Legal Question in Consumer Law in Maryland

What to do with my 2001 Mitsubishi

I purchased a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant in May of 2001 and have been having problems since I drove it off the lot. So far , all problems have been covered under warranty, however when I take my car in for service, I'm inconvenienced by receiving my car MUCH later the I am told, with extra miles added, no gas and extra scratches. The mechanics in the service department are side contractors for the dealer, therefore get away with alot. I went for a free brake check by a new neighborhood company and when they placed my car on the lift, they showed me a large tear in my rear rail. They said that the tear could have only come from the hook used to latched down cars to trailers during transporting from the factory to the dealer wasn't secure and caused the tear whle moving. Because I've had nothing but problems with this car and service department, please tell me how to handle this situation? What could possibly happen if I don't get this fixed? Thank you


Asked on 3/13/02, 12:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: What to do with my 2001 Mitsubishi

Your matters, and there are several of them, are ripe with consumer complaint matters. You have actionable warranty matters and neglectful damage claims. Many of these matters can be addressed with a single letter from an attorney. Small claims may also be filed. If you require assistance, please contact me.

Lemon laws also protect unwary purchasers from losses on automobiles. Your matters may also constitute a claim in this regard. This may depend on how the warranty is worded and the relations of service organizations.

The extra mileage may not be a matter as required tests drives compensate for this. However, this is a matter of degree. If significant mileage exists to prove a use other than for test drives then this claim should be asserted.

The scratches to the vehicle are somewhat contentious as you need to prove causation with the source. Your testimony at small claims is admissible on this matter but, unless there is corroborated testimony, don't assume you will prevail on this matter.

Consumer claims and warranty law is strong in Maryland. You should have an attorney assert the law for your claims.

G. Joseph Holthaus

(410) 799-9002

[email protected]

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Answered on 3/13/02, 9:19 pm


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