MOT Miscommunication?
Bit random, but wondered if anyone else has had disagreements with a client/garage/dealership/mechanic about something similar?
Context:
Dropped my bike down for an MOT, as it was due in a few days. Had it serviced this time last year with no issues, it's only been about 1000 miles in that time and is always kept undercover. It's maintained well, and I've personally rewired it as needed.
(Lexmoto LXR SY 125-10 registered in 2020)
I was charged as follows:
£45 for an MOT of a 125CC
£15 New Battery
£120 Labour
No further details on the invoice, only told that the ignition clips were rusty so needed cleaning and that the battery was flat, once I rang them.
After 3 weeks (as he had been ill and unable to do anything) since I'd dropped it off, I get an invoice today, specifying the amount for MOT and the areas fixed.
- I didn't give permission for any fixes or alterations - It was purely for MOT as I'd checked it over myself and found no issues, if there was anything I'd missed, I'd likely do it myself anyway but would have just wanted a heads up.
- It was taken to a different garage for MOT, also something I wasn't aware they do as I would have just taken it to them directly.
- The maximum MOT charge is less than £30 for a Motorbike up to 200cc, this one is a 125cc and he's charged me the price for a car MOT.
- 2 Hours to replace a battery and clean rusted clips on the ignition?
Yes, I've gone to the mechanic directly and no, he doesn't see the issue as he'd assumed I would want it fixed before the MOT, without needing to let me know. I had no issues with my battery or ignition as it was ran regularly and before this point, never gone flat.
Now don't get me wrong, it's only a small charge and I don't argue with the labour fee in any regard, However, from what he's told me - I would have been able to fix it myself, the battery alone would cost less than what he charged me for the MOT.
From the looks of it, he's looked over the entire bike which I would argue may take 2 hours, including the battery and ignition clean.
But this is still £120 more I've spent on labour, that I would have done myself.
It's honestly not worth arguing over for this amount but I'm curious if anyone else has any stories like this?
(Please keep in mind that this is not my normal mechanic, I ended up needing it done on a Saturday and everyone I knew, was full for the next two weeks or weren't available on the Saturday the MOT ran out.