What are your thoughts on used tires?

[yuppicide]

2008 Vibe. I don't have money right now and just need a set of tires to get me through a month or two until I get money.

I found a set of tires that say 5/32 - 6/32. I'm assuming that's 50% to 60% life left? They also say they have not ever been patched. They don't look dry or cracked. I also found another guy advertising 60% tread left.

Reading up on Tirerack, they tell you how you can approximately measure tread with different coins. Then tell you to measure around the tire to see about even wear. So, I'll do that.

Do you think I'll be alright with these?

Do I absolutely need to get that TPMS thing done? I'm just thinking the one guy will mount/balance the tires, but he mentioned nothing about TPMS.

[cythraul]

TPMS was available on 2008s? In any case it does not matter much, if you do have TPMS and the TPMS valve is not installed the light will show up in the dashboard but it won't affect anything. Lots of people do have TPMS but don't have TPMS valves on their winter tires...

As for used tires, it don't see a problem if there're are in the state you described them. Except that I would not buy used tires under 9/32... unless they're dirt cheap.

[yuppicide]

Yeah, maybe I messed that up. I know my 09 Corolla has TPMS. If the dashboard has an indicator to tell you when you need air in your tires, that means you have TPMS? If so, then she has it. I'm only asking if TPMS is necessary because most places will charge extra for them.

The one set of tires I found is $80, plus driving an hour for Goodyear Eagle RSA with 5/32 to 6/32 left. This is a private seller.

The others I found he didn't say what brand, but he's a business. All they do is tires. He says they have 60% tread left. $185 installed.

I've no problem that I have to buy these now and will ditch them for new tires in a few months. I just let these go too long and need something.

[cptnsolo77]

Funny that this topic came up, cause I just bought a used bridgstone at the local salvage yard for for 22 bucks. First time buying a used tire for me. It has 1/4" thread depth evenly throughout the tire, and not dry rotted at all. It does have one patch, but im not worried about it. The rest of the tire is in EXCELLENT shape. It even still has the little knobbies / spikey things above the sidewall like a new tire. Im in need of new tires BUT next year I may graduate to 17in wheels, so I dont want to waste $$$ on 16in tires that im going to get rid of in the next 7 months. Used tires will do fine for me until then. I just need 3 more. Yes its a little time consuming cause the used tire shop may not have your size & may have to come back again another day to get the rest, however for me $100 for 4 tires in really decent shape over $400 for new tires is a deal to me. After all once they are on your car they are used right? If your strapped for $$$ and know what to look for in a used tire I say go for it. My vibe had used tires when I bought it anyway, so whats the difference ??? LOL.

[KNINE]

I've bought used tires before when I was broke and needed to pass inspection. I bought mine from a used tire store so they came with a 30 day guarantee. They lasted almost a year and got the job done. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get by.

[cq358]

I saw a lot of used tire postings from flea market website.
But at the end of the day, you have to think why you want to sell a set of 4 used tire if they are still in "good condition" or "like new"?
If you look closely from the pictures, 80% of the case, judging the symmetrically of the tread blocks , those "like new tires" always have various degree of uneven wear (alignment problem) to them. They are either cupped /feathered/ cracks. Why would you let your family safety on top of people's trash?

If you are super stingy, Korean tire are good options too.

[KITT222]

I'm running on "pre-owned" tires right now. They had 90% tread left when I bought them. The fronts are significantly less, thanks to autocross (so worth it) but they're fantastic. I've had no issues. MY sister has used tires on her horse trailer, and they're fine. I bought a used set of snow tires with the little knobbies still on them (FULL tread depth too). For me, used tires are pretty good, but be sensible. Craigslist is my favorite place for bargain hunting. I even found my Vibe on Craigslist.

[yuppicide]

Yeah, I found my tires for $185 installed on Craigslist. All this guy does it tires.

I had been watching another pair on eBay for $94 Goodyear Eagle RSA's, I would have had to pick them up and then go find someone to install.

If my 08 indeed has TPMS do I need it? I know people usually charge extra for that.

[bajadock]

Bought my Vibe this spring with weak tires as one of the few downsides. After shredding right front, replaced it with a used Conti Contact that looked very good. Living in Mexico, used tires are abundant.

Explored used for a week or two to replace all. Shopped here in Ensenada(2 hrs south of San Diego) and craigs San Diego. Decided to go with NEW Michelin Primacy MXM4 at Discount Tire San Diego. $70 rebate available for 4 mich's at Discount and Big O through end of August.

I hate the prices of new tires, but, love the security of best rubber I can afford. Ride is improved, road noise is down. Will monitor MPG change, but, don't expect anything less than the 32-34mpg in my first 5 months and 12,000 miles of ownership.