RT Mechanics – Volvo Specialist’s Repair Gone Wrong!

[GregE102]

Hi

As an update, regretfully, the deadline I set for Russ from RT Mechanics to get in touch with me with a view to an amicable resolution has now lapsed with no contact whatsoever from him. In a last minute attempt to try and resolve the matter, I made the effort to call Russ yet again earlier this afternoon (even though I’m currently overseas) but he refused to take my call.

I can only assume that this is deliberate as Russ has been online and posted on the forums just a short while ago. I have been more than willing to put my hands up and admit where I may have gone wrong (although it does seem ironic that people still seem to continue to harp on only ONE issue which I have already apologised for, as a defence for Russ ), but I find it unfortunate that Russ is unwilling to do the same for the multiple instances of RT Mechanics' unsatisfactory work – its becoming clear to me that the £11,000+ I’ve spent with RT Mechanics has been due to misplaced trust. Russ has abused the absolute trust I had in his abilities and I sincerely hope that no one else is subjected to the same.

Many thanks to the numerous members who have offered their support and I’m also happy to accept the points of those who have been critical of my actions. Having now been contacted by a number of former RT Mechanics customers, its clear that I’ve not been the only one to be treated in this way and I am grateful to those former RT Mechanics customers for agreeing to support my case with their experiences too.

[mole]

Originally Posted by the alarming man

dishonesty and abuse of trust?????....it would seem russ as tried to put things right ...but when a customer states he is recording telephone conversations as a company director you do have the right to deal through your solicitor,as i previously stated recording call without prior consent of both parties (i.e our calls are some times recorded for training and quality purposes if after the message you dont put the phone down you are acepting your call we be recorded) is illegal in itself

Dishonest, Russ charged for parts not fitted, to me that is dishonest, would you say it is honest???

Trust, he was trusted to do the job right, he was trusted to rectify the work when not done right, he was trusted to only charge for what was done, he was trusted to be able to fit parts correctly, he was trusted to fit the correct parts. Shall I go on?

[st5ve]

One of the benefits from being a member of a forum like this is the freedom to post information and to learn from other posts, being a member of this particular forum in my opinion is very beneficial.

It has always been very heavily debated whither threads of this type should be allowed or not, I personally think that every member should have the freedom to post information and experience of a trader. Of course this should be based on facts not opinion and no post on a topic of grievance should be deliberately malice or false.

The reason behind this thinking is simple, members can make informed decisions regarding who or what business will have the benefit of taking care of their vehicles. One of the other benefits is safety, for example; a garage during the normal running of business replaces parts either incorrectly or the part is faulty, it is beneficial for other users of that garage to check similar work carried out for safety. Or where a part is faulty they can return to the garage to check wither the same faulty part that has been fitted to their vehicle.

GregE102 I have had a look at your profile and have tried on a few forums to find threads on the work that has been carried out on your car. I see from your picture album that your project is about restoring your T5-R. You have listed some items that have been replaced or up rated, could you please post all the work you have had done as I just can not see where your claimed £11,000 has been spent. I am not saying you are lying I just can not see where you have spent this amount of money.

This is a list of the parts I can see you have replaced/up rated:
Rica 304
BSR fuel pump (set up by RT Mechanics)
BSR tail pipe
BSR optiflow induction
Samco Boost and water hoses
Recirculation diaphragm Replaced
koni FSD
Eibach springs
IPD Anti roll bars front & rear
IPD adjustable drop links
Powerflex bushes
OEM strut brace
Brembo's 302's on the front DS2500 Pads X 4
RT Camber Kit
RT Gold calipers
RT Carbon fiber lip Removed due to Mother
RT Body Machine polished
New wishbones
Rear Rubber mounts Replaced OEM

[GregE102]

Originally Posted by st5ve

One of the benefits from being a member of a forum like this is the freedom to post information and to learn from other posts, being a member of this particular forum in my opinion is very beneficial.

It has always been very heavily debated whither threads of this type should be allowed or not, I personally think that every member should have the freedom to post information and experience of a trader. Of course this should be based on facts not opinion and no post on a topic of grievance should be deliberately malice or false.

