Desperately need advice – car in for repair for a month now, can’t get any sense out of the garage

[buddhalady]

My car, an automatic and very old Suzuki Vitara with a brilliant engine, began having problems to do with transmission – wouldn’t engage after start-up from cold but once running OK gave no problems until the next cold startup. Took it to a local garage I’d used before, they told me the gearbox would have to go to a specialist for repair. Gave 10-13 days estimate time. I agreed.

 

Didn’t hear from them in the meantime, so checked in on the 14^th day only to find the car stuck in the back of the lot with its filthy gearbox still attached to a mini-crane. Obviously, it hadn’t been taken anywhere for repair. I spoke to the mechanic(?) – who has acceptable English – told him I desperately need the car as I’m living well outside of town in a village and two of my four dogs are chronically sick and need regular vet visits in CM. He seemed to understand, and said it would be ready in another week. Another family member then showed me a calculator displaying 20,000 baht, I agreed.

 

Subsequently, a week passed with no contact. Again, I went to the garage and found the now clean gearbox standing next to the car. Spoke to the same guy who said – another week. The week is now up, as are two extra days, and have heard nothing more.

 

I’ve been managing to get shopping, etc, with the help of the owner of the local shop, as even my local market and 7/11 are 30 minutes’ walk away. Grabcar and help from a neighbour have taken care of Big C shopping for special dog food etc, but Grabcar aren’t happy about less-than healthy dogs in their vehicles, so my two little ones have missed several checkups and, due to the unusual heat, all four are now in need of urgent veterinary attention.

 

It’s a month now, I have no idea what to do next, and am scared to go back as I might well lose my jai yen-yen! For very good reason, I’m seriously angry and very upset about this. I’m widowed, retired and have lived here for 13 years – my doggy family is my life.

 

Any suggestions would be helpful, maybe I could involve the main agent on highway 118, as they serviced the car for seven years before I arrived here and bought it. I would appreciate if the mods left this in the CM forum as it’s CM relevant.

[from the home of CC]

assuming you have no money issues (constant visit to vets) maybe time for a new one if the priority is getting the dogs to the clinic for it sounds you're not on any one's priority list..

[Denim]

If it's any consolation my old car ( 1992 ) that I was deeply in love with was away for repairs for nearly 7 weeks !!

 

My usually good mechanic was stumped by an electric fault he could not find so he gave it to an electrics expert who also could not find the fault. When it was finally repaired after 6.5 weeks I sold it straight away. Had I sold it before the problem I would have been 20,000 baht better off but that's life.

 

I then bought a second hand Toyota Vios for 150,000. Brilliant. No problems for 2 years. It is the most common saloon car on the roads so repairs are easier and spares plentiful.

 

What you have to do now is just politely pester the mechanic every day until he gets fed up and the repair is done. If it is ok I would get rid of it asap and get something newer , less exotic and unless your legs are not too strong , go for a manual transmission as mechanics here find them easier to work on , especially away from the big cities.

 

 

[cmsally]

Automatic gears seem to be one of the hardest things to fix.

If it is not completely clear then you need to get someone to call to see what the situation is. Have they ordered parts etc etc

If you post the location of the mechanic it is just possible that someone here has used them before and maybe able to get further info.

[orchis]

I had it with a camera for weeks, in the end I just went and got the pieces and got out of there.

[Denim]

10 minutes ago, orchis said:

I had it with a camera for weeks, in the end I just went and got the pieces and got out of there.

Dito. Camera shutter wouldn't go down. They told me not worth sending to Japan for repair so cheaper to buy new one.

So...seeing as how I now had a bit of worthless junk on my hands I decided to take it apart and try to repair it myself. 

Turned out to be just the shutter return spring off its mounting lug. Put it back on and it was as good as new. Cost...nothing !

[NanLaew]

Sounds like a hole-in-the-wall 'mechanic' or a guy who's handy with a spanner to me. Sounds honest though as he hasn't pulled it apart himself but the OP hasn't been able to confirm if the transmission has even left the building yet, only that is has been cleaned?

 

With a car that is 'very old', maybe a 'new' transmission is a better option. Thing is, the older the car, the harder to scavenge a working transmission from a wreckers yard. They are probably well out of production as well.

 

Hopefully someone may assist here with a recommendation for another garage. Inevitably they will also be scavenging for a replacement as nobody does refurbishment let alone rebuilds of near obsolete ones. Then there will be at least 2 garages looking for a new transmission for the OP.

 

One could incentivize the original mechanic with a 50% deposit on the quoted 20k, refundable if he totally strikes out. It may get him looking a bit harder.

 

However, the best option is to get something new(er). Maybe get the mechanic exploring that avenue as well?

