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If they are a no show, you should win by default.
BUT, be sure you have good, valid service on them, and that you file the proof of service with the court. Be sure you have a conformed copy of the proof of service with you when you appear (a conformed copy is a copy that has the court's "filed" stamp on it). Sometimes things don't make it into the court's file, or get lost by the court. You need to have proof of service, and proof that you filed it with the court.
It wouldn't hurt to have other documentation that shows the dealership knows about the time and place of the trial. Like a confirming letter, or other correspondence that shows they know.
Because if the defendant doesn't show up, the first thing the judge will be concerned about is whether they were properly served and know about the date and time. If the judge has any doubt as to service, they will likely not default the defendant and will continue the matter, make you re-serve, etc.
If they don't show up and the court tries to continue the matter, be sure to tell the court that you have traveled a great distance, you properly served them, and they have chosen to not appear, and it would be unfair to make you have to incur the cost of having to come back.
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