Faulty VW Beetle: Alyson Bouffard loses appeal but judge says she was ‘ripped off’ by dealer
An Auckland woman lost her legal appeal against a car dealer regarding a faulty 2005 VW Beetle. Although the judge agreed the buyer was likely 'ripped off,' the court lacked jurisdiction to rule in her favor due to the low claim amount.
Why it matters
It highlights the limitations of small claims tribunals and the difficulties consumers face when seeking redress for used vehicle purchases.
Auckland woman Alyson Bouffard has been fighting a car dealer over the purchase of a 2005 VW Beetle which showed up with numerous faults soon after she bought it. Photo / Alyson Bouffard.
A woman fighting for justice over a faulty car has lost the legal battle, but earned praise from a judge who believed she had likely been “ripped off”.
Alyson Bouffard bought a 2005 VW Beetle convertible last year for $7000 that was soon beset with problems, leaving it unroadworthy.
She was upset with the dealer, who claimed not to know about the faults, and took her grievance to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal .
The dealer argued it had tried to remedy the problems but was thwarted by Bouffard, who had “lost sight of the fact” she paid a modest amount for a 20-year-old European vehicle which had travelled more than 200,000km.
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