A devastating story of a dream car turned nightmare is unfolding, leaving a couple with a hefty repair bill and a bitter taste. $164,000 down the drain, all because of a simple fuel recommendation gone wrong.
Sharon Harrison and Patrick Neil, a loving couple, had their hearts set on a 2016 Ford F-150, a high-performance beauty modified by Shelby American. Little did they know, this purchase would lead to a legal battle and a broken engine.
The couple, with their hard-earned inheritance, bought the Shelby F-150, a 5.0L V8 powerhouse, expecting a lifetime of reliable towing for their caravan. But here's where it gets controversial: the dealer, 4 Guys Autobarn, advised them to use 95-octane fuel if 98-octane wasn't available. And this is the part most people miss - the vehicle's documentation, including brochures and manuals, listed both options, but recommended 98-octane.
Despite their cautious driving and regular servicing, using 98-octane when possible, the couple started noticing strange rattling sounds. A service and a catalytic converter replacement later, the car still misfired, and the couple's worries grew.
As they drove away from Shelby NZ, smoke billowed, and they thought their worst fears had come true - a car fire. A mechanic's assessment confirmed their fears - the engine had failed catastrophically.
Harrison and Neil, now facing a $40,000 repair bill, are left questioning their decision to keep the truck. "This whole thing has put a taint on things," Harrison said. But who's at fault here? The dealer, Shelby NZ, or the couple themselves?
The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal ruled that, while the dealer's advice was incorrect, it wasn't their fault. Crystal Euden, the adjudicator, found that the engine's failure was inevitable due to pre-existing damage, and Shelby NZ's repairs only accelerated this failure. Euden also stated that, at some point, the risk of significant defects becomes the purchaser's responsibility, especially with a second-hand vehicle.
Ross Prevette, Shelby NZ's operations manager, emphasized the importance of using 98-octane, stating, "To be safe, you need to be using 98 in these vehicles." He believes the couple's car, if tuned properly, should have run smoothly on 95-octane, but the inconsistent fuel quality in New Zealand might have caused issues.
The couple, not satisfied with the tribunal's decision, is now pursuing a further claim against Shelby NZ through the courts. A spokesperson for 4 Guys declined to comment further, letting the tribunal's decision speak for itself.
This story raises questions about consumer rights, vehicle maintenance, and the responsibility of dealerships. What do you think? Is the dealer at fault for recommending the wrong fuel, or should the couple have known better? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
