WOW! You really did have a very unfortunate learning experience with aviation purchases.
Since you posted publically, I'll assume you want responses / feedback or a non-biased After Action Review. So, here you go:
- BLUF - Caveat Emptor. YOU didn't have to buy it, use THEIR services, THEIR recommended Mechanic, or go against your gut.
- It SEEMS that You ingnored all information, stories, and personnel which are available on Aviation / Mooney pre-purchase and purchasing Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. Such as:
RULE 1 FOR BUYING - ALWAYS GET A GOOD PRE-PURCHASE!
RULE 2 FOR BUYING - NEVER USE THE SELLER'S MECHANIC OR RECOMMENDED MECHANICS!
RULE 3 FOR BUYING - NEVER ASSUME THE SELLER KNOWS ALL OR TELLS ALL! HAVE SELLER PROVE EVERYTHING with YOUR choice of experts.
This is not new information and is easily available and found on this wonderful site, as well as just google how to buy a plane, or just ASK someone who bought a plane. It seems as though you either ignored this relatively common purchasing advice or didn't bother to look.
- Now, that said, And the aforementioned IS the Very bottom and unpallitable line:
- Should the shop have helped you more? Yes.
- Should they have stood behind their recommendation? Yes
- Should the mechanic have fixed the issue when you found it? Yes
Why should they have done so? It is good business and good publicity. MUST THEY do these things? NO! Again, NO, they don't need to.
Like I have learned in life:
"Good Judgement comes from Experience.
Experience comes from Bad Judgement."
Hopefully, all is now well with the plane and you are enjoying it!
Martin