Steelton Man Sues Ephrata Auto Dealership For Odometer Fraud; Plaintiff Represented by Kimmel and Silverman, P.C.

           1996 Ford Taurus Was Advertised as Having 39,151 Miles;
                          Actual Mileage Was 104,755

    STEELTON, Pa., April 2 A Steelton, PA man filed suit today
against Ephrata, PA-based Reinhart Ford for odometer fraud.  Shawn Mosley
thought he was getting a great deal when he purchased a 1996 Ford Taurus with
39,151 miles on the odometer.  It wasn't until Mosley received a letter from
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that he realized he had
been taken for a ride.
    The letter revealed the correct odometer reading was 104,755 miles.
Further research indicated that the car had been involved in an accident in
Massachusetts and sold at auction prior to Mosley purchasing the vehicle from
Reinhart Ford.
    Mosley is being represented by attorneys Craig Thor Kimmel and Amy D. Cox
of Kimmel and Silverman, P.C. the largest automotive law firm in the nation.
Under the Federal Odometer Act, consumers are entitled to receive free legal
representation under these circumstances.  If Mosley wins his case, the
defendant will be responsible for all attorneys' fees incurred.  If Mosley
loses his case, no fees will be charged.
    According to court papers filed today in the United States District Court
for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Mosley purchased a pre-owned 1996
Ford Taurus GL from Reinhart Ford on August 11, 1999 for $21,171.20.  The
dealership represented the vehicle as having only one previous owner, who
infrequently drove it and traded it in for reasons that had nothing to do with
mechanical problems or any other concerns.
    After purchasing the vehicle, Reinhart Ford personnel had Mosley sign an
odometer disclosure statement, which read that the car had 39,151 miles.  In
accordance with guidelines set by the Pennsylvania Department of Motor
Vehicles, the defendant performed a state safety inspection and passed the
vehicle.  A thorough inspection would have revealed that the odometer had been
rolled back.
    According to an investigation of the vehicle through CarFax, an industry
and consumer service which tracks vehicle histories, the Fleet Management
Company of Waltham, Massachusetts reported the vehicle as having 104,755 miles
as of July 30, 1999.  On August 8, 1999, the vehicle was sold at an auction
with a reported mileage of 39,151.  Mosley purchased the car from Reinhart
Ford three days later.  On October 5, 2000, more than a year after the sale,
Mosley received a letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration informing him of the tampered odometer.
    In his suit, Mosley alleges that he would not have purchased the vehicle
if he knew the car had been driven more than 104,000 miles.  He also contends
that in light of the actual odometer reading, he paid much more than the
vehicle's actual fair market value.  Mosley also states that he tried to
return the vehicle to Reinhart Ford, however they refused to refund his
monies.
    "When I purchased the car, I was under the impression that it had a one-
time owner and the mileage was very attractive," says Mosley.  "I was quite
shocked to discover that the dealership was so dishonest with me."
    Attorney Kimmel believes there is a lesson to be learned in this case.
"Used cars are becoming a more popular alternative for car buyers, however
it's a case of buyer beware," says Kimmel.  "When purchasing a used car, it's
important to buy from a credible dealership and have an independent mechanic
check the car prior to purchase.  Also, I would highly recommend that the
consumer runs the vehicle identification number through http://www.carfax.com and
reviews the vehicle's history before making their final decision.  It would
have saved Mr. Mosley a lot of aggravation."
    Kimmel also contends that there is a silver lining behind the dark cloud,
thanks to Federal Statutes.  "Under the Federal Odometer Act and other
government statutes in place, it's important to realize that consumers can
receive free legal representation if they find themselves in this situation or
another type of fraudulent circumstance."

    Since 1990, Kimmel & Silverman, P.C. has provided legal representation to
more than 15,000 consumers without charge under state lemon laws and breach of
warranty statutes.  For more information on the Firm's services, consumers can
call 1-800-Lemon-Law (1-800-536-6652) or visit their website at
http://www.lemonlaw.com .