New car dealers are not required to

[turn_on68]

New car dealers are not required to divulge that a car does not come with a spare tire. So be sure to spread the word. People just assume that a new car comes with a spare tire and it has been found out that the car didn't and it is the responsibility of the buyer to know this and ask before buying. I personally think thats BS. The mere fact that cars have always come with a spare should cause a precedent to be established.

 

[martz0r]

Lots of companies have given up a full size spare in favor of a spacesaver donut or even just a tire sealant kit. Pretty sad.

 

[pepperman]

What people should do when they discover there is no spare tire on a new car or truck is tell the dealership, that if they do not put a spare tire ( full size ) in the car or truck to be purchased they will lose a sale. If enough people starting doing that and enough sales are lost things will change.

 

[AndyT]

I know with GM its a $100 option now for a compact spare. This is mostly the case with the Eco models, such as the Cruze Eco, or the new 2013 Malibu Eco. The customer is going for the Eco model, which gets better mileage. The car weighs less as well, which removing the spare and tools helps cut down on that extra weight. The window sticker clearly states that there is an inflater kit in the vehicle, in place of a spare tire. The consumer needs to read the window sticker more clearly to understand that there is no spare in the vehicle. Its right there in black and white. Who else should be responsible?

 

[turn_on68]

The news ad said it wasn't on the sticker. I don't have a problem with a donut,but I do with a sidewall blownout and no spare.

 

[AndyT]

Well, maybe some vehicle manufactures don't print it on their stickers, but I know GM does. And I completely agree, a small compressor and some fix a flat isn't going to help in a blowout situation. However, the consumer does have the final option to order the vehicle with or without a compact spare.

 

[NoLimit95]

I just keep a plug kit and cig lighter compressor in the trunk tub, along with that stupid azz spare that's in there. Honestly, I have never had to put a spare on my car since I started driving at 15 years old. I'm 43 now and have owned 9 cars. I would prefer to just plug the hole and have it patched later, IF I ever did have a flat because my spare is 17 years old and I just wouldn't be able to trust it. If my sidewall ever blew out, which I don't see happening, I would just call a flatbed.

As for new cars, not worried because I never buy new.

 

[GMAN]

The new Camaro doesn't have a spare tire.

 

[AndyT]

It's an option on the Camaro. I did a PDI on one a few weeks ago, that did in fact have a spare tire.