The reason behind this thinking is simple, members can make informed decisions regarding who or what business will have the benefit of taking care of their vehicles. One of the other benefits is safety, for example; a garage during the normal running of business replaces parts either incorrectly or the part is faulty, it is beneficial for other users of that garage to check similar work carried out for safety. Or where a part is faulty they can return to the garage to check wither the same faulty part that has been fitted to their vehicle.

GregE102 I have had a look at your profile and have tried on a few forums to find threads on the work that has been carried out on your car. I see from your picture album that your project is about restoring your T5-R. You have listed some items that have been replaced or up rated, could you please post all the work you have had done as I just can not see where your claimed £11,000 has been spent. I am not saying you are lying I just can not see where you have spent this amount of money.

This is a list of the parts I can see you have replaced/up rated:
Rica 304
BSR fuel pump (set up by RT Mechanics)
BSR tail pipe
BSR optiflow induction
Samco Boost and water hoses
Recirculation diaphragm Replaced
koni FSD
Eibach springs
IPD Anti roll bars front & rear
IPD adjustable drop links
Powerflex bushes
OEM strut brace
Brembo's 302's on the front DS2500 Pads X 4
RT Camber Kit
RT Gold calipers
RT Carbon fiber lip Removed due to Mother
RT Body Machine polished
New wishbones
Rear Rubber mounts Replaced OEM

Hello

I have Invoices for all work carried out there have mostly been repairs which I was told where needed over the last 3 years.

Cheers Greg

[st5ve]

I think it would be informative if you could post all the work and costs you have incurred whilst your car has been maintained by Russ. Make it factual this will help people understand how much you have paid out and what service you have had in return.

You may consider scanning the invocies and posting them as images.

Have I missed anything off the list of up grades you have had done by Russ?

[smckeown]

I sympathise with you sport. I don't agree entirely with your methods, but the outcome clearly indicates you have a case for a claim.

I have successfully used this service to claim from companies

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp

I've been in a similar situation, and similarly used the power of the internet to get the truth out there.

Here's my story http://track-monkey.co.uk/pumaracing. Peugeot 205 race engine build fro ma few years ago. I decided to post it on my own website, as the story was pulled quickly from the forums.

Good luck with your claim.

Sean

[st5ve]

Sale and Supply of Goods and Services
Under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 traders must sell goods that are as described and of satisfactory quality, and provide services that are to a proper standard of workmanship.

Supply of Goods and Services Act
The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 requires traders to provide services to a proper standard of workmanship. Furthermore, if a definite completion date or a price has not been fixed then the work must be completed within a reasonable time and for a reasonable charge.
Also, any material used or goods supplied in providing the service must be of satisfactory quality.
The law treats failure to meet these obligations as breach of contract and consumers would be entitled to seek redress, if necessary through the civil courts.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 Fact Sheet
Subject:
Supply of Services and Supply of Faulty Goods or Materials Provided with Services.
Relevant or Related Legislation:
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982. Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994. The Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 and Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999.
Key Facts:
• The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 requires a supplier of a service acting in the course of business in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to carry out that service with reasonable care and skill and, unless agreed to the contrary, within a reasonable time and make no more than a reasonable charge.
• These terms apply unless they have been excluded and there are strict limits on the circumstances in which an exclusion or variation will be effective.
• Common law in Scotland has similar effect to the 1982 Act. Suppliers of services or their customers should obtain legal advice about the common law in Scotland if necessary.
• If a supplier of a service breaches the conditions of a contract (for example by failing to carry out the work ordered) the consumer has a choice either to affirm the contract (treat it as still in existence) and claim compensation from the trader for his failure to carry out what was agreed or rescind (cancel) the contract.
• If the supplier does not carry out the work with reasonable care and skill the law treats the matter as a breach of contract and the consumer can seek redress. Often reasonable compensation in these circumstances will be repair or replacement.
• If no agreement has been made with the supplier about completion of the work, or about the charge to be made, then if it is not completed within a reasonable time or the price is unreasonable, this is also treated as breach of contract and the consumer may be entitled to compensation.
• Any goods supplied in the course of the service must be as described, of satisfactory quality and fit for their purpose. If they are not the consumer is entitled to a repair, replacement or compensation.
• A supplier of a service who has broken a contract may also be liable for any consequential loss which is suffered by the consumer. Ultimately it would be for the courts to decide whether or not a breach of contract has occurred and the redress, in the form of damages (compensation), to which a consumer might be entitled.
• A claim can be pursued though the courts for up to six years providing it can be shown that the problem was due to the work not being carried out properly or the goods or materials used not being of satisfactory quality.