[buddhalady]

6 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

Sounds like a hole-in-the-wall 'mechanic' or a guy who's handy with a spanner to me. Sounds honest though as he hasn't pulled it apart himself but the OP hasn't been able to confirm if the transmission has even left the building yet, only that is has been cleaned?

 

With a car that is 'very old', maybe a 'new' transmission is a better option. Thing is, the older the car, the harder to scavenge a working transmission from a wreckers yard. They are probably well out of production as well.

 

Hopefully someone may assist here with a recommendation for another garage. Inevitably they will also be scavenging for a replacement as nobody does refurbishment let alone rebuilds of near obsolete ones. Then there will be at least 2 garages looking for a new transmission for the OP.

 

One could incentivize the original mechanic with a 50% deposit on the quoted 20k, refundable if he totally strikes out. It may get him looking a bit harder.

 

However, the best option is to get something new(er). Maybe get the mechanic exploring that avenue as well?

The garage was well regarded whilst it's original owner oversaw everything, but he died recently and his sons (i believe) took over. I'd sent the car in several times for various basic repairs, no probs, fast service - obviously things have changed. As regards the Vitara, there are a few of the same model around town, it's considered collectible now, or so I'm told!

 

Apart from this, it has no other major issues and runs like a dream, making the devil I know a better option than another one I don't know. As regards my finances, they're adequate for my needs  - vets' bills come first, everything else comes last and I also don't want to be scammed into buying a secondhand disaster rather than fixing up the one I already have!

 

A research session online showed me the car's present problems were relatively common even a few years after its release and relatively straightforward to fix . Everything else is fine, don;t see the sense in just dumping it because I obviously made the wrong choice of garage. The problem was only on cold start-up - no trouble at all with the gears once the engine was warm. Someone suggested it was a 'selector' issue - whatever that is.... not the rest of the thing! I quite understand the need to send it to a specialist for repair, but why didn't the garage send it during the first two weeks? Again they managed to get the thing out, if it's been fixed as well as cleaned why didn't the garage simply reassemble it? My theory is that they didn't know how and don;t want to a dimit this or get someone in who does. Isn't this called 'Thainess'???

[buddhalady]

41 minutes ago, cmsally said:

Automatic gears seem to be one of the hardest things to fix.

If it is not completely clear then you need to get someone to call to see what the situation is. Have they ordered parts etc etc

If you post the location of the mechanic it is just possible that someone here has used them before and maybe able to get further info.

'Someone to call' was my first idea, unfortunately there are few farangs left in this neck of the woods, and none understand cars. Several have used the garage in the past, as have I, but not since the old guy who ran it died. I understood from the mechanic (?)  I spoke with that he would send it away to an 'expert' - quite frankly, I don;'t think he'd have bothered cleaning it himself. The garage itself is always packed with Thai-owned cars, which is why, when I heard the owner had died, I decided to give it a try with this issues - should have taken it down to the main agent. Live and learn.

 

The garage is off 118 to the left somewhere behind the big resort. Not sure if anyone up here reads TVF!

[buddhalady]

51 minutes ago, Denim said:

If it's any consolation my old car ( 1992 ) that I was deeply in love with was away for repairs for nearly 7 weeks !!

 

My usually good mechanic was stumped by an electric fault he could not find so he gave it to an electrics expert who also could not find the fault. When it was finally repaired after 6.5 weeks I sold it straight away. Had I sold it before the problem I would have been 20,000 baht better off but that's life.

 

I then bought a second hand Toyota Vios for 150,000. Brilliant. No problems for 2 years. It is the most common saloon car on the roads so repairs are easier and spares plentiful.

 

What you have to do now is just politely pester the mechanic every day until he gets fed up and the repair is done. If it is ok I would get rid of it asap and get something newer , less exotic and unless your legs are not too strong , go for a manual transmission as mechanics here find them easier to work on , especially away from the big cities.

 

 

My legs are just fine, thanks, and it's the first time I've ever heard Vitaras called 'exotic'!!! As regards transmissions, for me it's far safer to drive over here with the gearbox doing the work I'd have to do whilst keeping a very close eye on the usual road show!

[Puwa]

I believe that the correct order of operations for this kind of transmission fault is to first replace the fluid with exactly the type specified by manufacturer, along with a new filter. Only after that doesn't work should one remove the gearbox from the car and consider opening it up.

[buddhalady]

1 hour ago, Puwa said:

I believe that the correct order of operations for this kind of transmission fault is to first replace the fluid with exactly the type specified by manufacturer, along with a new filter. Only after that doesn't work should one remove the gearbox from the car and consider opening it up.

