You won't believe this, but it's true

**Tiger** · 31st October 2009, 10:27 PM

This couldn't happen, shouldn't happen but did.

A few days ago I'm driving along when the car stalls, it starts again, drives for a short distance and doesn't start again. I open the bonnet and there's steam coming from the engine. I ring RACV roadside and the serviceman says it needs to be towed to a mechanic. He strongly suggests an RACV approved mechanic, so the Tow truck comes and takes the car to the mechanic.

$800 later the mechanic says he has to replace the water pump and the timing belt. A day later, I'm driving along and the car stalls, can't get it started. Fortunately it's not far from home so with a push or two, I get home. Ring RACV roadside. The serviceman comes, looks at the engine and says, the bolt is missing from the camshaft, they (the mechanic) have not re-assembled the engine properly and he says it's likely that the motor has been damaged. I will have to tow the car back to the mechanic. Ring RACV roadside to explain. They say there's nothing they can do. I will have to file a complaint with their Complaints area and then they may investigate this supposed RACV mechanic. Sloppy workmanship may have spelt the end of my car!

**Chesand** · 1st November 2009, 06:47 AM

Several years ago my son had a similar experience and it was resolved after he wrote direct to General Manager.
Go straight to the top.

**Tiger** · 1st November 2009, 08:24 AM

Thanks, Chesand, I will try that. Meanwhile I need to find a way to get to work as the RACV will not provide a courtesy car in this situation. So much for 20 years + loyalty to them.

**tea lady** · 1st November 2009, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Tiger

Thanks, Chesand, I will try that. Meanwhile I need to find a way to get to work as the RACV will not provide a courtesy car in this situation. So much for 20 years + loyalty to them.

Should have happened on holidays. They provide a car then.

Seems to me the mechanic should at least loose their "approval".

Is there an ombudsman for this sort of thing?

**Cruzi** · 1st November 2009, 11:35 AM

Firstly, mechanics are human, they make mistakes.

Secondly, have you seen the mechanic yet and asked what he/she is going to do about your problem?

Seems to me you have yet to give them a chance to rectify the problem and bypassed them by going to the RACV which really has nothing to do with the problem.
The RACV can only remove his approved status if a history of bad workmanship is shown.
The RACV is not responsible for the mechanics work.

As stated at the beginning, mechanics are human and most fix the problem, if however he disavows responsibilty, you may then have to pursue the mechanic by legal means, again, the RACV are not responsible.

**HazzaB** · 1st November 2009, 02:58 PM

Hey Tiger,

like Cruzi said, your beef is with the Mechanic not the RACV, the mechanic should (If he has morals) get you fixed up, If you don't have any joy with the original mechanic, get onto the Motor Traders Association, they are the ombudsman for the motor trades, they should be able to organise an independant inspection of the damage and get you sorted. Hope this helps, there is nothing worse than being without wheels.

HazzaB

**munruben** · 1st November 2009, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Cruzi

Firstly, mechanics are human, they make mistakes..

Well its a good job this particular mechanic isn't working as an aircraft mechanic.

I agree the RACV is not directly responsible for the damage to the car but nevertheless, they have authorised and approved this guy and one would expect him to do work to a standard set by the RACV. At least one would expect the RACV to take the matter up with the mechanic to try and resolve the issue. They would have more clout in this matter than the individual.
As for taking legal action, that is a very costly exercise and not everyone can afford to take that course.

**Chesand** · 1st November 2009, 04:43 PM

Having the RACV on your side will sure help your negotiations.
They may not have a legal obligation to help you but surely have a moral obligation.

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