Spoke with an Attorney Firm

[lthlvpr]

Do all of you believe that other lawsuits/settlements against Ford in the past shouldn't have happened eiher (tires comes to mind)? Probably not because there was personal injury involved. To some degree I think the GT owners may just be lucky that there has been no injuries or fatalities. It is reasonable to think that this will happen at some time. Then how would everyone feel? Differently?

People feel better about spending $350 on what they think is fixing the issue. However if we have already seen people with this 'fix' still have the issue then the problem may not have a real solution at this time. So, with no proven solution to the problem at this time, don't you think Ford should be offer one to customers and do something rather than have customers paying for a 'psychological fix'?
Just something to think about

 

[lthlvpr]

Do all of you think that other lawsuits/settlements against Ford in the past shouldn't have happened eiher (tires comes to mind)? Maybe, because there was personal injury involved. Is is just luck that we have not heard about any injuries or fatalities? It is reasonable to think that this will happen at some time. Then how would everyone feel? Differently?

People feel better about spending $350 on what they think is fixing the issue. However if we have already seen people with this 'fix' still have the issue then the problem may not have a real solution at this time. So, with no proven solution to the problem at this time, don't you think Ford should be forced to offer one to customers and do something rather than have customers paying for a 'psychological fix'?
Just something to think about

 

[B O N Y]

Sure. BEFORE we bought our cars a copy of the warranty was available to all of us, that's the law. It spelled out exactly what FMC would do in the event of a failure and for how long. If the bolts in my car fail during the warranty FMC will pay for everything, including towing. If they fail after the warranty expires they have no liability (but they often cover known problems like this anyway). When we bought our cars we implicitly agreed to this. Now AFTER THE FACT some of us want to change the terms of the warranty. It may be cheaper for FORD to recall the cars and change the bolts and washers but that's not my call, it's theirs. I would like it if Ford recalled the cars and performed the fix. But that's not what we agreed to per the terms of our warranty. File a civil suit, seat a jury of unemployed welfare moms, and you'll probably get what you want. People certainly did when they sued me. But I find it distasteful and dishonorable. Ford never guaranteed any of us great resale value, trouble free operation, or preemptive warranty work. What they did guarantee us is in writing, in the glove box's of our cars. If this was a safety issue as some of us profess, a recall would be issued. But this problem just causes the car to stop, and appears to be no more dangerous than running out of gas. Then it's a huge pain in the ass for us. BUT, compared to the pain in the ass that our "Civil Justice System" has been, and the amount of money it costs all of us each year, the halfshaft bolts are nothing. This suit attempts to "change the deal" after the fact. And that makes it frivolous.

As to your assessment of why Ford is losing money, I agree with you 100%. I hope they can pull a Harley Davidson and recover, but I wouldn't bet on it. So I'm gonna take my own preemptive action, and then I'm going for a drive in the best car I've ever owned. Oh, and for the record, I don't like attorneys, not even my own.

Chip

damn, you remind me of my wife, your always right.... yes dear, I mean yes Chip:biggrin

 

[B O N Y]

I spoke to my attorney (well recognized law firm in Palo Alto) regarding the Half Shaft issue. They do quite a bit of letigation. One of the partners used to work for Mr/ DeTomasso directly and is somewhat familiar with the automotive industry. He gave me some interesting insight and cautioned me about posting a lot of info on the forum. I can however post the following;

1. Suing Ford and/or Ricardo for Fraud is an option we should consider.
2. Suing Ford and or Ricardo for Loss of Value is another consideration.
3. He would have to retain a Qualified Product Liability expert, which is neither cheap nor abundant.
4. Continuing to make a public issue may erode the vehicle's value.
5. If we do a synchronized Small Claims effort, it may backfire.
6. Focusing our efforts on a Recall is our best bet - for Now!
7. He is interested in taking on the case to conduct research, compile findings, obtain owner statements, conduct a discovery and retain a Product Liability expert.

He gave me an estimate for his fees, PM me for further details if you are interested in looking into this further.

If my lawyer suggested that I have a case against Ford or anyone for the half shaft issue, I would fire them on the spot. but as a gesture of good will I would pay for one visit to a proctologist to remove their head from their rear. Talk about exposing yourself to a return frivolous prosecution attack from Ford, this is absurd.

 

[ViperJoe]

I for one would have less than zero interest in pursuing resolution of the half-shaft issue via legal means. IMO, that would constitute monumental absurdity for many of the reasons cited above. As far as an opinion on attorneys is concerned ..... well, I won't even go there.

We are lucky enough to have had the opportunity to purchase a world class exotic for a pittance and to even think for a moment about suing Ford over something so relatively trivial would be a travesty.

Sure, I think about the potential for a failure from time to time, but for me a strong technical approach is the best medicine. Want to do something positive? Assemble a project team using the best technical minds on this forum (and I know there are some really brilliant people here) with the goal of researching the cause of the problem and determining a permanent solution (which may or may not involve Ford). Now that would represent the most prudent use of time and energy.

 

[dbk]

I'm closing this.

Personal preference that the moment anyone mentions legal actions I cover my own ass by making sure the board, myself, and any of the members don't get dragged into a legal battle.

p.s - a lawyer interested in taking on a case in which he may make millions? No shit, who'd have thought it....