Customer drives in a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, reports hearing a possible engine noise, and would like it diagnosed. Diagnostic work of $300 is approved, shop confirms early stage rod knock, and also stalling.
Customer does not return to pick-up car, weeks go by, Peter continues to drive car in and out of his shop’s gated parking area at night.
Engine knock becomes worse, engine will no longer start, Peter is now pushing car in and out every day. Vehicle owner tells Peter: “I brought the car in running, so you have to fix it”, Peter declines to do so.
Peter asked for my advice but I didn’t have much to offer (lien sale which takes 90 days, and this car won’t sell anyhow, or, push it out, let the City tow it, which Peter wisely rejected )
Then out of the blue Peter gets a visit from a guy from a Repo Company
Turns out the car is actually owned by a lease company and buyer was behind in payments. Vehicle has a GPS tracking device installed, but when repo driver came by at night the car was invisible behind a gate. Tow truck driver finally drove by during the day and spoke with Peter.
Repo company happily pays $450 storage bill, gives Peter a signed “hold harmless” agreement, and tows away the non-running POS.
So a happy ending and a victory for a patient and long suffering shop owner !
Andrew
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