FULL VIDEO AT THE END OF THE POST
A Car Repair Dispute
Ms. Pewde brought her 1999 Mazda Millennia to Mr. Munger's repair shop.
This occurred in August 2015.
She claimed she fully paid for the repairs.
However, Mr. Munger refused to return her car.
Mr. Munger, the defendant, claimed Ms. Pewde did not fully pay.
He also filed a counterclaim.
His counterclaim was for storage fees and money owed for work done.
The Plaintiff's Vehicle History
Ms. Pewde's car was a 1999 Mazda Millennia.
She purchased it approximately three years prior to the court date.
She bought the car from a private owner.
The purchase price was $2000.
Initial Repair Visit
Ms. Pewde brought her car to Mr. Munger's shop on August 4, 2015.
The car had an oil leak and a radiator issue.
She stated she ran over something.
The initial repair was quoted at $400.
Ms. Pewde's Employment Status
Ms. Pewde worked as an account executive.
She was employed in August 2015.
She stated she became unemployed on January 1, 2016.
Her reason was that her car was not running.
This prevented her from doing her job.
Judge Judy questioned this timeline.
She asked if Ms. Pewde received a paycheck in September 2015.
Ms. Pewde admitted she did not.
She also did not receive paychecks in October, November, or December 2015.
Judge Judy concluded Ms. Pewde was unemployed as of August 2015.
Ms. Pewde then agreed with this assessment.
The Car's Extended Stay
Ms. Pewde's car had been at Mr. Munger's shop for ten months.
She claimed it was still not running properly.
Mr. Munger stated the car was running.
He added it was not in the best condition.
He mentioned a knocking motor.
The 30-day warranty on the used motor had expired.
The Plaintiff's Claims
Ms. Pewde claimed Mr. Munger refused to return her car.
She stated she had fully paid for the repairs.
She asserted she paid a total of $925 for the motor and radiator repairs.
Ms. Pewde also claimed Mr. Munger's shop lost her car key.
This forced her to purchase a new one.
She maintained the car was still not running properly after the repairs.
The Defendant's Counterclaims
Mr. Munger claimed Ms. Pewde did not fully pay for the repairs.
He sought storage fees.
He also sought money owed for additional work.
He stated the initial repair in August was for an oil pan gasket and a tune-up.
This initial job cost roughly $100 for parts and labor.
Mr. Munger explained the motor was purchased used.
This was done to get a discounted price.
He noted the 30-day warranty on the used motor had expired.
This happened before Ms. Pewde made a subsequent payment to finish the job.
Evidence Presented by Ms. Pewde
Ms. Pewde presented three receipts.
These receipts totaled $780.
They were signed by Mr. Munger's employees.
One receipt was for the "oilie" problem.
The other two pertained to the motor.
She also mentioned a $65 payment for which she did not receive a receipt.
Ms. Pewde also showed a receipt for a key.
She stated she had to purchase this key because the defendant's shop lost hers.
Evidence Presented by Mr. Munger
Mr. Munger presented an invoice for the first job.
This invoice totaled $241.44.
It covered labor, an engine oil pan, and spark plugs.
He also referred to a "yellow receipt" for parts.
Discrepancies in Payment Amounts
Judge Judy focused on the receipts.
She noted Ms. Pewde provided receipts totaling $780.
Ms. Pewde claimed she paid $925 in total.
She explained the $65 payment was not receipted.
She said she paid $800 for the motor and $125 for the radiator.
Judge Judy acknowledged only the $780 supported by receipts.
The Lost Key
Ms. Pewde presented a receipt for a new car key.
She stated Mr. Munger's shop lost her original key.
She had to purchase a replacement.
This receipt was for $65.
The Car's Condition and Warranty
Ms. Pewde claimed the car was still not running properly.
Mr. Munger admitted the car was running.
He said it was not in the best condition.
He mentioned a knocking motor.
He also stated the 30-day warranty on the used motor had expired.
Judge Judy pointed out the car never left Mr. Munger's lot.
She stated if he picked a bad motor, it was his problem.
Judge Judy's Questions on the Initial Repair
Judge Judy asked Mr. Munger about the initial repair cost.
He initially mentioned $400.
He later presented an invoice for $241.44 for labor.
He said parts were on a separate "yellow receipt."
The Judge's Ruling
Judge Judy ruled in favor of Ms. Pewde.
She ordered the return of Ms. Pewde's car.
She also awarded Ms. Pewde $780.
This amount was based on the receipts provided.
Dismissal of Counterclaim
Mr. Munger's counterclaim was dismissed.
This included his claims for storage fees and additional money owed.
Final Instructions
Judge Judy instructed Ms. Pewde to retrieve her car.
She stated Ms. Pewde could tow it out or drive it out.
The $780 was returned because the car was not running properly.
Judge Judy explained that if the car was not running properly, Ms. Pewde did not get her money's worth.
She reiterated that Ms. Pewde would get her car back and $780.
The receipt for the lost key was also acknowledged.
Judge Judy confirmed the total amount awarded was $780.
Ms. Pewde was to pick up the car within five days.