Legal Question in Consumer Law in Georgia

Automotive Mechanic(S) potential Lawsuit Question

I had a tranismission installed from a shop who gets them from Japan with low miles and about 1/2 the price. It turned out to be a credible explanation, so I paid for it.

Got the car back, oil light was on, which was explainable because it had sat for a good 3 months before I got the transmission work done. This was a place that does oil changes, not the original shop.

During the oil change, they told me the tranismission fluid was dark!! I declined the service because I still had a warranty. Called the original transmission service guy, he said they sometimes spoof consumers by placing dark coloring in the fluid to get you to buy the trans. service, and that if anything happens, to call him back. Next day, tranmission went out on I-285!!!!!

Now transmission guy is blaming oil change guy, oil change guy says they don't do anything to the fluid, and he isn't accepting blame.

I've had this happen before with a different car in a different state, and I got screwed out of extra money. There's gotta be something in these scenarios where the consumer doesn't get screwed. Help!!


Asked on 3/10/07, 1:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Automotive Mechanic(S) potential Lawsuit Question

One way to not "get screwed" is to take your vehicle to a reputable shop (based on good BBB rating, referrals), rather than the cheapest, helf-price shops. However, we can't guess who was at fault. The first step is to take the car to a reputable shop and have them do an inspection, and a written report. Based on the result, pursue it with the party at fault.

Read more
Answered on 3/21/07, 5:30 pm
Charles W. Field Charles W. Field, Attorney at Law

Re: Automotive Mechanic(S) potential Lawsuit Question

You might have a case for fraud and/or negligence. However, you should consult with a local attorney. These "he said/he said" cases can get complicated and difficult to prove.

Read more
Answered on 3/22/07, 10:52 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Consumer Law questions and answers in Georgia