What to Do if a Mechanic Sells His Shop While Your Car is Being Repaired

[lawfacts]

A consumer took a car into a service center for repairs, and paid in advance for repairs. When they returned to pick up the car they were told that it was under new ownership, and that the new owners had no responsibility for their car. When they went to get the car its battery had been removed, and they couldn't tell if any work had been done. The new owners wouldn't even look at the car, let alone find or replace the missing battery. What are the car owner's rights in California?

[Mr. Knowitall]

The liability of the new owner of the service center will depend upon the terms of the sale, and whether they simply bought the premises or if they bought the business as a going concern. The former owner is responsible for any breach of contract.

The car owner can see if he or she can get help from the Bureau of Automotive Repair. If the repairs were not completed, or to recover the cost of a battery, if the BAR is not able to help them achieve a solution, the car owner can consider a small claims case. They can attempt the research to determine if the new owner is liable, or they can consider suing both the current business and the old owner and let them try to convince the judge who is liable for any money owed to the car owner.