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I need automobile advice. I have a 2001 ford focus with 132k miles. The engine blew out in February. I called an auto repair shop, and was told that the engine could be rebuilt for less than $1,000. I took the car there and left it at the shop for him to look at.

The next day I came back to the shop and was told that the repair maybe $1,600 plus $200 to replace the timing belt. I told him I couldn’t afford it and wanted my 01 Ford Focus back; however he told me that the engine was disassembled and it would take time to put back together.

His auto repair advice was to set up a payment plan with him and he would guarantee the car repairs for 90 days. So I agreed to the engine repair. When I came to pick up the car, the total charge was now $2,200!

I asked him why so high, and he said that the piston and cylinder was cracked and the rebuild cost more due to parts and labor.

He also said my brake line was cracked and he repaired it and added it to my bill. I told him that I never authorized this auto repair and he should have asked me first.

However, I paid for the repairs and asked him "is this car fixed", he told me yes. Well a day later the car does not work. He told me to bring it back to the shop but now I’m afraid he's trying to milk me. I don’t know what to do.

Hello Joy: I'm sorry to hear about all the trouble your 2001 Ford Focus is causing you. My thought on your current situation is at this point you should probably give the repair shop a chance to honor the warranty they provided on the repairs.

With the amount of work performed the current situation may be related to the repairs you paid for. My auto repair advice is to get educated on your rights. I have a page with some links to government publications that provide the rules of engagement.

Also on this page is a link to the FTC website if you feel you want to submit a formal complaint. The first link on the page is for the automotive repair Consumer bill of rights. I suggest you start there. Here is a link to the main auto repair advice page.

Good luck with your 2001 Ford focus. Let us know what happens!
Thank You
  Mark Gittelman

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