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Our car has been at the mechanics for 20 months, and we have heard nothing from him for 15 months since he told us it would cost $11,000 +GST (more than the value of the car). We don't want to pay for the repairs, as we were quoted $4,500, then $8,000 max and have serious doubts now about the quality and extent of work he has done. We have consulted MTA (he's not a member), and Fiat specialists who all feel his charges are exorbitant. We have proposed that he take the car as payment, but he will not respond to any communication. We would like to know if we can transfer ownership to him without his involvement. We would like to deregister it but am not sure if this is possible? Thanks for your help, Philip Kilmore

Hi there,
You can fill an NZTA online form to say you are no longer in possession of the vehicle and add the mechanics details as the new keeper. This does not prove ownership, just possession.
Generally you would need to be able to surrender the number plates in order to de-register the vehicle.
I recommend you seek the help of a lawyer on this matter to see a resolve, as you haven't heard from the service provider and you have rights as a consumer. If he quoted, then he must stick to the quote or if things change, inform along the way. For more information see: http://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/for-consumers/services/getting-quotes-and-estimates