*Batman*

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.



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.



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.

-J-P-L-

Great article shinobi-x. Thanks!

IS350jet

Mr James Sikes is a LIAR with a capital L. He says that now, but, rest assured, he will be suing Toyota in the very near future. (unless, of course, he's arrested for fraud)

*Batman*

If he doesn't make money from suing Toyota, he's doing it for payouts from the media.

nthach

He'll quickly find himself riding in one of these, with Bubba as his "passenger" -
http://www.mcicoach.com/NewCoaches/P...blicPrison.htm

madoka

Reminds me of when Kobe's accuser kept saying it wasn't about the money, she didn't want any money, etc. When money changed hands - poof - she disappears.

TRDFantasy

The reasons are actually pretty obvious when you look at the big picture of the auto industry and the state that some competitors are in.

I predict that once March sales are in, and the news spreads of Toyota's (predicted) big increase in sales, media will have no choice but to report the increased Toyota sales, which will make people feel less panicked as they realize lots of people are still buying Toyotas.

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.

Great article, I really like this quote, and I think this should be stickied somewhere:

I think this is the case with the recent reports right now. Even with cars that have had the smart pedal system installed, mats changed, and pedals changed, in those cases if people still report "unintended acceleration" (and everything is working properly) then they are flat out WRONG. That mean it is intended acceleration that is occurring and people have no idea they are pressing the WRONG pedals.

SDSC300

He's a complete dirt bag, and Liar

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.

19psi

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

IS350jet

OMG!! I love that guy!! Tell'n it like it is. No BS. Reality at it's best! He should have showed where the brake pedal was.

-J-P-L-

CLASSIC! Thank you!

(Language warning)

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

yea I saw this video, it came from a guy on the M4 carbine forum. Hes getting 40 f-bombs per gallon

LexFather

OMG hahahaha..

"yes I'm using my middle finger to press the button so you can go f yourself"

Dave600hL

How about one of his comments to people who made some comments. LOL

LexFather

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...