unauthorized auto repair

[laurr312]

the engine in my car went and needed to be replaced, a 'friend' agreed to replace the engine at his families shop for $2500. I transported the car to his home and paid the money. We didn't sign any papers being he was a close friend. He took the car to mechanic in the area and asked him to fix it paid him $500 and disappeared. I was unable to locate my car, didn't know it was left with another mechanic and never authorized any work. After several months i was able to locate the mechanic and was told my bill is $7000 and a lein is on the car. What options do I have? did the mechanic have the right to repair a car without knowing who owned it or if they wanted the work completed? The friend is gone so I have no way of getting the money from him.

 

[mightymoose]

You have a mess on your hands.
You will have to go through the court to try and get your car back.
The mechanic has a lien on the car and you will have to pay him without a court order telling him to give the car back. Either one of you could sue the missing friend... but that does no good if he is missing.
You did authorize the work when you paid your friend.
You did not authorize your friend to take the car elsewhere. Your complaint is against the friend only.
You can talk to your local police about the matter... what your friend did sounds like it amounts to theft, and it would be a felony offense. They may be able to find him quite easily.

My biggest question is how this went on for several months.