May 14, 1999

John Scanlon
Fort Myers Lincoln-Mercury
14200 S Tamiami Tr
Fort Myers, FL 33912

Dear Mr Scanlon:

On November 28^th, 1998, I purchased a 1992 Lincoln Town Car from your dealership's "Value Lot". I had been to your lot on previous occasions, as I was shopping for an automobile that would be reliable and comfortable to enable my wife (who has a severe knee injury) and I to travel, when my schedule allowed. I had hoped to buy a Lincoln, as I was deeply impressed by their luxury and comfort. I concentrated on finding my "dream vehicle" from a dealer, and your dealership in particular, as I have long heard from you in your commercials your earnest desire to make a good and fair deal for your customers.

After my purchase, I had been nothing but happy with my vehicle. The car that I purchased appeared to be in excellent condition, serviced regularly, and gave me no problems whatsoever during the next 4 months of driving. I was very impressed with the car, and happy with my purchase- telling everyone who commented on the excellent appearance of the vehicle of my satisfaction and where I purchased it.

On April 23^rd, however, my car caught on fire due to a problem in the engine compartment. The fire destroyed not only my car and some business and personal belongings, but also caused considerable damage to the home where I reside. I found out during this ordeal that 1992-93 Lincoln Town Cars apparently have a problem that causes under hood fires. This problem is under active investigation by both the NHTSA and Ford Motor Company. I have to say that I was extremely disappointed to find out that this problem has been noted for some time, and yet I was not made aware of it, either when I purchased my vehicle, or after its purchase. The NHTSA has formally opened, and upgraded, their investigation twice in the last 6 months, yet I was never informed of the danger.

While I thank God that neither I or my wife (or others) were injured or killed in this incident, I have lost much in this- not only material goods but peace of mind. My wife also worries about what kinds of problems her Mercury Cougar may harbor, and we will not be able to again park a car inside our garage, for fear of a house-destroying fire.

I understand that I purchased my Lincoln "as-is", with no warranty. However, I would not consider a material defect such as this to be covered under this exclusion. Please advise me as to what mechanism either your dealership or Ford Motor Company has to "make things right" for the loss that I have experienced.

Respectfully,

Dave Yates