Canadians - Class Action Against Automobile Pricing

[RingosChoice]

I searched for various threads on class actions etc and did not find reference to this specific subject so I have started a new thread.

Wanting to find out if any other Canadians, owning Hondas (or other cars for that matter), have considered participating in this class action? It was in the news back in Sept/07 and here is the law firm’s website link.

http://www.jruslaw.com/classactions/carprice.shtml

Other news article references can also be found on the web.

It applies to certain manufacturers (Honda Canada is included) and for purchase date ranging from Aug 2005 to Aug 2007.

Its basis is a conspiracy by the manufacturers and dealership associations (both sides of the border) to keep prices high in Canada despite the appreciating Cdn $ with reference to specific contraventions of various Consumer Protection legislation.

I am still trying to decide whether to participate.

Has anyone given it consideration? Any Pros or Cons (besides the one that class action suits only benefit the lawyers)?

Note : I had some questions for the law firm that didn’t get specifically answered by their reply. They are my two most significant concerns regarding joining.

Q1 - Your website information indicates there will be no cost to me if the suit is not successful (have I interpreted this correctly?). However, is there a risk that I could be counter-sued by some/all of the defendants?

Q2 - As a result of participating in this class action suit, whether it is successful or not, is it possible that my "file" or records with the manufacturer will become "blacklisted" or "footnoted" which could result in any subsequent warranty claims or other service related dealings becoming difficult or protracted? If so what can be done to prevent that or deal with that?
The answer to this question may not be from a pure legal perspective but is more related to the practical aspects of participating in such a class action where there may still be some form of a business relationship that can continue for a few years (particularly while warranty is still in effect).


Also there is no indication if there is a deadline in joining the suit.

[colorider]

Since this is not specific to the Pilot, moved to General Off-Topic.