Mechanic Installed Junkyard Transmission - His DMV License Was Not Valid

[poet7]

I took my transmission to get fixed at a mechanic. He told me it would be 3 days and $1000. After that time passed more and more things kept coming up which he charged me for. First I needed a new torque converter and then a new casing, and then a new computer for the transmission. Once he told me about the computer I knew something was up and decided to take it to someone else. He wrote on the estimate/bill that I would get the computer on my own. Five weeks into this whole mess I try a new computer and this wasn't the problem. One of the mechanics at the place told me they put in a different transmission from the junkyard which I never agreed to. This transmission has a code which has different gear ratios than my original one. The car still doesn't work and they moved to a new shop. I filed a claim with the DMV but it's been months since I've heard anything. How can I prove that this transmission is faulty in court and do I have a case? The DMV told me his license to work on cars was not valid at the time either. Am I entitled to a new transmission from the dealer? Also, how would I file against them in small claims if I don't have the owner's personal info and their shop is now opening under a new name? Thanks in advance.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I don't know what's going on other than you took your car in and didn't get what you wanted. If you went to a dealer who had an unlicensed mechanic you should send a written notice but yes, you do have a problem in determining exactly whom you received service from. In this industry, fly by night companies is unfortunately not uncommon. But just because the dealership changed name doesn't mean (1) it's not owned by the same person/group, and (2) that the original owner isn't liable.