Overhaulin'

Can a car sales company sell a car without a wheel brace and Jack?

I've just got went to replace a wheel from a car I bought 4months ago. There was no jack or wheel brace. So I've had to bring it to a mechanic. And he's informed me that there's nothing to remove the locking nuts with. Is this company allowed to sell cars without these parts and Is there a minimum legal length of guarantee?

Public Comments

1. it is unethical to sell a car without one. Try calling and be firm that you want the jack which is a part of the cars equipment and demand they reimburse your fee to the mechanic. Notify the BBB if they fail to comply.
2. yes it can . Sorry it was up to you to inspect the car first.You might try a local salvage dealer and see if they will sell you what you need
3. Really you should have checked the car first ...expecially the key for the locking nuts. I doubt if there is any law saying you must sell a car with jack and wheel brace.
4. Yes there is no legal requirement for a vehicle to be supplied with a jack and a spare wheel and you had ample opportunity to check that it was there. Same for the wheel lock key. There is no minimum length of guarantee at all it just has to be fit for purpose. Lack of tools and spares provision is not making it not fit for purpose. You have no way to prove that the items you allege to be missing were not removed by you or someone else - should have checked them on taking delivery of the car.
5. Caveat Emptor. 'Let the buyer beware'. It's an oldie, but a goodie. The only recourse you have is to revisit the dealer and ask to see the dealer principal. Ask him what he can do. If he is decent he may well offer to help. But he is not obliged to do so. Secondhand cars frequently have no warranty at all.They just have to be 'of merchantable quality'. In other words if it drives it is.
6. They can sell a car without a jack and brace, as some new cars dont even have a spare wheel. however, the locking key is another issue, as it wasnt pointed out at point of sale (i assume) and therefore i would say its not fit for purpose. the sale and supply of goods act 2002 (sect 48) says you have 6 months in which to seek repair, during this period they have to prove it wasnt broken when you got it (ie. you lost it). this is easier said than done, as this is an expensive job (they have to be drilled off) and most garages would rather not have that expense. i would inform the garage, as they might be happy to do it. but i would also recommend ringing consumer direct first, just to check your rights and what to do. if the garage refuses contact your local trading standards office and make a complaint.
7. Yes they can.. These are only extras to the car, and they are not obliged to provide them.. Some brand new cars you can buy today have neither a jack, wheel-brace or a spare wheel. This is the modern day of skimp and save where you can... Tight fisted lot. My friend has a BMW and all they supplied with that was an aerosol can that you blow in through the valve to repair and blow up your tyre temporary, until you can get to the nearest repair shop or tyre dealer..