Cathy, for my full diatribe on arbitration, re-read my earlier post (it was a long one ) that had the emboldened phone number. In a nutshell, binding arbitration through the BBB is available to resolve warranty disputes. It's FREE to the vehicle owner, and ALL manufacturers of new vehicles sold at retail in the U.S. are required to submit to its provisions. (That means everyone from Hyundai to Rolls Royce!) The arbitrator's judgment carries the force of law, though it's not administered through a court. Like a trial, the arbitration hearing requires both parties (or one or both parties' representative) be in attendance. If, for example, Ford was a no-show at your hypothetical arbitration hearing, then just like a trial, a summary judgment in your favor would be automatically entered in your behalf. In other words, while Ford has consistently ignored YOU, the company danged well won't ignore an arbitration hearing date. A finding in your favor is binding on Ford - they CANNOT appeal it. (In traditional civil court litigation, even if you win, Ford could tie things up for years on appeal - just for the cost of court filing fees.) As I stated in my earlier post, if, on the other hand, the arbitration hearing goes against you, you are NOT bound by the decisision - you're still free at that point to pursue civil litigation if you choose. Go cautious on the "lemon law" notion - it ain't what it seems. My worthless son-in-law just "won" a lemon law case on his two and a half year-old Ford Focus. (I have my own idea on the proper pronunciation of "focus"...) What this means is that Ford buys back his Focus at the original price minus the depreciation and wear & tear of two years operation. Translation? The bozo gets "low book". The idiot could've done that well on his own. (probably better had the moron just sold the piece of [expletive deleted - moderator] as soon as Ford started playing games with him six months after he bought it...)
Listen, Cathy, most of the people responding to your original post have done so in a sincere attempt to keep your best interest in mind. Some with more knowledge than others, and even though the advice has at times been contradictory. But, unfortunately, a few are just enjoying stirring the pot to watch your dilemma unfold. I understand by this time you don't know whether to comb your nose or scratch your hair. At least with arbitration you get the possibility of no-cost relief and with no one out to see what he can steal from you. If it doesn't pan out, you're only out some time, but still have your full legal options open to you. One other thing to keep in mind: once your vehicle was delivered to Landers, the warranty clock stopped ticking until you or Ford decide to fish or cut bait - another reason NOT to be too hasty to have your RV moved to an independent shop.
Listen, Cathy, most of the people responding to your original post have done so in a sincere attempt to keep your best interest in mind. Some with more knowledge than others, and even though the advice has at times been contradictory. But, unfortunately, a few are just enjoying stirring the pot to watch your dilemma unfold. I understand by this time you don't know whether to comb your nose or scratch your hair. At least with arbitration you get the possibility of no-cost relief and with no one out to see what he can steal from you. If it doesn't pan out, you're only out some time, but still have your full legal options open to you. One other thing to keep in mind: once your vehicle was delivered to Landers, the warranty clock stopped ticking until you or Ford decide to fish or cut bait - another reason NOT to be too hasty to have your RV moved to an independent shop.
