Mechanical Insurance/Mechanic Problems - What next?!?

[B1NZ]

Problem:

When i purchased my AE111 Levin i purchased a mechanical insurance policy for 3 years cover for it.

Roughly 2 years later I started having problems with the Superstrut suspension and failed a WOF, so i took the car in and got it fixed (so i thought) The mechanic was supposed to replace the superstrut arms and little balljoints on both sides, which i had assumed he did and at the same time replaced the rear swaybar bushes so i had to pay 1 $250 excess +frieght for the parts.

The Car still made clunking noises all the time but i thought nothing more of it after the mechanic assured me that the correct bits were replaced.

6 months later i went in for a new WOf and it failed again, with the guy that did the warrant saying that the parts were supposed to be replaced last time (which i assumed they had been)

So i took the car back to the repairer and said they were supposed to be replaced the previous time, so they had another look at it and at the time i specified that i wanted genuine parts as i had heard bad things about the BnT and reconditioned replacements. So the both sides were done again then the insurance company tried to charge me 2 X $250 for an excess, so after repeated attempt to contact them and getting blown off, i send a second letter explaining that i was going to seek legal action unless someone discussed this policy with me, I finally got a call and the guy at insurance co" told me that they'd waive one but i had to pay the other excess which i reluctantly agreed to as by this stage my car had been off the road for weeks.

So i picked the car up and during the first week i noticed that the car drifted towards oncoming traqffic under acceleration and/or braking, so i took it back to the repairer within a month and told them to fix it.
Meanwhile i got them to check the engine as it was consuming a 4 litre pack of oil in a month, so they dissasembled it and about 2 months later finally got the insurance co.s approved inspector to check out the engine, The declined the engine and put it down to wear and tear even though the oil control ring had totally collapsed in 170,000k's, the compression rings were perfect but the oil rings were level with the piston and had no tension whatsoever on them.

So after numerous promises the mechanic said the car was going to be ready with the new engine bits (that i payed for) reassembled and suspension sorted including a new shock (which they only replaced one) before xmas, it was finally ready and i picked it up on Friday 3rd February!!!!!

Drove to Tauranga and notice not long into the trip the suspension was the same as it was, i checked under the car and noticed there was a nut connecting the superstrut arm with a little balljoint was loose! So i tightened it up, i had to tighten it up at every town because it kept coming loose, i got a diagram of the s/s suspension today and realised that there is a locking cap missing on both sides with stops the nut from working loose.

I Took the car down to VTNZ to get them to have a look at it and they said the complete suspension assembly was stuffed including the 1 shock that they had put in, the other thing they picked up was that the shock they replaced was not adjustable like the other side and therefore makes the cert plate on my car void as well as dangerous!

So my question is: What do i do, the mechanic blames the insurance company for only supplying what they thought needed replacing

This crap is really pissing me off

[evil_si]

the insurance company wont be supplying the parts, the mechanic has to tell them what needs doing and they allow a specific repair cost, it is then up to the mechanic to source the parts and work within what they have allowed for.

the other thing is ask the insurance company for a copy of the invoice from the mechanic, there should be an itemised account for the parts supplied and the work done, you will soon find out if he's ripping you both off chaging for new correct parts and not suppling them.

[Mr Revhead]

yep mechanic sources the parts and gets approval from driveright

i say get a lawyer involved.
they obviously havent done the job right in the first place.

[2LTR Rona]

Mmmm I'm with Rev on this one and think there are a few too many grey areas where a lot of finger point can go on and not a hell of a lot of action to be taken.

Best be talking to a lawyer me thinks, Whiteria (sp?) Polytech in Porirua give free legal advice from memory

[Leon]

I just saw the wheel wobble on the B1 beast. It's unbelievably fuxxored.

[Si]

AE111 Levin = 14.960 @ 147km/h - parts ordered - waiting for stupid mechanics to get A into G!!

does your mech wty still cover you after the car has been competition use?

[SnakeEyes]

I'd say definitely get some kind of legal representative involved. This is the kind of shit they're made for.

K<^-^>E

[B1NZ]

AE111 Levin = 14.960 @ 147km/h - parts ordered - waiting for stupid mechanics to get A into G!!

does your mech wty still cover you after the car has been competition use?

does being timed off road with no one beside you and no prizes to be won count as competition?

[Si]

you are racing the clock!
:p;P

[Mr Revhead]

id be argueing that drag racing in no way stresses the superstrut ball joints.
then again, why do they need to know?

[B1NZ]

id be argueing that drag racing in no way stresses the superstrut ball joints.
then again, why do they need to know?

exactly!!

[Si]

just looking at the policy on the website, they must realise rotarys break lots:

Excluded Vehicles
1) Vehicles which have been or are used in racing competitions, trials or rallies.
2) Vehicles modified from manufacturers specifications after point of sale other than
those declared and accepted by Us.
3) Couriers, buses, rentals, taxis and any fare paying customer Vehicles.
4) All USA imported Vehicles unless first registered in New Zealand.
5) Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Jensen, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati, Mazda Rotary, Porsche, Rolls Royce, TVR Morgan, Hybrid.

Exotic Vehicles
The following Vehicles qualify for this insurance provided the appropriate loading has
been paid:
Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chrysler Jeep, Citroen, Daimler, Fiat, Honda Crossroad, Jaguar,
Lancia, Landrover, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi GTO, Lancer Evolution, GSR, Nissan
300ZX, Peugeot, Range Rover, MG, Renault, Rover, Saab, Toyota Soarer / Celsior 4.0L and
up, Twin Turbo’s, Volkswagon, Volvo, and 4wd Turbo’s

[peas]

I despise Mechanical Warranties. They have never done me any favours and I don't even look at them now. Too many people (esp with financial interests) involved makes for a very big mess which is what you have here. Never have I heard a pleasant experience from them and I'm glaed when I hear them getting shafted

But as stated the mechanic should be able to tell you what was replaced and provide evidence of this. I would get in touch with the MTA as this is exactly what they are for. They will act as a mediator between you and the mechanic (I'm unsure if the barstard mech warranty people fall into this association) and it won't cost you a thing apart from time.

[Ako]

Excluded Vehicles
1) Vehicles which have been or are used in racing competitions, trials or rallies.

You better hope they don't read Toyspeed bud

I've seen a LOT of warranties voided by people coming to the track. The simple fact you're out on a ractrack, on a race day - be it straight lines, whatever, kinda signifies to me some kind of use in a racing competition or trial

[Leon]

B1's mechanic needs shooting. I've never seen him actually do a decent job on any bit of work that B1 has needed doing.

[BlakJak]

Ack, I feel for you B1, that car was mint

I've always fought to find a decent mechanic, seems all too easy to get screwed over.