* a long read but please help us if you have some smash repair or fair trading complaint experience
My cousin the goose decided to ram the back of someone elses car this time. The damage was the front bumper was pushed down, we needed bumper bar cover and reinforcement, headlight assembly a bonnet and airbag control module as the airbags went off. The repairer suggested that we get second hand parts as it was cheaper so we agreed and he quoted us $3300 including the tow.
After a long wait 3 to 4 weeks later we picked up the car and the repair work is NOT good at all. Here is a list:
- the center of the steering wheel was from a older model (it does not fit snug and looks kinda odd)
- the steering wheel was not straight
- the bumper was not fitted very well it looked like it was still pushed in
- the horn didnt work
- and the BIGGEST concern is that the airbag light is still on.
(21/9/10) So on that day we picked it up and noticed the light, he tried to explain that it was just a code error and the ECU not registering the new airbag module, he tried to refund me some money to take it to a auto electrician but i told him he needs to help us do it. So he said ok and to bring it back a few days later.
(23/9/10)Two days later we dropped the car off and waited for a hour for him to sort out the alignment and light issue. Still NO good he said that he needed to take it to another auto electrician as he and his mate next door couldnt remove the light with there little ecu machines. He said back in the day they can just remove the globe but in this car he couldn't. Steering wheel was still not straight.
(27/9/10) called him and he says he is looking at alternative ways to remove the light. And he will order the horn for us.
(28/9/10) called again he said that the auto electricians do not want anything to do with the problem and do not want to be liable if anything happens. He said he will fit the horn for us the next day.
(29/9/10) We dropped the car off again and he tried to unplug things and what not but the light was still on, he sorted the steering wheel issue (but its still like a few degrees off straight) said he couldnt find a alternate way to sort out the light and that we MIGHT need a new clock spring? then he started to go on that because we bought second hand parts he could not guarantee the work??? and the horn could not be fitted as we need a new clock spring(some thing under the steering wheel) My cousin is not happy about the work and he started to go on about how he did it for a good price and what else do we want from him "my blood"
SO here i am waiting for his phone call about the prices of the clock spring that may or may not fix the problem. What do you guys think is the problem? Should i make a call to fair trading about this issue? i've been very patient with him but his starting to give me the shits.
It was a different situation, but a $250 cash refund was fine thanks.
