doing work on a car that was not authorised

<p>I recently took my car in for repairs at a Workshop called Auto Turbo Master in Maitland in the Western Cape. Before I took the car in I called the repairers and enquired if they are Ford approved (my car has a warranty in place) they said that they are, I then further enquired if they are an RMI approved member they confirmed that they are. I then took my car in and requested that they provide me with a quote before commencing work, they said they would later on.</p> <p> </p> <p>I told them that I have only R10 000 to pay for the repairs and asked if this would be enough, they said they would check and let me know. We communicated over whatsapp (I still have the messages).</p> <p> </p> <p>I got a call stating that the repairs would cost R12 560 and I responded by saying that that is something I can afford and he reverted later by saying that he spoke to his superiors and that they could do it for R9860. He then asked if he could commence with repairs and I duly agreed. I asked him to send over quote confirming this and he said he would. Two weeks later and numerous attempts, messages, calls and visits the quote has not materialized.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I subsequently got a call telling me that they have “found” another issue and they need to dig deeper to rectify the issue, I asked them to provide me with the quote before I can approve any repairs. This was followed by more ducking and diving. Eventually I went into the shop yesterday only to be slapped with a bill of R37 000 for work that I had not approved. Whilst there I called the RMI and they confirmed that they are not an accredited member and them claiming to be constitutes *****.</p> <p> </p> <p>They are now refusing point blank to release my vehicle until I pay over the R37 000 and they know that I need the car because I have to trade it in as I have already signed the paper work with the dealership to facilitate trade in. The invoice they produced is neither itemized or materially accurate, it appears to be a thumb-suck.</p> <p> </p> <p>they do not have my old car parts for which they claim this amount</p> <p> </p> <p>i have issued them with a letter of demand of whci they refused to sign for , they respnded by sending me a letter stating they will hold my car until i pay stating they are excersing their lien. am now seeking legal advise</p> <p> </p>