Long car repair dispute with ex client: who helps?

Summary

If a car repair dispute with a garage or an ex client has dragged on, who helps depends on which side you are on. Consumers usually use the garage complaints process, then Motor Ombudsman (if the trader is in the scheme) and Citizens Advice templates under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Traders chasing unpaid invoices use invoice terms, then court or a solicitor. Free doors will not decide the engineering facts for you.

Key information

• Build a dated timeline: instructions, quotes, invoices, messages, photos of the work.
• Confirm whether you are the consumer or the trader. Paths differ.
• Check if the garage is in The Motor Ombudsman or another ADR scheme.
• Limitation periods still run while emails go back and forth.
• Citizens Advice will help consumers with faulty services letter structure. For business to business disputes they may point elsewhere. They will not inspect the car or appoint an engineer.
• Motor Ombudsman runs ADR if the business is accredited. They will not help if the trader is not in the scheme (themotorombudsman.org).

Practical guidance

• Other party final written position with a clear offer deadline.
• Motor Ombudsman / ADR if the trader is a member and you are the consumer.
• Citizens Advice for consumer letter templates.
• Solicitor or court claim when the sum and evidence justify it.
• Ask the Shaman: free door routing.

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