Toyota recalls and related issues: BusinessWeek-Media owes Toyota an apology
#1126
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2 days ago I asserted I believed the Prius driver in California was an opportunist.
There is now some evidence to support my assertion. I hope they crucify this guy very publicly.
From Jalopnik:
http://jalopnik.com/5491101/did-bank...d-acceleration
James Sikes, the San Diego runaway Toyota Prius driver, filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and now has over $700,000 in debt. According to one anonymous tipster, we're also told he hasn't been making payments on his Prius.
We received an email earlier today from an anonymous tipster who claims James (Jim) Sikes, the driver of the runaway Toyota Prius, was in financial trouble and even behind by five months on his payments for the Prius. If that's true, it's potential motivation for wanting to find an out — any out — on paying for the vehicle.
We did some public records searches (thanks to the help of Gawker's John Cook) and found Sikes and his wife Patty found themselves, like many in the California real estate business, on the bursting side of the real estate bubble last year. The two declared bankruptcy in June of 2008 and have a combined liability of over $700,000 dollars in debt.
Among the list of creditors holding secured claims is none other than Toyota Financial Services for a lease on a 2008 Toyota Prius with 7,200 miles on the odometer. Total value of the lease at the time of bankruptcy was $20,494.
![](http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/03/500x_sikes_prius_bankrupt_1.jpg)
So, with almost three-quarter million dollars in debt there's obviously the potential for financial motivation here. But, for his part, when we questioned Mr. Sikes over email earlier today, he denied being behind on his Prius payments.
![](http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/03/500x_sikes_prius_email_1.jpg)
Mr. Sikes also has not shied away from cameras appearing on CNN and numerous other television programs. In each, he's stated numerous times he's not going to sue and isn't looking for any financial remuneration from Toyota other than a new vehicle.
We've asked the law firm representing him to furnish us with an up-to-date copy of his Toyota statement and we'll post that as soon as we receive it — to either debunk this myth or add fuel to any fire.
We'd also like to point out Toyota itself sent out a tweet yesterday showing how a Prius of that generation can easily be stopped if it's accelerating out of control. But, for the moment, we'll ask you to again listen to the full 911 tape and tell us what you think — does that sound like a man faking or genuinely afraid for his life?
But regardless of what happens with the Sikes case, the bigger issue for Toyota will be every cash-strapped 'yota-owner looking for an easy out on their loans and leases potentially thinking about doing just this with their car. That's a lot of potential carnage to wade through.
There is now some evidence to support my assertion. I hope they crucify this guy very publicly.
From Jalopnik:
http://jalopnik.com/5491101/did-bank...d-acceleration
James Sikes, the San Diego runaway Toyota Prius driver, filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and now has over $700,000 in debt. According to one anonymous tipster, we're also told he hasn't been making payments on his Prius.
We received an email earlier today from an anonymous tipster who claims James (Jim) Sikes, the driver of the runaway Toyota Prius, was in financial trouble and even behind by five months on his payments for the Prius. If that's true, it's potential motivation for wanting to find an out — any out — on paying for the vehicle.
We did some public records searches (thanks to the help of Gawker's John Cook) and found Sikes and his wife Patty found themselves, like many in the California real estate business, on the bursting side of the real estate bubble last year. The two declared bankruptcy in June of 2008 and have a combined liability of over $700,000 dollars in debt.
Among the list of creditors holding secured claims is none other than Toyota Financial Services for a lease on a 2008 Toyota Prius with 7,200 miles on the odometer. Total value of the lease at the time of bankruptcy was $20,494.
![](http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/03/500x_sikes_prius_bankrupt_1.jpg)
So, with almost three-quarter million dollars in debt there's obviously the potential for financial motivation here. But, for his part, when we questioned Mr. Sikes over email earlier today, he denied being behind on his Prius payments.
![](http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/03/500x_sikes_prius_email_1.jpg)
Mr. Sikes also has not shied away from cameras appearing on CNN and numerous other television programs. In each, he's stated numerous times he's not going to sue and isn't looking for any financial remuneration from Toyota other than a new vehicle.
