Justice Prevails! - OT

Note: What follows has nothing to do with Flash. I'm sharing because I'm so darn happy about it!

I've never been a big fan of cars. Yes, I like the ease of getting around that they facilitate, but I have never been drawn into the idea of cars as status symbols. C'mon, they depreciate in value more quickly than Enron stock, they're money pits as they get older, and they pollute the environment. Despite these facts, you'll hardly get an argument from me that they are needed in the world we live in.

My ho-hum attitude about cars has, for a long time, helped me to avoid the pull of the shininess factor and sales promotions that come with buying a new car. I never really understood the logic behind getting one, when the very fact of driving them off the lot immediately decreased its value. Used cars have always been the way for me...up until 27 months ago.

At this point in time I owned 2 vehicles, both were several years old, but had very low mileage (I work at home), and were well maintained. Despite this, I started have trouble with both. Engine issues, air conditioning, front-end troubles. You name it, I seemed to have it. After spending several thousand dollars within an 18 month period, I decided I had enough! My long-standing distaste for buying a brand new car was reevaluated. After a repair bill that broke the camel's back, we went new car shopping. I wanted something carefree and with a warranty.

It was pretty clear that we would be buying a car in the ******* (name hidden to avoid problems) family, since my father-in-law was a former engineer for them.

We found the car we wanted, and on May 24, 2001, I bought my first new car. It was strange feeling, really, although I must say, I was pretty excited!

We got the works, power this, power that, moonroof, spoiler, allow wheels, CD player, etc. I felt like royalty! :)

I was so looking forward to having a good, reliable car that would be hassle-free for years to come.

HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a joke!!!!!

I had this thing in the shop the first time when it had less than 2000 miles. To make a loooooooooooooong story short, I had it in the shop over 8 times in less than 2 years! 8 times!!! And it still wasn't fixed! Talk about a nightmare!

It had part, after part, after part, after part replaced. Things such as a wheel bearing, h-valve, brake pads (multiple times), brake shoes (multiple times), steering rack, steering column, rotors, the entire dashboard, etc. Talk about a piece of junk!!

Early on (after 4 trips to the shop in less than 6 months), I approached this car manufacturer about buying the car back, based on the guidelines set out in the Indiana Lemon Law. They weren't interested.

Despite the fact that It had been in the shop an excessive number of times, the fact that It had been in the shop more than 30 days total, and despite the fact there was still a problem that 2 different 5-Star dealerships couldn't fix, they refused to take the car back.

I retained an attorney, and decided to sue. It took nearly a year and a half to go to court, but last week we did.

After a 2-day trial, the jury came back with a decision in my favor in less then 2 hours. I won!! It was a great feeling! This 2 year nightmare was over. They get the car back, and I get most of my money back, so I can go buy something that is actually reliable.

I'll never own a vehicle from this manufacturer again!!!

Will I own another new car? Perhaps. I've learned a lot about the reliability of various cars since this all began, and I'm impressed with the reliability of several car brands on the market. All I want, and all I ever wanted was a car that I didn't have to think about. That's what I expect to get this time around. Email me with any recommendations you might have.

And remember, if you think you bought a lemon, consult a lemon law attorney. You can't go wrong. Win or lose, you don't pay a thing (at least in Indiana). The manufacturer pays your attorney's fee if you win, and if you lose, so does your attorney. Needless to say, an attorney will only take on a case they feel reasonably certain they can win.

I highly recommend you exercise your rights in these cases.

OK, it's time to get back to Flash.

Thanks for letting blow some steam/celebrate my victory!

P.S. If any members of the jury read this, please contact me. I wanted to express my thanks for taking 2 days out of your life to listen to my problems.