Problem garage

[malagabob]

As I intend to keep my 2001 Focus a while longer I booked it into a garage to have some small bits of rust treated before it gets worse, and a minor scrape down the one side treated and sprayed at the same time whilst it was there.
Was told it would be ready in 21/2 days.Rang them lunch time at the end of that period to be told they would not be finished for another day and a half.
Rang them again after the day and a half to be told they had trouble matching the colour (Panther Black). They said it looks like it had had a spray at some time. I told them I have had the car for the last 10/11 years and it had never been sprayed since I have had it.I have had to make more alternative transport arrangements for the additional days.
I guess I will have to pay to get the keys and car back
Could they try and charge me more than the agreed price.

[bookbinder]

I don't think they could charge you more than what you agreed to. If they wanted to put their charge up, they should have contacted you to get your agreement.

[chas2008]

unlikely to charge more unless further damage was found, some colours are a pain to match even with all the technology available,panther black being one.
As a bodyshop we have painted a repair 3-4 times before it was even close !!(at a cost to us,actually lost money on the job)

[malagabob]

Very interesting Chas Can you explain a bit more on the colour match,how many varieties of Panther Blacks did Ford have for their Mk1 Focus/

[chas2008]

at least 8 maybe more some colours have up to 30 variants,there are also variations depending on the paint scheme thats in place ...you would also be surprised how many vehicles have been painted/repaired and the owners are unaware.
My painters can look at a vehicle and can see straight away wether its been painted,comes with years of experience.

[jake-the-peg]

Add to that that some paints aren't all that stable in colour over the years.

You might find that you could paint your car with paint from exactly the same batch but in the intervening 10 years time and exposure to the sun has changed the colour of your car enough to be noticeable

[malagabob]

Thanks to all. Got the car back late Friday, 21/2 days late. Had to take it back as they had not reconnected the central locking behind the door panel.