So I have been going over the Super Stock IIIs for my Cutlass, and I realized that given the manufacturing date on the tires, it looks like they're only good for another season or two. As I can barely run and restore the car as-is, I need to invest in some quality used tires. Can anyone here tell me what I'm looking for? I found these, and I'm wondering if they're possibly okay. Of course, I would need to look at them before I buy in, but they seem decent for the money.
I buy used tires off kijiji all the time.
Edit - you know how to read a date code oops! Try to stay under 6 years old. I am rolling on 10 yr old Firestone Winterforce tires right now though.
Edit - get a tread depth gauge and google the tread depth that they come from the factory with (most tires are 10/32 or 11/32). That gives you an idea of the real amount of life left in them. Most people lie and say they are only 20-25% worn when they are really over 50%.
Also look for odd wear patterns. Since the ones you posted are off the rims - look carefully at the inside of the tires. There should not be any strange wear on the rubber inside.
Those look like a great deal for a set of 4.
In reply to NGTD:
Sounds good. I've got a very basic tire depth gauge, but I'll make sure to invest in a better one. When it comes to odd wear patterns, I do know about that. Also, as they're off rims, it will be easy to see if they have been plugged. Thanks for the tips!
Unless you need an odd size or something high performance, new tires are extremely cheap, and you don't have to worry about date codes or odd tread wear. Have you tried Discount Tire Direct or Tire Rack? You may be surprised what you can get for cheap.
If you must buy used, try to find a retailer that deals in used tires. A good one will give you a warranty in case the tread separates in a week-this happened to me and the retailer replaced the tire no questions asked.
I put some never heard of brand on my cobalt last April cause I only drive it once a week just to keep the rust off the brake as I have a company van at $69 each mounted and balanced I couldn't not do it. I have taken it on one long trip and been in the rain and I was very happy on the ride and control feel. you be surprised what's out there for short $$
In reply to Junkyard_Dog:
Both G-Body Man and I are in Canada. The shipping fees from either Discount or Tire Rack are often more than the tires themselves!
Our prices for tires are much higher than what is paid in the U.S.
He is closer to the border so shipping to the U.S. and picking up in a border town maybe an option, but it is not for me. I am 5 hours from any border crossing.
In reply to NGTD:
Is there not a Canadian equivalent of those companies? Sounds like an opportunity right there...
I've been having a streak of VERY good luck with used tires. Bought a set for the Mustang, the Grand Marquis, my buddy bought a set for his ride and his son's. Looking at a pair next weekend for the Austin.
Gotta check the codes for sure and between the treads, bend them shape them, any way you want to, but most used tire places have already do so and won't sell tires that are going to fail. Bad for business.
The ones that are on the Mustang came from a new car dealership and were advertised on Craigslist. They're Pirellis and pretty much brand new, came mounted and balanced on near perfect five spoke factory wheels.
Use caution, but don't be afraid . . .
With used tires you've gotta take a "beggars can't be choosers" approach. You aren't looking for quality, you're looking for round, black, holds air, no broken belts or sidewall tumors, younger than 5 years, roughly the right size(must at least be matched pairs), anything else is a nice bonus.
Often, you can get a good matching set of 4 from someone who is parting out a car. I'm parting out two right now and both have nice sets of matching tires.
I'm not above buying used tires on craigslist for a commuting appliance but if you have any designs on performance you're better off buying new even if that means saving up or not buying other parts.
I buy a lot of used tires (burnouts kill them quickly and amuse me) I just check tread depth and wear patterns. the only new tires ive ever purchased I killed the rears inside 500 miles.
Nothing wrong with used tires. Almost everybody on here is driving around on them.
Check around for a used tire store in your area. Often they have brand new or almost new tires pulled off from someone that wanted specific tires and rims. Usually no names though.
I have been able to score a few sets of "new" tires off of Craigslist. The trick is to be patient and start looking before you need them.
Junkyard_Dog wrote: In reply to NGTD: Is there not a Canadian equivalent of those companies? Sounds like an opportunity right there...
There are a few companies that dabble in it but none that I have found that have great deals.
Probably but part of the issue for Canadians is that we have 1/10th of the population of the U.S. spread over a much larger area. Shipping costs in Canada make me want to puke. I just sent a 6"X6"X2" package to my brother in Ottawa and it cost me $14. Tires would be stupid expensive.
It is part of life living in Canada.
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