I apologize for the non-related volvo content, but there's an issue with a mechanic on a car my brother and I were thinking of purchasing for our mom.

The vehicle is a 1992 Toyota Camry LE. The current owner is a friend of my brother's, Joe. Both are currently in Corvallis, OR for school.

Well, Joe was planning on selling the car, but needed to get the O2 sensor replaced before selling. So since he's at school, he took it to a mechanic in the next town over in Albany, Solis Auto.

The O2 sensor was replaced to the tune of $440. But immediately after, Joe noticed that the tranny was not shifting normally. Joe took it back to Solis Auto and Solis said there was a problem with the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and that he'd do the repair for free. I imagine that the $440 would have been plenty enough to cover the parts and labor for both the O2 sensor AND the TPS.

That was earlier last week. Friday came around and he said the TPS part would come in Friday, so my brother waited. and waited. Solis never called, and my brother didn't get to leave Corvallis until late that evening.

So my brother brought the car up to Portland so i could check it out. Everything looked clean except for the rough/sporadic idle and a starting issue.

My brother drove it back down Monday evening, called the guy Tuesday morning and the guy said to bring it by at 5pm (he's open til later). So my brother leaves work early and comes around to the shop. Solis isn't there. My brother calls Solis and Solis says he'll be there in 15 minutes as he has some errands to run. So my brother waits. And waits.

2 hours later, my brother - not the car - is about ready blow a gasket.

Today (09 SEP 04), Joe, the owner was planning on bringing the Camry in to Solis but suspiciously, Solis won't be there today. So Joe will be bringing the car in tomorrow.

As far as Joe's $440 goes, he does have a receipt, but no detailed receipt specifying which work was or was not included in the payment.

From all perspectives, it does look as though we're being jerked around. Outside of the obviously illegal property damage, is there anything that can be done to either get some of the money back or make him do the repair?

To who/where would I make complaints? Would this qualify for small claims court? Specifically, I've seen the all-knowing spook comment on legal issues in the past and would appreciate his or any other comments regarding this guy. After dealing with this Solis, I have very little respect for those not willing to follow through on things they promise.

To end, I apologize for the long post, but I just want to see Joe's problem righted and sorted out correctly.

Respectfully,
Galen
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1991 940w Turbo