Q1. What redress am I entitled to if a problem arises with the work that has been carried out?
Generally a repair or replacement of any faulty goods or materials would be appropriate.
Q2. What do I do if the supplier won’t take any action about my complaint?
If necessary you can pursue a claim through the small claims court (up to £5000) at modest cost and without the need for a solicitor.
Q3. If I have to pursue a claim in court what can I claim?
The cost of putting right any work that has not been carried out properly and replacing any defective goods and materials. You might also be able to claim any consequential costs incurred as a direct result of the poor work or defective goods.

This forum by definition is a community, we all share a common interest and in the vast majority of posts we try to help each other. Posting up a picture of a spoon and stating some of the members are just stirring or mixing things up shows a lack of integrity, belittles a genuine complaint and gives an example of your maturity.

Asking for a breakdown of all work carried out is not stirring; it is a reasonable request which will be beneficial to other members on this forum to make an informed decision about this situation. I totally understand your concern and why you posted the picture, however it is yet to be ascertained wither posting all the invoice details will have a negative impact on Russ.

[tt82]

Originally Posted by GregE102

Having now been contacted by a number of former RT Mechanics customers, its clear that I’ve not been the only one to be treated in this way and I am grateful to those former RT Mechanics customers for agreeing to support my case with their experiences too.

May i just say i take exception to this comment.

Firstly may I just state that i dont know, have never meet and due to their respective locations, are unlikey to ever meet either party. I am commenting purely as an observer.

If other forum members have contacted you regarding their own experiences of RT Mechanics, then really they should been posting threads stating their own case so we can judge each by its own merit. We have to keep strictly to the facts and comments such as the above, are in my opinion nothing more than an attempt to discredit one side by slander.

I am all in favour of being able to discuss workmanship on forums so that garages with shoddy working practices can be rightly avoided by other members. But we need to do it in a adult and civilised way, keeping strictly to the facts without name calling or wild accusations that are unproven.




My father recently purchased an item from an online In Car Entertainment distrubuter, when the item arrived it was not what was ordered and despite asking 3 time for a return address they never complied. He contacted his credit card company who withdrew the funds from the store and supplied a return address. He is now being taken to the small claims court by them as they seek to regain the payment and make fraud accusations against my father.

I am hoping that after the court case, with the permission of the forum support team, i will be able to post the result and what was said by the judge/magistrate. I am confident that my father will win the case and i am hoping to warn other forum users about this store.

[foggyjames]

I don't see a problem with that...but I appriciate you waiting until you have a court judgement to do it. We're on extra-safe ground then...

cheers

James

[Nuisance]

Originally Posted by tt82

If other forum members have contacted you regarding their own experiences of RT Mechanics, then really they should been posting threads stating their own case so we can judge each by its own merit. .

I absoluteley 100% agree with you on that front...

Personally I think that they are performing a dis-service by refraining to do so.

The sad fact of the matter is that there are a great deal of people who "take it on the chin" and don't wish to cause a fuss.

As I have attended many Volvo meets I have seen these people that Greg speaks of, and can only say that I can back up his comments.

Warren (KVO) on T5D5 HAS commented that he has had such an issue. I also personally know the very experienced (and qualified) mechanic that resolved Warren's issues.

For some people, being "badly served" is a terrible embarrassment, especially when they are part of the group of people who have "bigged up" these traders on the forums. This embarrassment actually prevents them from posting up their experiences.

Just as Greg has experienced here, I too had many people who suddenly spoke to me and offered their experiences of Hamish/Adam and Stuart Williams. Most of them did so "in confidence" and whilst I could say "people have had similar experiences" I could not betray their trust.

Even Ashok did not want pictures of his SW Autos "Araldited" engine posting at the point where my fuel tank was ruined, Yet he showed it to me.

It's a difficult thing to substantiate without "naming and shaming" other disgruntled customers.

As this case goes I can only say that I do know that Greg is not fabricating this claim.