Legal action against a local auto dealer is likely following a disgruntled car owner's claim he is "one in a long line of disappointed customers''.

Mr. Keith Trott, of Orange Valley Lane in Devonshire, yesterday told The Royal Gazette that after a host of meetings with managers at Bermuda Motors, he will now take his grievances to his lawyer.

Mr. Trott charges that the Ford Escort sedan he bought from Bermuda Motors in 1998 has been back at the company's garage at least eight times since -- "each time to fix outstanding problems not fixed in the first place''.

And while the car has remained at the Church Street dealer's shop, Mr. Trott said thieves have walked away with his CD player and all his discs, while lights and other items have gone missing: "To top it off, the car's engine has died and I have had to have the car towed -- several times.'' said Mr. Trott.

"On one occasion I received a call from a manager stating the car was on a test drive and had been in an accident. The front had been smashed and the bumper had to be replaced.'' Following a recent meeting with senior management at Bermuda Motors, Mr. Trott said he was told there would be no extension on his warranty -- as had been previously agreed -- and that "they would charge $15 per day for each day the vehicle remained on the premises.'' Bermuda Motors Operating Manager, Anthony Steede, confirmed daily charges began accruing to the vehicle on Monday. While admitting that a technician did cause "some minor damage'' during a test drive, Mr. Steede claimed that all had been righted by the company.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing is wrong with the car,'' charged Mr. Steede, "Mr. Trott is just trying to get something for nothing. Quite honestly, he just doesn't have an argument.'' Mr. Trott said he is scheduled to meet with his lawyer on Monday.

TRANSPORTATION TRA