Main Menu

Ford Cougar

LEMON LAW – NEW CAR PURCHASE – FAILURE TO TIMELY AND CORRECTLY-REPAIR OR REPLACE VEHICLE

Settlement:   AWARD FOR COST OF VEHICLE AND LEGAL AND OTHER FEE
Date:   Tuesday, February 15, 2000
Plaintiff Attorney(s):   Anthony T. Ballato, Massapequa
Facts:   This action settled prior to arbitration for a full value of $23,300, plus attorneys fees and costs of $1,200. In January 1999 petitioner purchased a new 1999 Ford Cougar. He received a 3-year/36,0000-mile warranty. Within 2 months after purchasing the car, petitioner reported miscellaneous complaints, in addition to problems with the brakes, which were noisy, vibrating. and taking too long to stop the vehicle. He brought the car to the selling dealership to have these problems corrected on seven occasions within 8 months and for well over 30 days, which exceeded the new car Lemon Law (GBL Article 11-a) thresold of four repair attempts and/or 30 days out of service during the first 24 months or 18,000 miles. Petitioner's efforts to compel return of the vehicle were denied and he retained counsel. Petitioner was allowed to choose any new 2000 Ford Lincoln Mercury product with a new warranty, and he was issued a full refund of the prior vehicle that was 1 year old and had over 18.000 miles. Demonstrative evidence: repair orders and estimates of dealers and repair shops.
Verdict:   Settlement appointment: S22.470 paid for the total cost of the vehicle excluding tax; $830 paid for the total cost of add-on to the vehicle; S1.200 paid for legal fees and costs.

Lemon Law Cases