Former Lawyer Sues Honda For All the Gasoline They Promised She'd Save With a Hybrid

Hybrid via Shutterstock

A former lawyer went to small claims court, demanding that Honda compensate her for all the gasoline that she expected to save when she switched to a hybrid.

The ex-attorney Heather Peters said that when she bought a 2006 hybrid Honda Civic, the company promised her that she would get 50 miles to the gallon, according to City News Service. That didn't end up being true and Peters is claiming that Honda knew better. She's asking that the company to compensate her for the extra gas money she spent: $10,000.

Although Peters isn't practicing law any longer, she has a lawyering trick up her sleeve. Because she filed the case in small claims court, Honda is prohibited from bringing an attorney to defend itself. Douglas Carnahan, a court commissioner in Torrance Superior Court, said he will rule on the case next week.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@laist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Emma G. Gallegos in News on January 25, 2012 5:45 PM 0 Comments

Comments [rss]

Paul

There's a specific way to get great gas mileage on a hybrid - patience.

But the way people drive, they rarely actually use the battery and constantly use gas - so it's not really Honda's fault - the problem lies with the user.

Clearlight

No surprise that she is a former lawyer. She wants to sue for $10,000 when the maximum Small Claims judgement in California is $7500.

Hanno Barca

Actually, small claims maximums vary by state, so she's probably just skimming the upper reaches

Clearlight

You must be a former lawyer also. She's suing in California. The maximum judgement in California is $7500. So, actually, you're probably skimming the upper reaches of your reading comprehension skills.

Gabriela Worrel

I heard about this story on KPCC. What a load! Total money grab. The mileage standards are not even set by the car companies - they are set by the EPA, and they are an estimation. I'm no legal expert, but this sounds like someone taking advantage of the system if you ask me.

Ezra Horne

How much gas did this person use to need 10,000 in compensation? I mean, even if the car only got 25 mpg, that means she spent 2x as much on gas in a year then getting 50mpg.... And why wait so many years to file suit? MONEY GRAB.