Robert Tolich v. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.
Published: Oct. 26, 2000 | Result Date: Jun. 19, 2000 |Case number: BC206530 Verdict – $0
Judge
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
Brian Takahashi
(Bowman and Brooke LLP)
Facts
On March 17, 1997, the plaintiff purchased a 1997 Toyota Camry from defendant Valley-Hi Toyota. In October
1998, the plaintiff started experiencing squeaks in the front end of the vehicle while going over bumps and
dips. Over the course of the next 12 months, he brought his vehicle into the dealership for repairs and
inspections by factory representatives on 10 occasions.
The plaintiff sued for restitution under the Song-Beverly Act.
Defendant Valley-Hi Toyota claimed that the squeaks were de minimis, that the vehicle had been properly
repaired and that the use value and safety of the vehicle had not been substantially impaired.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded $44,000, reduced to $34,000 during deliberations, and then increased to $55,000 after denial of defendant's motion for summary judgment. The defendant offered $2,500, increased to $7,500 during deliberations.
Damages
$27,203 (amount paid or payable for vehicle, attorney fees and costs)
Deliberation
30 minutes
Poll
11-1
Length
four days
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