Discuss your concerns with your mechanic
If you are not happy with repair work:
- speak with the repairer and give them a chance to explain and/or fix the problem. Do not just take your car to another repairer
- mention the warranty on parts and repairs
- consider that a problem may be unrelated to the work that was done
- contact your insurance company, if the car is insured.
If you cannot reach agreement with your mechanic
If you are still not happy after speaking with your mechanic, follow our step-by-step guide to resolving your problem or complaint.
You may also wish to get an independent report on the vehicle's condition from a qualified motor mechanic (we recommend you get a mechanic who belongs to a recognised body, such as the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) or the RACV, to do the assessment).
This report may encourage the mechanic to rethink their position, as it comes from a neutral third party. It can also be used as evidence during conciliation or if the matter goes to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. You will normally need to pay for this service.
Be realistic about repair work
- Diagnosing a car's faults is not always straightforward.
- Modern vehicles can be sophisticated, so the problem may not be immediately obvious.
- Repair costs may increase with your vehicle's age.
- Delays can occur with difficulty in obtaining parts.
- New parts are preferable, but sometimes they are not practical or economically viable.
- Second-hand parts can be used if they are in good working condition.
- For older vehicles, second-hand parts may be all that is available.
- Used cars do not have to be repaired to a new condition under statutory warranty, only to a reasonable condition having regard to their age.
- Sometimes the cheapest repair is not always the best. It might be more economical in the long run to replace a number of items at once.