Dealer won’t replace dangerous cracking tyres on my used car – what can I do?
Last month I bought a 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350 from a Kia dealer. I noticed that it was making a groaning noise from the front, and informed the dealer. They told me to take it to a local garage (we agreed on a local Mercedes-Benz specialist near me) rather than drive the 100 miles to see themselves.
The local specialist told me the noise was from the two front tyres, which were cracking around the side wall and would need replacing. I have also discovered that these two tyres, despite having about 2.5mm tread left, are dated back to 2005 and 2008. This seems a bit dangerous to me. However the dealer who sold me the car says it had a new MoT on purchase and is therefore road legal, and won’t replace them.
Are they correct? Do I have any course for further action, or do I swallow the costs? It will be about £340 for replacement tyres.
The local specialist told me the noise was from the two front tyres, which were cracking around the side wall and would need replacing. I have also discovered that these two tyres, despite having about 2.5mm tread left, are dated back to 2005 and 2008. This seems a bit dangerous to me. However the dealer who sold me the car says it had a new MoT on purchase and is therefore road legal, and won’t replace them.
Are they correct? Do I have any course for further action, or do I swallow the costs? It will be about £340 for replacement tyres.
Asked on 23 August 2013 by mattg1234
Answered by
Honest John
No, they aren't correct. Tell them they can either replace them or you will get the job done and will sue for the cost using the small claims track. The tyres were clearly not "of satisfactory quality" when you bought the car. Law here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
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