text: what rights do i have against an auto shop? i took my car to a shop.  the owner said the new starter would cost $300.  i told him not to do the repair because it was too much to put into an old 89 camry. he said he would try to get a used part to make it less expensive. he later claimed he could not find one.  i went to pick up my vehicle and the owner had it at home and was driving it.  he said he fixed the existing part and it was going to cost $300 still.  since i did not okay the repair of $300, i refused to pay.  to sum up, he will not release my car to me until i pay, and i refuse to pay. a contract consists of three parts.  an offer, acceptance, and consideration.  the offer was from the mechanic saying he would fix your car for $300.  there was no acceptance, because you said no.  consideration is something one side gives up in order to fulfill the contract...this would have happened if you paid him for the work he did.   there is no agreement here, no "meeting of the minds"..you do not have to pay, and he needs to give you your car back.  he also violated professional courtesy by taking your car home... try telling him you have talked to a lawyer, maybe that will convince him to give you your car back.