Legal Question in Consumer Law in Montana

unneeded unauthorized automobile work

I have a 2001 ford f350 which lost its turbo on the way to Billings. I took it into A.C. ford to have it replaced under warranty. I left town for the weekend and called into them. They said they would cover the turbo and asked if I wanted it serviced. It has 12000 miles and I said that would be fine. He asked about the transmission and I told him it was fine since I do not haul heavy loads. That was the end of the discussion, he did not itemize anything or prepare me for the costs. I picked up the truck and the service bill was $428. I disputed three charges for a total of $248. Changing the transmission fluid(recommended at 30,000 or 60,000 miles, alligning the tires(with only 12000 miles?), and disinfectingthe a/c. These are not mentioned in my owners manual or on fords website. I tried three times to settle with the dealer and he offered two free oil changes. I said no and we would seek an alternate path to resolve the issue. Can I sue them, where should I sue them, how much(any treble damages in MT) I live 200 miles from Billings(travel expenses), could there be punitive damages since they are crooks to the consumer. This dealer is pompous and thinks he can get away with this since I live so far away.


Asked on 3/28/02, 3:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Billie Ruth Edwards Edwards & Johnson, Attorneys, LLC

Re: unneeded unauthorized automobile work

I believe the proper court to sue in is in Billings,

MT. That is where the work was done.

Have you explored the possibility that Montana has

a consumer protection division or department in its

government (usually the Attorney General's office) that

might help you with this problem, prior to lawsuit?

Have you discussed this problem with the Better Business

Bureau in MT? They have a dispute resolution program in

most states which might save you time and money and

result in a solution which you would like.

I would recommend these two steps prior to suing this

company. I hope you will also get an answer from a

Montana attorney who might assist you with the law there.

Good luck!

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Answered on 4/01/02, 2:55 am


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