[Resolved]  Indus Motors, Kottakkal — Bill Amount asking 4 times of Estimated Amount.

Address:

Malappuram, Kerala

I own a 2008 model Maruti Suzuki swift VDi. A few days before I noticed some variation in the engine noise and reduction in mileage. So I consulted the issues with Indus Motors Kottakkal, they said me that it is not a major fault and to proceed as it is. As I was not satisfied, went there again to know what actual problem is and to rectify it. After test driving, they told me following faults with my car: 1. The timing chain has loosened up. 2. There may be carbon wastes dumped in the EGR which leads to malfunctioning of the EGR and that is the reason for the reduction in mileage. They gave me following solutions to rectify the above mentioned problems. 1. Replace the timing chain and sprocket. 2. Clean the EGR. After confirming that these two processes will make my car to regain its original condition, I accepted for it. The estimate was around Rs.13, 000 which includes Rs.8, 000 as cost of spare parts. I paid Rs.3, 000 in advance and ordered for the earlier mentioned spare parts. But, when I went there after few days to leave the car, what I heard was INCREDIBLE!!! THE COST OF THE SPARES WAS INCREASED AFTER ITS ARRIVAL DESPITE ORDERING IT WITH PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. (THIS HAPPENS ONLY IN INDUS MOTORS- MARUTHI IN THE WORLD). The recalculated estimate requires Rs.20, 370. As their words were varying often, I enquired how much it will cost maximum. Then the answer was the maximum cost including all taxes will never be more than 21, 370. Though they kept on increasing the rates, I wanted to get things done. So I agreed for the job with the condition that the costs should never go beyond Rs.21, 370 and got a signed Indus motors job sheet from them. The vehicle was given there on Thursday[protected] and they assured me to deliver it by Saturday evening[protected] NOT ONLY THEY DIDN’T DELIVER IT BY SATURDAY, BUT ALSO THERE WAS NOT EVEN A MESSAGE FROM THEM. When I enquired, the message given was ‘the timing chain and sprocket has been replaced. But the engine is not loading and needs some more time to check’. A few days later I was informed that the car engine has been taken to lathe workshop in Calicut without my knowledge. AND I HAVE TO PAY Rs.35, 000 IN LATHE ALONE IF CAR HAS TO BE RELEASED FROM THERE. Clearly, something wrong has happened while they were starting the engine, which must be “due to fixing timing belt inaccurately hence a failure to load the engine and consequently a damage to piston”. So the car, I handed over to them in excellent running condition has now become dead and need additional works. The price that I was asked to pay was beyond my budget and that too for something am not responsible for. So I didn’t agree for it and said to return the vehicle in the same condition as I left there. They were not ready for that also and demanded me to pay if car has to be released in running condition. And the saddest part is that when I called them to discuss the issues, the one who attended was talking irresponsibly and he was having fun at my helpless situation. This is not what one expects from such a reputed Maruti dealer. I rushed to the indus next morning to know what exactly was going on. I wanted to know where the mistake happened. On arguing with them, they tried to convince me by saying that the piston had already been struck. This was against their earlier words and the job sheet they had given. Who will believe the one who says the piston of a car in excellent running condition is a blocked one? I never got a satisfactory answer for any of my questions. Meanwhile, I had spent huge amount for hiring car during these days. When I asked compensation from them for the prolonged delay in the delivery due to their fault, they gave me a good for nothing Wagon R (after using it for the first time, I thought a buffalo cart would be much better than it) which could never meet my requirements. They promised me that my car will be released very soon without any more damages. After a few days, on 03rd Dec-2013, I was informed that the vehicle is ready for delivery. As I had to wait for my brother to come from Chennai, I could go only on Friday (06-Dec-2013) morning. When I went there to get the car, To my surprise and shock, They asked me to pay Rs.72, 000! I agreed for a work, which in their own estimate would never go beyond Rs 21, 370 and now it has become Rs 72000.I’m being charged Rs 50, 000 more for their own fault. I immediately pointed out that the increase in cost is clearly the result of irresponsible work carried out without my prior permission or knowledge and I would not bear it in any case, they changed the tone and asked me to pay Rs.25, 000 in addition to the estimate (total Rs 21370+25000). They are acting like they are enough considerate towards me by allowing a discount of Rs 25, 000 while the case is it is me who is paying Rs 26, 000 in addition without any justification. We kept on requesting the whole day and in the end, I offered them extra Rs.5, 000 over estimated amount though I was not responsible for their mistake. But they were adamant and told me in a bossy tone: “if you want your vehicle back, pay Rs 45, 000 or it will remain here until you come up with money”. I was left without any option and returned. I called them again next morning, but they were not ready to release the vehicle and now want Rs 17, 500 more. The very fact that they keep on changing their mind on the extra amount to be paid clearly points that the mistake happened from their part. I hope you understand the situation. Why should I pay such an amount for something am not responsible for? I am ready to pay the amount that is given in the estimate or even Rs 5000 more. Indus Kottakkal is responsible for whatever they did on my car. As a responsible service provider, they should admit their mistake and bear the amount that had come out of it, rather than imposing that cost upon the customer. I had to take leave from my company many times for this issue, had to spend huge money for hiring car and they should provide me the compensation amount for all the difficulties I went through because of them.