Date:         Fri, 25 Sep 1998 16:30:13 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Subject:      Re: Added fire protection over engine c
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

>Mike Jones wrote:
>>
>> Patrick -
>>
>> I didn't have have comprehensive coverage (mistake), so I got nothing
from the
>> insurance company on my fire. I sued the dealer who inspected the bus the
day
>> of the fire, the smog inspection people, the seller, and the mechanic who
>> rebuilt the engine.


Now THIS scares me to think this is normal.  I can see sueing the dealer who
inspected the bus, because they did not notice something they were supposed
to, and you were paying them for that service.  I don't see how you could
sue the mechanic, unless the fuel injection hose was explicitly requested as
part of the engine rebuild, and the vehicle was yours when it was being
repaired.  I don't think the smog inspection people are related at all.  Now
the scarey part -- the seller.  Most people do no maintenance on their
vehicles, so when you buy a used one you have to assume that they haven't
and you get it all done yourself.  I don't see how you can hold the seller
liable whether he or she knew about the potential problem or not.  If you
test drive a vehicle with no brake shoes, you fix them first or don't buy
it.  It is up to YOU to determine the value of the vehicle.  This story
scares me, because I might occasionally sell an older (but well maintained
vehicle).  But as a private individual, there is no warranty, expressed or
implied.  If that means no one will buy from me unless they know me as an
honest person, well, fine.  However, once I sign that title, its yours --
whether you choose to insure it or not.

Just my opinion, I am not a lawyer.

Michael Townsend
townsend@rtp.ericsson.se