EHS

Just got a letter to pay a toll while my car was at the mechanic being serviced.

It was at 6:02pm on a Wednesday.

I'm trying to gauge how angry I should be about this. It wasn't terribly far from the mechanic.

I understand that test rides need to occur, but what mileage do you guys think is the maximum that should be put on the car?

Thoughts?

-EHS

p.s. I'm leaving out the name because there could be a very reasonable explanation for this.

gavonder

Eek!
First thought is of Ferris Bueller.
If they are reputable, it seems to me that if it was a test drive, they would have either paid the toll as they went through (if possible), or notify you before or right after. I'm sure if they are located in the area, they now how it works.

I would certainly call them & ask for an explanation.

Edit: Miles would depend on why it was in the shop & how many times it had to go out - maybe 5 - 10.

EHS

Fair point, I'll post it in general. But a substantial less amount of eyeballs.

GTgears

If I trusted my mechanic I wouldn't care.

Gbos1

+1

ace10

You may very well trust your mechanic, but what about that new guy working for him?

I'd have no issue bringing this up with somebody I "trusted" or somebody I didn't trust. Was the toll road the only place to test drive the car? Was there unauthorized use of the car after hours?

If somebody who did work for me, got offended about being queried about the matter, I'd find somebody else.

EHS

I called to pick up the car, and was told that I am not able to because it needs to be detailed and the bill put together....

Mike J

Did you note the mileage when dropping it off so you know how far the car was driven?

EHS

I didn't note the mileage when I dropped it off. I can do the math since it had only been driven a few times since inspection. But, that's not going to hold up under questioning. I personally don't really care if it's got 20-50 miles on it. I would just like to know what type of driving that was under. Over a hundred miles, and I think that it becomes a broader issue.

NC TRACKRAT

6:02 p.m.? Mechanic took it home overnight?

evilfij

When I was in the business we always asked before taking it home. But a 10-20 mile test drive was common for certain types of complaints.

OverBoosted28

This is one reason, no one will touch my car, if I can help it. Major trust issues :-0

TMc993

The work order you signed authorizing the work should show the mileage when you dropped it off.

bobboinski

This ^^^^^ for me too (trust issues). OverBoosted28 like the new avatar.

NYC993

Is the toll plaza around the shop?

When I needed car in a bit of rush, I was asked if mechanic can take it home so he can do test drive on the way home and back. Mine is not a low mile garage queen so I didn't care.

Depending on the work, they do need to test drive it, and at my shop, sometimes two different guys drive it to make sure everything is in order. I would not think it's a big deal, if it's a reputable shop.