hours, using company info to support the sale, the engine came from a customer, the cash was (supposedly) shared between company staff.
That sounds like company involvement to me.
The lack of a receipt doesn't help, but does the engine number prove that it was company property perhaps ? ..ie he's sold you stolen property if he acted as a private individual.
I'm wondering though, whether the threat of informing the company is of more use to you at this stage than actually doing it...if you're after getting your money back.
Then again, if he no longer has the cash......?
It grieves me to suggest it, but you could maybe consider a lesser refund, say £500/600, as a last resort. Not sure about that one, but something to think about.

[mintyhit]

Well, I again phoned F1 in Burton and this time this Jason guy answered. I told him who I was and he immediately slammed the phone down on me just shouting “I’m not interested!”

I also received this e-mail from him last night:

'misrepresentation!! this engine was brought by your for spares, as stated on add, could not check engine!! spares or repairs, feel free to do what you feel best, you checked this item before you brought it! found faults and dropped offer on price, as your aware £800 was buy it now, where you haggled the price due to faults! £400 cash you gave me! that’s half the price listed!! i have 5 people that watched you check this item out.

Well if ever there were any doubts about the fact this guy is a con-man then here it is – he is now claiming I paid only £400 for the engine.

I just got off the phone to consumer advice and they were exceedingly helpful as well. Apparently due to the fact the guy has been trading car parts on eBay for so long he will be considered a trader by law and I should be covered under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. The fact he operates out of a legitimate business should only strengthen if it goes before a judge. Also, the terms "sold as seen" or sold as spares" have no real legal meaning - his descriptions however do.

I’ve also been considering my evidence and I think I have the following in my favour:

• I currently am in possession of the engine - it has the same engine number on the advert and all damaged parts have identifiably matched amounts of damage, wear and corrosion.

• I will have a qualified engineer’s report that the damage inside the engine was caused by foreign material and that the engine was not running correctly prior to removal – as stated in the advert.

• I have a copy of the original eBay listing with false information and the use of the word also “customer” implying that he was a trader.

• I have a copy of the e-mail he sent me assuring me that no material had fallen into the engine – this proved ultimately false.

• I have his admission that I paid cash – despite the fictional amount he made up.

• I have a bank statement that shows I withdrew £800 in cash on the day of the transaction.

• I completed a “buy it now” to gain a receipt – which he subsequently attempted to cancel.

I am putting together a letter to send to him now referencing the Sale of Good Act and detailing my case against him.

[Mr.Number]

Minty, to quote "I asked if I could have a receipt and he said I could just do a buy it now through eBay and state I paid cash – this would be my receipt, which I did".

What was the buy it now price £800 ?

Wouldnt this contradict a sudden price of £400 ?

[mintyhit]

slipperyweeguy: I do see what you are saying and yes my purchase was totally based on trust. It was a big mistake and I see that, one that I am unlikely to make again but I am losing out quite significantly here and it is major setback.

The engine is totalled, the block cannot be re-bored with this much damage - I have researched this thoroughly and called around a few places. The cylinder head is also a write off due to the damage to the combustion chamber. The only items left that could possibly be worth any money is the crank and perhaps the oil pump – somehow I doubt I could sell these for more than about £100.

I can put all the time and effort into fixing my motor in the world but without the parts I am up a certain creek with a paddle.

[mintyhit]

Minty, to quote "I asked if I could have a receipt and he said I could just do a buy it now through eBay and state I paid cash – this would be my receipt, which I did".

What was the buy it now price £800 ?

Wouldnt this contradict a sudden price of £400 ?


Yes it does... the buy it now price was £800 - I don't understand his sudden reason for dropping the price to £400 either.

Actually... I’ve just thought that as soon as I paid him he asked me not to mention the sale price the other guys at the garage.

Then on the phone he said he had already shared the money out... ahh, I get it... I bet he told them he sold it for £400 and kept the rest for himself.

