My ever reliable Fabia developed a fault last week where it would not fire, engine management light was on. Called RAC out, 2 RAC guys spent over 90 mins trying to diagnose the fault (error code 1517 engine control relay according to their version of the vag), checked the plugs (ok but needing replacement), compression...everything apart fro kicking it! Took it to an RAC approved repair place (local skoda dealer has semi trained monkeys onboard), Kavanagh Motor Group. They called me the next day to say that the car needed 3 coils & 3 plugs (1.2Htp engine) at a cost of £176 inclusive, they did the work and called me again to say they were checking the timing as it wa stll not starting. Called me the next day to tell me that the timing was out and the cams had shifted so I needed a new timing belt and chain bringing the grand total to £690 (ish) inclusive (about £150 for belt & chain and 5.5 hours labour as it is awkward to get to the belt etc)OUCH! told them no way could I afford that so I'll arrange to have the car brought home (a quick look in my Haynes tells me I can do it myself (I'm experienced on older engines - trumph herald/ford escorts 1970's era) so I can save on labour charges). Paid them today for the plugs & coils plus them recovering the car home, £237 total. I came home from work at 7, went to look at the car and discovered the filter/cover in the passenger well, old plugs etc in the drivers well and under the bonnet the plug leads out, wires not reconnected (see photo). Anger level = ballistic!

Invoice states: "Removed & replaced 3 coil packs, removed & replace 3 spark plugs. The vehicle has been road tested".

Anybody got any comments on what my rights are and what their obligation is (the repair firm)?

Thanks:thumbup:

Perhaps cheapest isn't always best. You may have been surprised that the 'trained monkeys' have the correct diagnostic equipment and knowledge to repair the car.

As for you issue with the garage I'd think it better to go round and see them armed with the photgraphs and ask them to explain their actions.

That's terrible behavior! If they're RAC approved call RAC as they'll probably want to know of a company they have given the nod to behaving so carelessly. At least they didn't cause any damage. TBH though, they probably just figured they would only have to come off again anyways so not much point in re-fitting

I reckon Mechanics / garages have 3 variable parameters,

Low Cost

High Quality

High Speed

You can only ever have 2 of the 3 above. My guys work is spot on and his prices are very favorable.. but as a result he's always snowed under and work (though not stupidly slow) can take a few weeks sometimes. I don't mind so much because I completely trust him with my car, but I guess I'm lucky as I can get the tube to work when I'm with out the car.

From the first picture it also looks like it is out of coolant.