Reliable Autos sued by woman for allegedly selling her a vehicle without disclosing it had engine damage

BATON ROUGE – A Baton Rouge woman is suing a used car dealer for allegedly selling her an allegedly defective vehicle.

Jatoi E. Brumfield filed suit against Reliable Autos LLC in the 19th Judicial District Court on Feb. 5. Brumfield claims on Feb. 6 she purchased a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica from Reliable Autos for $10,995 plus a warranty policy, but that she had to first pick up a radiator and deliver it to Reliable’s mechanic for installation.

The plaintiff asserts that the defendant did not at any time reveal the vehicle had overheated and its engine was damaged in the process. Brumfield alleges that over two weeks after she took possession of the vehicle the engine overheated and failed and that the warranty providers denied her claim because the engine was already damaged before she purchased the vehicle and the warranty.

The plaintiff claims she provided Reliable Autos with notice that they should repair her vehicle or rescind the sale under state civil code, but they did not respond to her request.

The defendant is accused of having knowledge that the vehicle was damaged and not disclosing to the plaintiff before its sale.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for reimbursement of all expenses related to the sale of the vehicle and incurred by its preservation as well as cost of legal proceedings.

Brumfield is represented by Gregory E. Bodin of Baton Rouge-based Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell and Berkowitz PC.

The case has been assigned to Division M Judge Kay Bates.

Case no. 618976