He is even ripping his own employees off!

[Mr.Number]

You need to get your **** together minty ready for any subsequent meeting with TS. This thread itself is evidence of your disappointment and how you have seeked advice on how to move forward. It should be printed off and retained with ALL other documents related to the matter such as emails, fax's,letters etc. You should also be recording the dates and times that you make a call to him or the garage and the result of the calls, such as no reply or what was said during any conversation. I have seen you post that he is not answering and also has put the phone down. This needs to be recorded as it may show avoidance on his part.

You have plenty of ammo so dont be down hearted, but it will take time.

What is the latest advice you have been given ?

[Pomp1]

Pay a visit to the garage and make sure his co-workers know about the 800 quid..

[He11cat]

Im sure the regional manager would be interested in this don't you...
Do it by the book at first .. If no joy ..

Ebay wouldn't want to know although he has breached ebay rules .. so have you :( we all have done it I am sure!

If you had a good case the go for it...
But if it looks like you could be out of pocket or no joy then maybe ..
1. go in when its busy and make some noise they won't like that!
2. get copies of everything and print off "your version" of events and send a little dosier to the top!

If they are keeping "spares" and reselling which he is ..
Another trick of there's is as they where trying to do with me get you to buy a "New" part they then say don't worry il take care of that and pop it in the bin blah blah..
I suspect these OK parts then get sold by sorts like him.. thats what he is up to on Ebay!
Money id then split between mates ..but there is always one who gets greedy!

I have to sign paper work for my job it reminded me of something that companies do not like and he may of had to sign..

"Conflict of interest " I believe is the term used and what his company could do him for!!

[analogue_rogue]

Would be careful about a public confrontation on their business property. Any argument.can cause the manager to ask you to leave. That's his right. And the moment you don't you start crossing into the realm where you are in the wrong. I was a police officer years ago and have seen this many time. Notmally caused by frustration. I would calmly stick to paperwork as frustrating as it is.

[Pomp1]

Would be careful about a public confrontation on their business property. Any argument.can cause the manager to ask you to leave. That's his right. And the moment you don't you start crossing into the realm where you are in the wrong. I was a police officer years ago and have seen this many time. Notmally caused by frustration. I would calmly stick to paperwork as frustrating as it is.
I see what you mean AR but surely the OP won't get into any troubles if he was to go in and calmly make sure that the other guys know that their mate is ripping them off.. but as many other said,go to the top.

[Gamsa]

Perhaps try a letter explaining that you will contact the national head office about this, then a latter to the national head office, and finally a trip to a solicitors? Please note that I am but a lowly, trainee solicitor. Nothing I have said should be taken to constitute advice. Rather, it is a guide to some of the possible available options open to you. You should consult a qualified solicitor regarding any legal avenues you are considering. Adam

[mintyhit]

Hi guys,

The latest is this, after speaking at length with trading standards they basically echoed analogue_rogue’s advice regarding sending him a letter to him recorded delivery. They also mentioned that since he has been selling similar parts on eBay and that he gave his company address as the pickup point, he will be considered a trader and I should be covered but obviously it will be up to a judge to decide. I also asked about “spares of repairs” and she said it was basically meaningless if he had given a description or heavily implied the good were in a specific condition.

So going by this advice I sent the guy one last e-mail through e-bay explaining that as far as I am concerned he is a trader and that I am covered under the Goods and Services Act 1979. I told him that I will give him 7 working days to refund my money or I will file a small claims case against him and his company and to expect this in writing.

I also informed him that since he has avoided talking to me on the phone I will be escalating the matter to his regional manager and his head office.

His response was this:

'feel free to do what you wish, sold as spares means what it states, this is harassment on your side, i warn you to stop this, or will to take legal action,'

He is obviously not going to to do the honest thing… I am quite shocked he is willing to be taken to small claims and possibly suffer repercussions from his work over £800 but I guess he thinks he sold as spares will cover him.

