TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) — A Los Angeles woman who expected her hybrid Honda Civic to be a high-mileage machine has taken her case against the automaker to small claims court.
Experts say the unusual legal move could make it easier to prevail and could open the door to a flood of similar claims.
Heather Peters argued Tuesday that her 2006 vehicle was expected to get 50 mpg, but barely got 30 mpg. She says she wouldn’t have bought the car if its mileage was advertised.
Honda engineer Neil Schmidt says Peters’ claim is excessive for a 6-year-old car.
There was no immediate ruling in the case in Torrance, American Honda Motor Co.’s West Coast headquarters.
Peters is seeking $10,000. Plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit are eligible for $200 payments.
