RIPLEY – A Jackson County woman claims a car dealer knowingly sold her a defective car, despite it being labeled a “certified pre-owned” vehicle on the lot.
Megan L. Thompson filed a lawsuit April 12 in Jackson Circuit Court against I-77 Auto Group Inc., doing business as I-77 Ford, and Ford Motor Credit Company LLC, alleging unconscionable inducement, breach of contract, fraud, and violations of West Virginia’s Consumer Credit and Protection Act.
According to the complaint, Thompson bought a used 2010 Ford Fusion from the defendants that had hidden damage not disclosed to her before the purchase. Thompson became aware of the problems when the car shimmied and shook at high speeds during the test drive, the suit says. The salesman assured her they would do an alignment, but the dealership did not tell her the car had been involved in an accident with its previous owner, according to the suit. The shimmy is permanent, and the tires would endure abnormal wear as a result, the plaintiff claims.
Thompson claims the vehicle was never actually approved for the certified program, and that it cost $25,606, far over market value. She lost $600 in repetitive wheel alignments and abnormal tire wear, and has suffered frustration, anxiety and worry, the suit claims.
Thompson seeks a jury trial, plus actual and statutory damages and other relief. She is represented by attorney Gary M. Smith of Mountain State Justice in Charleston.
Jackson Circuit Court Case number 16-C-26