Thanks, Puwa, that's very close to what I read online, but the good news is that, when I went to the garage an hour or so to check on the lack of progress, my beloved old hulk was sitting there ready to go! Mechanic nowhere to be seen, so I paid the lady and got the **** out of the place ASAP! The car drives great - now all I need to do is get a respray and she'll be just fine.

 

Dog relay to vet tomorrow.....

 

Thanks, all of you, for your comments and help.

[cheeryble]

As a generality I think it's often a good idea for someone in your position to take it to a main dealer, let them give it the once over and give an opinion. They will probably attach or convey a degree of confidence in a correct diagnosis, and in any case you can get an idea of the range of cost.

THEN if you can find the right person to do the job you can go and speak to them forearmed.

Also, and I hope I'm being constructively critical here not just critical, I'd have got an itemised bill for the work and asked if the the specialist who did the work warranties it. (Maybe you did get a full bill, or maybe he just changed the transmission fluid. 20,000 is a remarkably round number.)

 

Looking forward......I have a Vitara JLX 16V 1600 Manual.

I find a manual slightly hard work as I have a neuro-problem but I love the car and would love to convert if it's possible.

What model and engine is your car? What year about (I'm 1999)

How many years have you run the car and has the automatic always been good to drive?

This is also the point where I'd like to know what the problem with your car was!

Modern autos are fuel efficient but old'uns can suck juice. How is yours?

 

I'd suggest you go back and get some more info it may help you in future.

 

Anyone good luck with the car and the dogs!

[scorecard]

If you want a total reliable auto shop suggest you to to ProAuto at Hang Dong (check the website for full address etc.)

 

The owner and very active chief is Mr. Ton, very knowledgeable about cars and automotive engineering etc., very pleasant and reliable guy, he speaks reads and writes very advanced English.

 

Used his services man times, he communicates by e-mail if anything to discuss, always very clear and focused. Prices always reasonable. Worth a try.

[Lacessit]

The car is 27 years old. Unfortunately, the OP will find other stuff such as wiring, hoses, seals, ball joints etc. will also break down progressively. Maybe time to consider replacement, despite the brilliance of the engine.

[fredge45]

8 hours ago, scorecard said:

If you want a total reliable auto shop suggest you to to ProAuto at Hang Dong (check the website for full address etc.)

 

The owner and very active chief is Mr. Ton, very knowledgeable about cars and automotive engineering etc., very pleasant and reliable guy, he speaks reads and writes very advanced English.

 

Used his services man times, he communicates by e-mail if anything to discuss, always very clear and focused. Prices always reasonable. Worth a try.

He's very good at trying to add items which do not need replacement but add lots to the final bill.  My final visit was when I asked that he change the aircon air filter.  He is so knowledgeable that he insisted there was no such item - Toyota Vios pickup.  I then removed the glove box and showed him...  The replacement filter (I failed to check it at the time of the visit) was not the correct size so I had to get the replacement myself.  Took the filter he used back, with receipt, at which time he tried to give me lots less than the original cost.

 

Never again, buyer beware.

 

[Dante99]

8 minutes ago, fredge45 said:

He's very good at trying to add items which do not need replacement but add lots to the final bill.  My final visit was when I asked that he change the aircon air filter.  He is so knowledgeable that he insisted there was no such item - Toyota Vios pickup.  I then removed the glove box and showed him...  The replacement filter (I failed to check it at the time of the visit) was not the correct size so I had to get the replacement myself.  Took the filter he used back, with receipt, at which time he tried to give me lots less than the original cost.

 

Never again, buyer beware.

 

Best to take ac issues to a shop that specializes in ac, not a general mechanic.

[OneMoreFarang]

14 hours ago, buddhalady said:

Thanks, Puwa, that's very close to what I read online, but the good news is that, when I went to the garage an hour or so to check on the lack of progress, my beloved old hulk was sitting there ready to go! Mechanic nowhere to be seen, so I paid the lady and got the **** out of the place ASAP! The car drives great - now all I need to do is get a respray and she'll be just fine.

The question is: Did you pay 20,000B for a clean-up and an oil change?

[watcharacters]

44 minutes ago, fredge45 said:

9 hours ago, scorecard said:

If you want a total reliable auto shop suggest you to to ProAuto at Hang Dong (check the website for full address etc.)

 

The owner and very active chief is Mr. Ton, very knowledgeable about cars and automotive engineering etc., very pleasant and reliable guy, he speaks reads and writes very advanced English.

 

Used his services man times, he communicates by e-mail if anything to discuss, always very clear and focused. Prices always reasonable. Worth a try.

