Opinion ID: 1595696
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: testimony of subsequent purchaser

Text: Before trial, Caterpillar and General Motors made motions in limine to exclude testimony from Heiser regarding further breakdowns of the truck while he owned it because the testimony was irrelevant. The Genettis argued that the testimony was relevant to show that the fourth repair to the truck had also failed. The court reserved ruling on the issue until trial. At trial, both parties renewed their objections, which were overruled. However, the court gave a limiting instruction to the jury, stating that the testimony was to be considered only as evidence against General Motors on the Warranty Act claim. Heiser testified by video deposition that he had experienced mechanical problems with the truck after he had purchased it. These problems included the truck's losing power and smoking excessively. Heiser testified that on another occasion, the engine locked up and water came out of the exhaust pipe. It was later determined that the engine block on the truck was cracked between the cylinders. As a result, Caterpillar and/or General Motors replaced the engine under the truck's warranty. Heiser testified that he was told before he purchased the truck that the engine had been replaced but that he was not given any other repair history.