We've asked the law firm representing him to furnish us with an up-to-date copy of his Toyota statement and we'll post that as soon as we receive it — to either debunk this myth or add fuel to any fire.
We'd also like to point out Toyota itself sent out a tweet yesterday showing how a Prius of that generation can easily be stopped if it's accelerating out of control. But, for the moment, we'll ask you to again listen to the full 911 tape and tell us what you think — does that sound like a man faking or genuinely afraid for his life?
But regardless of what happens with the Sikes case, the bigger issue for Toyota will be every cash-strapped 'yota-owner looking for an easy out on their loans and leases potentially thinking about doing just this with their car. That's a lot of potential carnage to wade through.
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Great article shinobi-x. Thanks!
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http://www.mcicoach.com/NewCoaches/P...blicPrison.htm
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so fellas,
how much longer do you think this debacle will go on?
ABC News has admitted to foul play, the NHTSA has long stated there's no real problem...
Provided that Toyota will complete the recalls regardless of the matter, I've been thinking how long it will be before the mainstream media stop this witch hunt.
With the headlining act of ABC admitting to fault, will the other conglomerates have much reason to fill the gap, or just gradually phase this "issue" out of the public's eyes and ears?
how much longer do you think this debacle will go on?
ABC News has admitted to foul play, the NHTSA has long stated there's no real problem...
Provided that Toyota will complete the recalls regardless of the matter, I've been thinking how long it will be before the mainstream media stop this witch hunt.
With the headlining act of ABC admitting to fault, will the other conglomerates have much reason to fill the gap, or just gradually phase this "issue" out of the public's eyes and ears?
The congressional hearings are over, and Toyota has already burned "Dr. Gilbert's" credibility, not to mention the credibility of many news stories. Once Exponent's thorough investigation comes out and proves there is nothing wrong with Toyota's electronics, I think the witch hunt will gradily wind down.
I think by early April the witch hunt should be slowing down.
What the smart pedal may do, however, is finally give us a sense of whether sudden acceleration tends to stem from operator error. If the reports of acceleration continue (and the smart pedals work properly), then there will be nothing and no one left to blame but the driver.
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#1133
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http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/...,4677651.story
1min14sec in "I just want help with a new vehicle, I lost my Toyota" - I instantly though ok so he wants a new - Free Toyota, I wouldn't be surprised if he tries to sue and get money as well.
I hope the probe uncovers his fraud and this guy gets what's coming to him.
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#1134
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how to stop a prius
NOT WORK SAFE LANGUAGE - bitkahuna
if this is a repost, i apologize. click the link and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
NOT WORK SAFE LANGUAGE - bitkahuna
if this is a repost, i apologize. click the link and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
Last edited by bitkahuna; 03-12-10 at 05:44 AM.
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#1135
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if this is a repost, i apologize. click the link and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
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if this is a repost, i apologize. click the link and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
(Language warning)
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#1138
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how to stop a prius
NOT WORK SAFE LANGUAGE - bitkahuna
if this is a repost, i apologize. click the link and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
NOT WORK SAFE LANGUAGE - bitkahuna
if this is a repost, i apologize. click the link and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ4Pt...layer_embedded
"yes I'm using my middle finger to press the button so you can go f yourself"
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#1139
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gasitman (1 day ago)
By the way, I am not angry, this is made as a joke, but seriously, if you can not stop your car, don't drive on the road, plain and simple. And if you can not take a joke, then go **** yourself and the horse you rode in on. And take the bus!
By the way, I am not angry, this is made as a joke, but seriously, if you can not stop your car, don't drive on the road, plain and simple. And if you can not take a joke, then go **** yourself and the horse you rode in on. And take the bus!
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hahahahaha
Look a lady made a video.....(lol at her screaming at the end)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_03...layer_embedded
Seriously if you cannot figure out how to put a car in Neutral and slow it down...
Look a lady made a video.....(lol at her screaming at the end)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=II_03...layer_embedded
Seriously if you cannot figure out how to put a car in Neutral and slow it down...
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