ok... here we go with some legal stuff...
under the trade descriptions act 1968/road traffic act supply of goods and services, the garage has to repair your vehicle with reasonable care and skill. Any materials or parts supplied must be of satisfactory quality. As the repairer was the main dealer you could assume that they are the authority on the vehicle and staff would be trained to recognise faults and repair them to a high standard. This should be a first time repair and that the repair should be tested and it is completed to your satisfaction and that all parts etc replaced should be made available for you to, or an independently skilled person to, inspect and a second opinion aquired if there were any doubt. If a repair is completed and the repairer states that the problem is resolved, only for the problem to re-appear in a short space of time and it is evident that the original repair did not solve the problem, it would be the responsibility of the repairer to complete the work to solve the problem "taking into account any work already completed at their cost". If necessary, all original parts that were not at fault should be replaced and the cost of the work should only be for the work that fixes the problem. In other words, it would not be deemed fair if a headlight wasn't working and the repairer changed the headlight, the battery, the wiring loom etc before finally changing the faulty bulb and charging for all works done. If a trader fails to observe these requirements the law treats the matter as breach of contract and, if necessary, a consumer can pursue the matter through the courts.
A local Citizens' Advice Bureau will be able to advise on the procedure to be pursued. The small claims procedure provides a straightforward way to bring a claim for up to £5000 to court without the need for a solicitor. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 makes it an offence for any person in the course of any trade or business make a statement which is false about goods or as to the provision of any services, accommodation or facilities.
The Act is enforced by local authority trading standards departments who can investigate complaints and, where necessary prosecute. You may, therefore, wish to consider bringing this matter to the attention of your local trading standards at your local Council.
To be honest a phone call to the head office is a good place to start followed by a quick reminder of the sales of goods act and a quick mention of getting local trading standards to look over the car. This might rattle a few cages enough to get the repair done for the quoted price MINUS what it cost for the original bad repair.
Hope this helps
Now I know what all those big books were for I read once.... DOH!!
Si