Well, just thought I would return and let all those interested know how this turned out.
The case did settle a few weeks ago. Ford did not want the vehicle back, however, they did offer me a very nice cash settlement to keep the vehicle. I'm not sure how this financially made sense for them -- but I'll take it. I'm happy with the amount and gladly look forward to trading this vehicle in and getting something else. I do not have to disclose any history of the vehicle when I trade it in, so buyer beware lol!
This will probably be my last Ford vehicle for awhile given how I was treated by everyone I dealt with at the Ford corporate level (aside from Crystal here on the forums -- she is the only one that truly seemed like she wanted to help.)
A couple pieces of advice and takeaways from all of this;
1. Document, document, document! Keep track of names you talked to and dates/times. I even recomend installing an app that will record your phone calls to have further backup and evidence.
2. The BBB Autoline is a joke and a complete waste of time. This makes sense given that they are funded by the manufacturers. They seemed like they were on my side until talking with Ford and then the abitrator's tone changed.
3. Get an attorney at the first sign of things going south or the dealer/manufacturer being uncooperative. In most states all attorney fees are paid for by the manufacturer. Don't frustrate yourself dealing with Ford directly, hire an attorney! If you are in OH, KY, IN, PA and need a really good attorney, PM me and I'll put you in contact with the best!
1. Be careful, check your state laws. If you live in a state that is a single party consent state, record away if recording someone in a single consent state....If you live in or are wanting to record someone in a dual party consent state, you have to inform the other person that they are being recorded, otherwise it is illegal and not admissible ......
Per Wiki....
Twelve states currently require that all parties consent to the recording. These states are:
California[20]
Connecticut [21]
Florida[22]
Hawaii (in general a one-party state, but requires two-party consent if the recording device is installed in a private place)[21]
Illinois (debated, see next section)
Maryland[23]
Massachusetts [21]
Montana [24] (requires notification only)
Nevada [21]
New Hampshire[25]
Pennsylvania[26]
Washington[27]
One-party notification states[edit source | editbeta]
All other states (and the District of Columbia) not listed above require only that one party consent.
Illinois courts have ruled that "eavesdropping" only applies to conversations that the party otherwise would not have been able to hear, thereby effectively making it a one-party consent state.[28][29] However, there still appears to be confusion[30] and debate[31] over the law.
If a caller in a one-party state records a conversation with someone in a two-party state that caller is subject to the stricter of the laws and must have consent from all callers (Cf. Kearney v. Salomon Smith Barney Inc., 39 Cal. 4th 95 (2006)[32]).
3. Likewise if in California.
