A trip to the mechanic can be expensive.

While you might enter the shop thinking you only have a minor issue, there’s always a chance you’ll leave with a much larger problem — and a much bigger bill — than you initially expected.

Getting a second opinion can sometimes bring the price down substantially. Still, there’s a possibility that you’ll have no choice but to sign the invoice and fork over the cash.

But what if you can’t afford the shop’s proposed fixes? More importantly, what if they start fixing your car without your permission? One TikTok user had to learn the answers to these questions the hard way.

What Happened During This Woman’s Car Repair?

In a video with over 5,600 views, TikTok user Bethany (@benodzart) shows herself sitting in an auto mechanic’s waiting room.

“Came to this mechanic to get my car looked at. It’s been a while and this waiting room is fully enclosed. I really hope they’re not just fixing it without quoting me, because I won’t be able to pay them,” she writes in the text overlaying the video.

In the caption, she adds that she was hearing “car fixing noises.”

What Should You Do If A Mechanic Starts Fixing Your Car Without Your Permission?

In general, a mechanic is supposed to tell you all of the work they plan to do on a car. For example, a mechanic cannot tell you they’re simply going to replace the oil, then perform and charge you for an engine swap.

This typically takes the form of either a written statement detailing all issues with the car. Alternatively, it may just be a verbal agreement between the customer and mechanic. In both situations, allowances are often made for minor additional repairs that may be a part of another, larger repair.

If a mechanic performs repairs on your car that you did not authorize, you have the right to dispute these repairs. This can be done directly with the shop. Alternatively, if the shop does not want to make a good faith effort to fix the problem, the car owner can take the shop to small claims court.

How Did This Woman Solve The Problem?

The TikToker later posted a follow-up confirming the worst: her car needs significant repairs. 

According to the follow-up video, the mechanic did not, in fact, make repairs without her permission. However, the reality of the situation was substantially worse.

“I brought my car to the mechanic on Friday because my brakes are making some really weird noises,” she says. “Turns out all four of them were completely destroyed and I needed to replace all of them, which was over $1,000.”

As evidence, she shows her heavily-worn brakes.

“Then they told me that after trying to do the brakes, they found so much wrong with my car that it’s not even worth trying to fix and that I need to get a new car,” she explains. “The issue is I have less than $200 in my bank account. My car insurance is due tomorrow, and that’s $220.”

She closes by saying that she makes bleach art pieces, offering to sell them to any interested viewers.

What Can One Do In This Situation?

In most states, mechanics cannot stop someone from driving away in a car they deem unsafe.

Even if they determine there to be significant risk in the continued use of the car, a driver is usually free to leave with the car in the same state in which it arrived. That said, a shop may make the driver sign a waiver acknowledging the state of the vehicle before leaving. Additionally, there may be problems with the car that make it technically illegal to drive.

Someone in Bethany’s position may want to consider getting a second opinion. For example, she says she was quoted over $1,000 for brakes. It’s generally estimated that a brake pad replacement should cost just $100 to $300 per axle. This means a maximum total cost of $600, provided that there is nothing else wrong with the brakes. Bethany commented that the quoted price was for “all 4 brakes plus rotors, calibers, and something else I think.”

Other than that, Bethany may want to consider selling it as-is to either a private buyer with the issues disclosed, or to a service like CarMax. 

Commenters Have Advice

Under both videos, users offered tips on what to do if you get overquoted at the mechanic. Additionally, some shared responses in cases where a mechanic has begun repairs without your permission.

“[if] they do hit them with a ‘okay thanks for the quote can I have my keys now,’” wrote a user.

“Tell the shop you need a print out showing why they are saying, because your insurance needs proof. See what they say? Also contact your insurance company and ask them about starting a claim because the car should be considered totaled since your shop won’t work on it,” offered another.

It’s unlikely that the insurance company would consider the car totaled. Bethany’s issues do not fall in line with what these policies generally cover. Still, the commenter adds that the TikToker should “stir the pot a little.” As the commenter puts it, “asking questions and asking for receipts is the best thing you can do.”

“Depending on your company you can always call to have your payment postponed/delayed/pushed back because of your situation,” advised a third regarding insurance. “the worst they can say is no!”

The TikToker Responds

In a TikTok direct message exchange, Bethany stated that the car was a 2007 Honda Civic.

The problems with the car, she added, were numerous.

Summarizing the mechanic’s notes, she wrote, “1) The axles were leaking grease everywhere. 2) My oil was leaking everywhere … 3.) Something about my bearings being stripped. 4) My shocks or something are [about] to go,” and something within the motor is broken.

“On top of all of that, for my personal experience, the driver side window doesn’t roll down, my horn doesn’t work, there are issues with my locks, etc. so the car was in bad shape when I brought it in,” she added. “I knew that, so when he told me it was bad, I wasn’t surprised. Just sad.”

Bethany noted that her problem is common for many Americans who live in places with poor public transit.

“For those that aren’t well off, being in an area that requires a car to travel due to lack of public transportation can feel like such a trap,” she said. “You can only afford the worst cars (if that), which then sticks you in an endless cycle of repairs you cannot afford to fix. It’s already difficult paying all of the fees and registrations, on top of it all.”

“I’m struggling, but I’m still better off than a lot people, because at least my car is still drivable — which is saying a lot considering I can now barely afford rent,” she continued. “That really highlights the importance of accessibility and supporting infrastructure that prioritizes free public transport.”

@benodzart I’m hearing like car fixing noises, idk. #broke #mechanic #helplol #fyp ♬ original sound – Sa

We’ve reached out to Bethany via Instagram and TikTok direct message.