… nothing left to do but leave it to the law to decide.

I feel so disappointed in this guy – there is no possible way he didn’t know about the condition of this engine and he basically sat there reassuring me I was getting a good deal –

“I absolutely guarantee this engine is perfect” he said “you can just fit it and you will be laughing”.

What a con-artist - I must have spent too long dealing with nice honest motorcycle people, I've certainly learnt my lesson here.

I will keep you all updated.
Thanks again for the great advice.

[He11cat]

Go through the right channels first.
Shouting and screaming doesn't work I didn't mean that .
But if a couple of you could go in if all else fails calm and collected I think that un nerves people more!

If nothing works then use conflict of interest and have a word with his RM and right at the top..

[utopia]

His reply, that he's prepared to be taken to court over this, is probably just yet more bollox designed to try to scare you off....the last snarl of a cornered animal perhaps.
As to his claim of harrassment, all you are doing is registering your complaint and giving him the opportunity to avoid legal action and protect his job.....I see nothing wrong with that, in fact it shows that you are being reasonable with him.
But by now, you're not expecting anything he says to be sensible, are you, so don't let his reply put you off.

Watch out for legal costs etc though. Maybe there is some scheme which supports such action...? There used to be "The Legal Society", but I'm not sure if they had any scope in these areas, or even if they still exist, but might be worth investigating.

Hopefully your experience will make you wary, but not cause you to lose your trusting nature completely. There are still plenty of honest folk about.

[gremlin]

we had issues with a so called mate refusing to return a CDI and in the end I got on the the courts. If you do it yourself there is a fee of £84 I think, obviously if you get solicitors involved cost mount up. Some solicitors do take on cases though so worth ringing round. As you've already been on to Trading Standards and they've basically agreed with you it would give you a stronger case. In our case a CDI was given to us which we aren't sure is the one we gave him and unfortunately we don't have a bike to try it out on to see if works so we still don't know if we've been had. If we have it will still go to court as a new one would be around £1500. Your local court will have a how to section and there's a pdf file you can download. Good luck!

[He11cat]

Glad you got something back at last ... the man was a total wasn't he!

[Mr.Number]

Under no circumstances should you go to the garage, its an absolute no no now. It appears to have been taken for granted that the lads he works with are not in on any back yard type deals. Previously you told us that he said that he, along with other work lads saw the money change hands etc. It could be that they all stick together. You going there at this stage, would leave you wide open to false allegations potentially backed up by his cowboys.

Steer clear and let some stern letters give him an understanding of your determination.

I cant stand arse holes like this who basically abuse your good nature.

I really hope you get a result sooner rather than later.

[Mr.Number]

http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews227550.html not Burton but gives a picture.

Place your own review here :http://www.qype.co.uk/place/1822679-Formula-One-Autocentres-Burton-on-Trent

and here : http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/transport-automobile-services/garage-services-in-general/1486331/

and anywhere else you can find.

[analogue_rogue]

Cut contact with him now. and just follow what i said earlier.

The harrassment he thinks he is talking about wont go anywhere, it is " a course of action or conduct causing harrassment alarm or distress on more than one occasion".

He would have to file a police complaint and IF they thought it was actual harrassment you would get a letter telling you this was so. This is to prove that you KNEW it was harrassment..

But trust me on this. its not and no police officer is going to class it as that.

[fireman sam]

Try ebay with all your information nothing ventured nothing gained They are a fair company and may help you out Good luck

[He11cat]

Mr Number that's exactly the problems I had..
Bill was more then quoted and tried to get me to replace a part that had nothing wrong with it for a lot of lolly! I smelt a rat and had a second opinion.
I was also advised avoid them by a breakdown mechanic .
Cowboys .. Rip off merchants!

[Gamsa]

Letter from solicitor on headed notepaper, letter to national manager, or court papers seem the only way you are likely to make progress with this based on his reply.