I have an itemized receipt which states "repair rust in floor pans". Clearly that was not done here. I have better things to do than go to court. I'll give the guy a chance to make it right financially. I'm not taking my car back there.

I'll keep you all posted.

 

Don't be afraid to make sure he gets it done right. Make sure the owner is right there while you point out the **** work he did. For that amount of money that is rediculous.

 

We all have better things to do than go to court.
In your case, I would probably not bother either. But legal talk scares anyone. That is why you send him a letter as part of your legal trail.

Since it sounds like you dont have any lawyer buddies, here is a scenario for your consideration. You might try a similar tactic...

A few years back, I moved out of a studio in North Beach, SF and the bum landlord had been holding my deposit for 5-6 weeks. Legally he was obligated to return the deposit or an itemized list of damages that had caused him to keep the deposit within one month.
I mailed him a letter, referencing the CA laws that applied in this situation and told him very politely that I wanted the deposit back, had done everything right on my end and expected the check within a week or I would have no choice but to proceed with this in court.
The kicker was at the very bottom of the letter, it said
"CC Hildebrand, MacLeod, and Nelson, Inc."
...which is a local law firm. I had my check in less than 3 days from a VERY apologetic landlord. It was hilarious. I wish I had not had to do the "big talking" but the laws are there to protect the consumer. So use them to protect you.