Buying used tires

Hoopster81 · #1 06-28-2005, 02:08 PM

So, I need to buy a couple tires for my car. New ones seem so expensive, and my GF suggested just buying used ones. Anyone have any experience in this area? How much should I be willing to spend to get a couple decent used tires? Is there anything in particular I should ask for (re-treads, etc.)? Or is this a bad idea to begin with?

My car is a Camry 4-door (to give an idea on what type of tires I need).

Thanks

Shajen · #2 06-28-2005, 02:13 PM

define "too expensive".

You should be able to get no name tires for around $30-$40 a tire.

I don't know about you, but I'd be pretty damned hesitant to buy used tires...

Bluffoon · #3 06-28-2005, 02:19 PM

Yeah I always figured decent tires are important. Those four little patches are your only contact with the road. A decent set of new tires and a good balance should run you at least few hundred. Make the investment.

I know maintaining your car is expensive but I suggest getting in the habit of taking good care of your car. Accidents/Breakdowns/Tows and Emergency Repairs are even more expensive than regular maintanance.

chaas4747 · #4 06-28-2005, 02:26 PM

Retreads are usually tires that were made to be retread and reused again (usually for large trucks). I don't think you will be able to get these in a small car tire. I would not buy used, as I think you will probably end up replacing them within the next 6 months, and the savings will not be that much.

jakethebake · #5 06-28-2005, 02:26 PM

Buy new. You won't save money buying used. They'll just wear out faster and you'll need new ones again anyway.

Hoopster81 · #6 06-28-2005, 03:27 PM

How much should I be spending for a generic new tire? One responder said $30-40 per tire - I thought it would be more. Anyone recommend a good chain store or should I just call around with the yellow pages?

Thanks again

jakethebake · #7 06-28-2005, 03:33 PM

[ QUOTE ]
How much should I be spending for a generic new tire? One responder said $30-40 per tire - I thought it would be more. Anyone recommend a good chain store or should I just call around with the yellow pages? Thanks again

[/ QUOTE ]

Depends on the car. Try Sam's or Costco. Also NTW and Sears.

Edit: Also, they constantly have sales on tires. Check the Sunday paper.

Los Feliz Slim · #8 06-28-2005, 03:37 PM

I bought new tires at tirerack.com, then had them installed locally. There was, as I recall, significant savings.

chaas4747 · #9 06-28-2005, 03:37 PM

If you have a Tires Plus in your town they will usually have a special on this size of tires, and offer lifetime balancing and tire rotation on any tires you buy there.

pheasant tail (no 18) · #10 06-28-2005, 03:41 PM

I've bought lots of used tires when in graduate school and broke. Lots of times, a person has a nice ride and curb one or run over a nail and the dealers tell them that they must get a new set, that they cannot just replace one. So there are 3 tires discarded w/ 5k miles or less. Often they can be picked up for $10-$15. Just make sure you see the replacement befor they put it on.