He's very good at trying to add items which do not need replacement but add lots to the final bill.  My final visit was when I asked that he change the aircon air filter.  He is so knowledgeable that he insisted there was no such item - Toyota Vios pickup.  I then removed the glove box and showed him...  The replacement filter (I failed to check it at the time of the visit) was not the correct size so I had to get the replacement myself.  Took the filter he used back, with receipt, at which time he tried to give me lots less than the original cost.

 

Never again, buyer beware.

 

 

Now that's what I call an example of "YOUR RESULTS MAY VARY"!!

 

 

[Dante99]

15 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

The question is: Did you pay 20,000B for a clean-up and an oil change?

Of course not, they just put oatmeal in it.

 

[scorecard]

23 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

 

Now that's what I call an example of "YOUR RESULTS MAY VARY"!!

 

 

I reaffirm my comments, Khun Ton has never pushed my family to buy more. We have always asked him to do a more complete inspection and tell us what might need repair or replacement in the future.

 

Several times he's said nothing really needs attention for a while, and nothing more, a couple of times he's taken photos so show wear and mentioned it should be replaced perhaps in the next 6 months or similar.

 

He's never padded a bill, never.

 

In fact we've always noted how reasonable his bill is, especially compared to previous occasions when my son took one of the family cars to a shop owned by a brother of my son's work colleague.  

[1FinickyOne]

18 hours ago, buddhalady said:

but he died recently

 

18 hours ago, buddhalady said:

there are a few of the same model around town, it's considered collectible now, or so I'm told!

 

18 hours ago, buddhalady said:

no other major issues and runs like a dream, making the devil I know a better option than another one I don't know.

I think you have been here long enough to know that trades people will try to help though they may have no idea and might say they do... w/a dead owner, it is essentially a new shop... 

 

Just because there are a few old models around still, most have long ago probably hit the scrap heap. Vehicles have life spans and it seems yours is past the date. 

 

Being disabled is enough of a major issue and it obviously no longer runs like a dream. It seems the devil you know is not better than the one you don't know. 

 

I would go in to the shop and get an accurate assessment. It is long past time to get some accountability. Bring a Thai speaker with you to fully explain your situation and then it is not just you. But, mostly, I would be looking for another vehicle. Something newer if not new. 

 

Not sure what brand a Vitara is but I would take it to a dealer, or at least go into a dealership and ask some questions, though really, I would just move on. It is not getting any newer. Reliability for me is the most important thing and your vehicle is no longer so. 

 

I near always use the dealerships here as they are honorable, capable and do the job, though yes, more expensive than your back road guy. 

 

Sorry to hear of your troubles and hope all works well. 

 

ps - this is probably a problem for the shop owner too - ask him if he would like you to take it somewhere else. That may tell you a lot. 

[OneMoreFarang]

2 hours ago, Dante99 said:

Of course not, they just put oatmeal in it.

I heard sawdust does the job. But maybe that is just an urban myth.

[DJ54]

3 months for body repair 

[moontang]

Sounds like you underestimated the costs of maintaining a reliable auto that is necessary for you to live in a car dependent home.  Suzuki is known to be junk.. automatic transmission problems are often electrical problems, which are problems with sensors. Benefits of cheap rent can often be negated by auto repairs and accidents.  Another dog rescuer?  JFC. 

[Trujillo]

It would be useful to know the name and location of this shop. There's no point letting us know of a inferior auto shop if we don't know where it is (to avoid). 

(Interestingly, you still don't know if they have even fixed the problem.)

 

1. Have you gone there with a Thai speaker? It sometimes helps. 

2. Reputable shops (even small ones) give you a comprehensive list of what was done to the car and the line item costs. Demand this. 

 

If all else fails, you can call the tourist police and someone will come out and try to mediate. 

 

 

[transam]

1 minute ago, moontang said:

Sounds like you underestimated the costs of maintaining a reliable auto that is necessary for you to live in a car dependent home.  Suzuki is known to be junk.. automatic transmission problems are often electrical problems, which are problems with sensors. Benefits of cheap rent can often be negated by auto repairs and accidents.  Another dog rescuer?  JFC. 

My Suzuki has a Nissan CVT auto....????

[moontang]

1 minute ago, transam said:

My Suzuki has a Nissan CVT auto....????

I wouldn't buy Nissan, either.  They, like GM, are big players in subprime financing. 

[transam]

8 minutes ago, moontang said:

I wouldn't buy Nissan, either.  They, like GM, are big players in subprime financing. 

Really, I just drive what I want...Not a Chinese ride though....????

[moontang]

7 minutes ago, transam said:

Really, I just drive what I want...Not a Chinese ride though....????

Most, including the OP, eventually face budget constraints.. And the problem with being the pride of the middle class is it will prevent you from becoming upper-class.