Can i sue Toyota in small claims?

I'm going to sue everyone in this tread, just because ....

 

Watch it, I'll sue ur mom.

 

Not true. He could drive the car in reverse for another 3,700 miles. If the paint chips at the same ratio, it's likely the road. If the paint doesn't chip as bad as the front, there was a different in paint application.

OP: if you really want to test "quality of paint application", it's a little late since you did repairs. You don't have factory paint on the front of your car anymore. You would have needed to do a solid A/B comparison with one half factory and the other half with aftermarket paint and clear coat. Your best bet would be to tailgate a dump truck without a cover on it and say they dropped some gravel on your car. (you'll need to check state laws, some states require covered loads if they are within 6 inches of the top. you'll need pictures for proof)

 

I would say to have a 3rd party perform a paint thickness test and a pull test on your paint to compare to Toyota specifications. You should be able to go thru their ISO documentation to determine what if any testing is done before the car leaves the shop.

If it is found as a result of this testing that Toyota shipped a defective part then you might have a case to seek compensation. As a best case - you could prove willful negligence if they tested the paint before it left the factory and it wasn't up to spec

 

Neighbor?

 

To answer the title queston of can I?

Yes you can.

 

That made me laugh way too much for a Monday afternoon

 

Im not a lawyer, but I successfully sued a Honda dealer (not corporate). They put new tires on my S2000 and scratched all 4 rims in the process. Corporate Honda was zero help. Rims were pristine, no curbs, etc. The Honda dealer wanted to refinish them, I wanted new as the car is perfect. I filed small claims court against the dealer, for cost of new oem Honda wheels, mount and balance costs, and court costs. Was around $2,500. I won, and the dealer paid.

You can do this, but you need ample proof there is an issue with the paint on your car. Not like "my last car didn't do this" but evidence there is a problem and you need it repaired. Statements from a reputable body shop or three would help, as well as maybe others with the same problem. Get quotes to reprint the area and file the suit. I'd believe your only exposure, other than time and costs filing, would be big T counter suing for their lawyer fees etc.

So make sure you have dang good data to document a problem, like the chevy paint issues back in the 90's.

 

Well if you look into the past, Ford had major issues with blistering and pealing paint. On certain models and years they did issue a TSB, But it took a long time. OP your best bet is searching the internet for people that have the same paint issue and presuing a class action lawsuit. You might need the guidance of an attorney to start off. But on your own in small claims court Toyota Corp could crush you with ease. You have to prove negligence on Toyota's part. Good luck.

 

See, the thing i see is small claims. Would toyota REALLY send someone from California to answer this if its $2,500 or so. Look at how much it would cost to do that. Cheaper to settle sometimes. Right?

 

if your suing them I believe they can make YOU go to them. You really should ask a lawyer. Like if your responsible for their cost if this goes south. They have lawyers just standing around waiting to fight any comers.

 

Have you discussed this issue with Toyota or are you "lawyering up" before they've even had a chance to help you? I've only had good experiences with my dealer. You might be surprised.

 

Why didn't someone mention this sooner. Brilliant

 

I think I lawyer that will pull off a win for you, will cost you as much as having it repainted.

 

Yeah but like i said, you think they will spend the money to send someone to a small county in NC for such a small claim? Cheaper to settle and move on.

 

Think about if 500 people across the country sued them in small claims, you think they will send out 500 lawyers? No way in hell. Thats why they call it "small claims"

 

I say go for it

 

Why dont you just take a chill pill and wait to hear from the rep before trying to take a Corporation (slightly different from your petty neighbor)to small claims court. Thats what they're there for.

There would be many more tacomas rolling on new frames if toyota just bent the knee at any repair.

 

I know a guy.