Misdiagnosed 'internal damage' cost me R10,300+

I took my vehicle to Marks AutoCare Green Point for an A/C issue. They diagnosed my compressor as having 'internal damage' and stated it needed total replacement. I paid the R13,266.10 total invoice (which included R10,384.50 for the compressor and a regas) under protest and insisted on keeping my original, allegedly damaged compressor. I subsequently took my original compressor to an independent, accredited A/C Fitment Centre for a bench test. The independent specialist provided a formal, written quotation and diagnostic report stating explicitly: 'No UV dye present & no other internal damages visible.' The independent report confirmed my original compressor did not have catastrophic internal damage as claimed by Marks AutoCare, and was repairable for R4,950. Furthermore, the lack of UV dye indicates a standard leak test was not performed before condemning the expensive component. My A/C system is currently empty, meaning the regas I was charged for leaked out due to an unfixed issue. I have submitted the independent diagnostic report and my formal dispute to the RMI (Retail Motor Industry Organisation) for resolution. I strongly advise getting a second, independent opinion before approving expensive component replacements here.