I'm writing this on behalf of my girlfriend;

The Motorvehicle, VW Beetle, was taken to McLean Motors on Queens road, Everton Hills , QLD. There was an issue with the rear drum break locking up after the car had been standing still, and a steering wobble (steering rod). 2 Days and ~$850 Dollars later, the car was finished after being told several earlier expected completion dates. Several parts were replace however one would expect this work to take only 1 day at the most, and cost around $400 dollars total. There was no notification given that the price would be almost a thousand dollars for a few simple parts and maybe 3 hours work.

The repair bill was swallowed, and the car brought home. It almost immediately began to stink of petrol, and after a few days it was decided that any residue would have evaporated. The car was refilled, and within 12 hours, was empty again. It was noticed that petrol was dripping onto the ground.

The car was then returned to the workshop, and it was stated to the mechanic that the customer was unwilling to pay, because this was clearly the fault of the mechanic who repaired the car. The mechanic admitted that the fuel line was disconnected to get it out of the way. It was then simply put back on - they said it was done to "manufacturers standards". Why then, did the hose tear? If it was old, why was it not replaced? They were obviously not worried about increasing the price.

After negotiation, the mechanic agreed to repair the vehicle for $10, as they 'can't work for free'. This was agreed upon as a price for the repairs.

The work was performed while the owner waited. Once complete, the mechanic stated that it would cost $56 dollars - far exceeding the verbally quoted price.

The customer argued with this price, and was finally made to pay otherwise the vehicle would not be returned.

This is obviously a case where the mechanic is taking advantage of a young lady, both in the initial repair cost, and in the absolute poor treatment and lies told.

The mechanic proceeded to tell her in justification of the price, that she was lucky to bring the vehicle in otherwise it could have caught fire, which would not have been covered by their work guarantee. They are lucky that the car didn't burn and they got SUED.