Tire Tread and Dry Rot on a Used Car - Is the Dealership Responsible

[Marcus W]

My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: New Jersey

I purchased a used car last Wednesday (6/27/12) and noticed the tire tread was less than desirable. On Saturday a more knowledgable friend assessed my tread and aside from obvious signs of dry rot (which I initially overlooked), said friend mentioned my tread depth appears to be less than the legal limit of 4/32nds. My question is, does my dealership have a legal obligation to provide me with new tires based on the dry rot (or even the tread depth-- once proven less than 4/32). Second, if they do not, do I have a case?

[Mr. Knowitall]

Per NJSA § 13:20-32.59, it looks like a tire will pass inspection as long as there's no area in which the tread is less than 2/32". I see discussion of setting a 4/32" standard for commercial vehicles, but NJSA 13:20-33.19 still speaks of2/32". What rule are you looking at?

[flyingron]

I bet you bought the car "as is." New Jersey doesn't mandate used cars pass inspection before they are sold. The fact that you didn't note the worn tires is entirely on you.

[Marcus W]

Per NJSA § 13:20-32.59, it looks like a tire will pass inspection as long as there's no area in which the tread is less than 2/32". I see discussion of setting a 4/32" standard for commercial vehicles, but NJSA 13:20-33.19 still speaks of2/32". What rule are you looking at?

I wasn't looking at a particular rule, was more so going off of information passed down from a friend.

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I bet you bought the car "as is." New Jersey doesn't mandate used cars pass inspection before they are sold. The fact that you didn't note the worn tires is entirely on you.

Car was purchased with a warranty. One day after I purchased vehicle I was back at dealership to have the front driver's side tire patched. Four days later (yesterday) my front passenger side tire encounters a hole and loses air. Right now I have the spare tire on that side.

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Thank for the information regarding it being 2/32.

[Who'sThatGuy]

In New Jersey, a car dealer must guarantee that a vehicle they sell will pass state inspection regardless if the vehicle was sold "As-Is" or with a warranty.

You as the buyer must bring that vehicle to a state inspection station for an inspection. If the vehicle fails inspection, the selling dealer must correct the problem or refund your money.