Motorists often find themselves being victims of unscrupulous mechanics who employ deceitful tactics to con unsuspecting customers.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke in an interview, Dennis Murimi,a vintage car enthusiast, claimed he was swindled Ksh600,000 by a Nairobi-based mechanic after striking an agreement to make repairs.
Murimi reportedly purchased a classic Mazda model worth Ksh70,000 in Nairobi's Industrial area in December 2019.
The dealer convinced him that the vehicle needed an engine overhaul to allow it to move efficiently. The mechanic deceived him that the car did not need much modifications and would be back on the road shortly.
The vehicle began developing complications, forcing Murimi to consult the mechanic.
Murimi received advice from a friend who owns an automobile repair shop, suggesting that his vehicle's carburetor required fine-tuning to enhance its efficiency.
Intrigued by the suggestion, Murimi also expressed his desire to give his vehicle a fresh paint job. Through skillful negotiation, he successfully secured a paint job for a reasonable price of Ksh15,000.
After taking the vehicle for another test run, Murimi noticed that the vehicle was consuming more fuel than before. To justify his point he observed that a drive from Kasarani to Ngong, a distance of 36 kilometres, was now costing him Ksh5,000.
Murimi was informed that the vehicle required an adaptor plate for the gearbox. It was also suggested that a closer look was needed since the car's new engine was from a different model.
He also paid Ksh85,000 for another paint job.
"The adaptor plate was not working correctly, so I ended up going to the mechanic every month, which cost Ksh25,000 per trip," he lamented.
He indicated that customising the vintage model to function properly proved to be a herculean task. As his issue worsened, a friend advised him to purchase the original engine required for the model.
"My friend, a car dealer, informed me to get an original engine which cost around Ksh40,000. We worked on it and the engine begin to run. I left the car at the garage for one month and it was in perfect shape," he noted.
The motorist, who doubles up as emcee during motorsport events, urged drivers to consult certified mechanics to avoid being duped.
While reflecting on his past mistakes, he noted that he should have sought a second opinion or conducted his due diligence before trusting the mechanic.
"From 2019 to 2022, I used over Ksh600,000 for the entire makeover of the vehicle. This almost cost me my marriage," Murimi stated.
