My car was sold without my knowledge after I took it to the shop – and mechanic even tried to blame me for his mistake

A DRIVER took a car mechanic to court after his vehicle was stolen while it was supposed to be receiving maintenance at his repair shop.

The owner of an automobile , which he admitted wasn’t in driving condition, told a popular reality judge that he had it towed to a car tech’s shop where it later disappeared.

YouTube/ Judge Judy

YouTube/ Judge Judy

In a clip shared by Judge Judy’s (@JudgeJudy) YouTube account, John Perry said that Mwelu Mataya’s vehicle needed “a radiator, some hoses, a timing belt and a water pump” to be in working condition .

Mataya brought Perry to court to sue him for the $1,200 car because he blamed the auto technician for it being stolen.

The mechanic claimed he didn’t know the automobile was stolen while parked in front of his car repair business.

“I was under the impression it was impounded,” he explained.

Before the vehicle turned up missing, Perry said he had only had the chance to fix the radiator.

“The tow-truck driver put it out on the street,” the mechanic said about why Mataya’s car was able to be stolen despite him having a repair shop full of other vehicles.

The driver said Mataya initially gave Perry $460 to pay for the parts necessary to complete the job.

“And then when he was done, I would give him the rest,” he added.

The automobile was ultimately found “on the freeway,” by highway patrol, Mataya said.

The driver shared a recording he had with the judge of a towing operator confirming that it was found by highway patrol and also telling him that his car “was sold in an auction.”

Judge Judy told the mechanic that, when he accepted the driver’s vehicle “to be fixed,” he took on another particular responsibility as well.

“You had the responsibility to keep it safe,” she said.

“Clearly you didn’t keep it safe.”

That being said, she explained to Perry that it was his fault that the automobile was stolen while in his care.

How to avoid being scammed at the repair shop

Motorautocar and the AARP have east-to-follow tips to avoid being scammed by a repair shop.

1. Motorautocar suggests asking to see parts that have been replaced or to see old fluids after they were swapped. If the shop says that’s impossible or refuses, it could be a sign it wasn’t done.
2. Ask for a walkaround of the repairs that were done. Most mechanics are happy to show you what was done in the shop. While being walked around, look for evidence of repairs like the area being cleaned off, shiny new parts, tool marks on the bolts, tools being out or nearby, etc.
3. Before taking your car in, look at other customer reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many customers only review a company if they have negative reviews, so keep an eye out.
4. For costly repairs, consider getting multiple opinions. If two to three shops suggest identical repairs, it’s likely to be true.
5. Test a new shop with minor issues you’re aware of to see if they add anything to the repair bill.
6. If applicable, bring someone to the shop who knows about cars to have them double-check or read a repair bill.
7. Get everything on paper. Not only is it important for your repair records, but it can help protect you if legal measures are necessary.

Source: Motorautocar , AARP

“Somebody took it,” Judge Judy said.

“You left it open. You left it in a place where it was vulnerable and if it could be driven, and it clearly could be driven, it should be right in your garage when you’re working on it.”

She ordered the auto technician to pay $1,200 to the driver.

The YouTube post received over 200 comments.

“Glad he had that audio recording,” someone said.

“Be careful on radiator repairs,” a user warned.

“I did that and ended up with a cracked engine block and lost the car to salvage.”

“They both seem like nice people actually,” an individual chimed in.

“Sad situation.”