HARLINGEN – One Rio Grande Valley man is struggling to get his car fixed after visiting two different repair shops. One shop said they couldn’t fix his car and didn’t charge him. Another shop did charge him but didn’t seem to fix the problem.

Jose Luna took his car to a mechanic two months ago. They said his fees would be waived since they couldn’t fix his car.

He moved on to a different mechanic. They didn’t fix the problem either but charged him anyway.

Luna took his car to a Mage’s Auto Electric after someone suggested he get his car repaired there.

“They checked this, they checked that. They charged me for checking everything and didn’t find the problem. They charged me for checking,” he said.

Luna said the shop completed some work but didn’t address the root of the problem.

“They replaced spark plugs, fuel injectors, battery. Why would you replace that when it didn’t need it,” he said.

Over a month of repairs, a few hundred dollars later, still the car isn’t running.

“I brought it home and the next day it didn’t turn on. It was back to the same problem,” he said.

“She picked up the keys and she said she was going to return the next day and pick it up. My parents waited a whole week, she never came,” Janie Reese, Luna’s daughter, said.

Co-owner of Mage’s Auto Electric, Blanca Castro, refused an on-camera interview but said she was willing to speak to CHANNEL 5 NEWS.

At first she said she wasn’t going to refund any money. She said a 90-day warranty on repairs is still in effect and her mechanics would be required to fix the issue at no charge.

Castro said personal problems and short staffing are the reason she was unable to schedule a pickup for Luna’s car last week.

After a phone call with Luna, Castro said she would compromise. She offered $180 refund for labor.

Luna said that’s good enough for him.

Luna took his car to another mechanic. He said he trusts they’ll get the job done right.

We looked into some tips about warranties. Consumer Reports said you have a right to see the warranty before you buy. So no one should hesitate to ask to read it over before making a big purchase.

There are also “implied warranties” under state law. If you discover that something you purchased is defective, contact the company and ask for a repair, replace or refund.

Lastly, Consumer Reports advises obtain document confirming a promise or warranty.