Hello,
I just moved from San Francisco to LA. I took my 1983 Mercedes 300D to my mechanic (whom I haven't used in years, he used to work on my VW), to check it out, make sure it was ok for the drive, I haven't had it that long. I also told him I wanted an air conditioner, but a New one. He said he didn't have one and couldn't do it that day. I said fine. When I picked up my Car he said he had pulled an air conditioner from a mercedes he had for parts. He said the air conditioner was fine and he said he saved me alot of money. He charged $550 for everything. Also the clutch for the AC. I was very annoyed that he hadn't called me to ask if I was ok with the used one, but he made such a big deal out of it; that he was doing me a big favor and it was fine. etc.
So the AC worked, but not very forceful. Then A few days before my trip, the Blower (not the AC), did nothing when I pushed the button. If I pushed the AC first and then the blower, it would work. I took the car back, the mechanic (sal), hit the panel where the buttons were a couple times and it worked. He said I have to understand the car is old, things get stuck and just to Play with it.
THEN on the way down to LA yesterday, On the Very Hot Highway 5, The air condition would Not work, only the air from outside, or if I turned it to heat, it would come out very hot!...so the whole trip down, no cold air. And today driving around town with a male friend who knows about cars, we turned on the air conditioner, and he said it wasn't cold enough, it was just circulating outside air.
I'm upset because he gave me a used AC and it does not work.
How can I get my money back?? He knew I was moving to LA, and he might have tested this AC once after he put it in the car. I know this guy and he's going to say its just stuck, or I didn't give it enough time, etc. It just does not work. NO cold air. WHAT can I do?...Threaten to take him to small claims, which would mean going back up to SF. I assume I could take it to a mechanic down here in LA to verify in writing that it does not work.
THe place in SF is call "moderated name/number". So beware.
He also knew I was very short on funds, and I was surprised he would first do the work and then give me a bill for $550.
What Can I do??..I'm so upset about this. I love my car and I feel awful about this.
Thanks
Lindajane