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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Dave Schuler writes:
> In January of this year I purchased a used '98 Ford Contour from a
> local dealership. The purchase package included a much-touted 100-point
> inspection and an assortment of various guarantees and coverages. To date,
> I've had no mechanical difficulties with the vehicle.
> On the way to work yesterday I found that I had a flat tire, so I put
> the donut on and continued on my merry way. The only reputable company near
> my workplace (ie, to which I could take my vehicle during lunch) was Sears.
> Ergo, I took my car there, outlined the problem, selected the brand of tire
> I wanted, and proceeded to stroll around the mall while they replaced the
> flat. My intent was to purchase two new tires and rotate two of the
> remaining ones from front to back. Upon my return an hour later, the techs
> informed me that the tires on my car were slightly larger than the correct
> size (65 vs 60), and the tires had been rubbing against the struts, causing
> wear to the surface. I don't believe this to have been a factor in the one
> tire going flat, however. In any case, Sears said they would not be able to
> perform the rotation, and I had to purchase four new tires for a grand total
> of about $445. Sears wouldn't put the wrong-sized tires back on my vehicle,
> and I can understand their position; if they knowingly put the incorrect
> tires on my vehicle and I subsequently suffered an accident as a result of
> the tires, Sears could conceivably be held liable. It seems to me that if
> the tires were indeed too large for the vehicle, then the agency that
> supplied them (ie, the dealership) should compensate me for the extra two
> tires I had to purchase.
> When I got back to work, I contacted my dealership and informed them of my
> disappointment at their choice of tires. I further questioned the alleged
> 100-point inspection, which I would assumed to cover such middling
> automotive details as tires. The sales manager with whom I spoke was
> argumentative and, frankly, a butthead, and he told me that Sears had
> "snowed" me. Sears, he explained, is in the business of trying to sell
> tires, so of course they'd try to sell me two extra. Ford, I pointed out to
> the sales mgr, is likewise in the business of sales (and would doubtless
> want to avoid compensating me), so I had no reason to take his word over
> theirs. In fact, he offered to sell me two tires, and I have several
> suggestions re: where he can align them.
> So here's my question: if in fact the dealership put the wrong size
> tires on my vehicle, and if as a result I was forced to purchase four tires
> from Sears (or any agency, for that matter) is it inappropriate to request
> that Ford compensate me for the cost? It seems to me (and I am fiendishly
> tempted to point this out to the sales mgr) that Ford would be inclined to
> present the appearance of a company greatly concerned about tire quality,
> given their recent problems with the Explorer. I expect that if one of the
> tires had blown as a result of the undue wear, and if I had suffered injury,
> the person responsible for the undue wear might be liable if the wear could
> be demonstrated as a cause of the blowout. Would I have to have suffered an
> accident before the dealership could be held responsible for the wrong tires?
> I know this is trivial compared to questions of whether or not I would
> be entitled to screw Wal*Mart just because I figured out how to do it, but
> since I have $222.50 at stake, I wanted to get other people's insight before
> I discuss it with the dealership tomorrow.
The wear on the struts should be visible. If so, take pictures of the wear,
find out what the *documented* OEM tire size for the vehicle is, (assuming
this all supports the assertion that you were sold a car with the wrong
tires) write the dealership (owner) a letter requesting reimbursement for
all 4 tires, including all of the above supporting info. If they refuse,
sue them in small claims court. Chances are they will settle it before then.
-Rob.
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Hosed?
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| In January of this year I purchased a used '98 Ford Contour from a local dealership. The purchase package included a much-touted 100-point inspection and an assortment of various guarantees and coverages. To date, I've had no mechanical (...) (22 years ago, 31-May-02, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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