Wisconsin files suit against Spooner vintage car business

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The Wisconsin Department of Justice announced today it has filed an enforcement action against Auto Restore Inc. in Spooner for various violations of consumer protection laws.

The complaint, filed in Washburn County Circuit Court, alleges violations of Wisconsin's Motor Vehicle Repair Code by the company and its owner, Michael D. Janey.

The state is seeking an injunction enjoining the defendants from further violations. It also seeks restitution for aggrieved consumers, forfeitures and fines.

According to the complaint, Auto Restore offers restoration and repair of vintage vehicles. The state’s suit alleges that since at least 2004 the company has been in violation of various provisions of the Vehicle Repair Code, including failing to provide written repair orders; failing to provide firm price quotations and estimates of repair completion dates; failure to provide notice of additional repairs; and, on at least one occasion, failing to return a customer’s motor vehicle when the customer declined to pay for unauthorized repairs.

Mike Janey, the company’s owner, said this evening that he was unaware of the charges and said he couldn’t comment on the allegations until he knew what they were about.

“Restoration is totally different than new car repair. You can’t always give estimates until you get into them,’’ Janey said.

The company’s Web site states that it has a combined 40 years of experience restoring classic cars such as Corvettes.

The case was referred to the Wisconsin Department of Justice following an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Consumers who feel that they may have been harmed by Auto Restore Inc. are encouraged to call state investigators at (800) 422-7128.

Tags: news, courts, spooner, wisconsin, business, autos, superior