Good place to buy tires?

[lakelover]

I hope this doesn't open a big can of worms and I don't want it to turn into a rant thread, but I'm lookng for recommendations for a good place to buy tires. This came to mind while I was reading another thread and there was a complaint about annoying upselling practices at quick oil change places.

I used to go to a major regional chain (in NY), they had competetive prices and good service, but they lost me a few years ago when they screwed up in a big way. I found another regional chain that I really liked, but they have changed and I feel they are no longer trustwrothy. Both places now engage in aggressive upselling attempts, lowball advertising, tacking on charges to the bill that are not requested nor required. I feel that I need to watch them like a hawk and I don't want to deal with that just to get tires. I know pretty much what I want when I go in and just want good, honest service.

I most recently bought tires at Wal Mart, "against my better judgement". And that's based on personal experience there of very inconsistent service quality....sometimes the service and skill of the techs is great, sometimes it is horrible. The last time I went, I was very impressed with the tech's skill, competency and friendly manner.

Maybe this question has no answer except to keep looking, but I wondered if other folks have good places they can depend on.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I bought my truck tires for plowing from Walmart because that's the only place Goodyear allows them to be sold. The tires are excellent. I've never used their service dept. because the closest Walmart with service is too far away.....

 

[lakelover]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

Fortunately I live quite close to a WM, so it's very convenient for me. I bought the tires on line and had them shipped to the store free, where I had them mounted.

 

[Philip_G]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

if you find one let us know. I can't help but feel ripped off every time I buy tires anymore. Costco I guess isn't too bad but the selection is pretty thin. I have a friend of a friend kind of deal that'll sell me tires at whole sale but then I still have to spend nearly $100 to mount them elsewhere.

edit: seriously? whole-sale is censored? This place is getting out of control. Better have another thread on pseudo cussing that they can open and close seventeen times depending which way the wind blows.

 

[angus63]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I put four Cooper Discovery truck tires on at Pepboys and was happy with the price and service.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I put four Cooper Discovery truck tires on at Pepboys and was happy with the price and service.

Thanks, worth looking into, we have Pep Boys nearby.

 

[salty87]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

ntb says they can order just about any tire made if they don't carry it and will also price match.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

lakelover, Before i moved here, I lived in eastern Ohio, and J&J Tire in Lisbon, OH was my local tire guy. Wouldn't think of buying tires anywhere else. Heck, I even stopped in once on a trip, from my home in Florida, just to buy tires from J&J!

I check pricing at Wal-Mart and TiresPlus, but almost end up buying them from my little local tire store in town. Not a chain of any kind, just good honest local boys. It took me 8 years to find them!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

Tire Rack for the pricey, high performance tires, then I have a local shop install them.

Sullivan Tire (around the Boston, MA area) for the regular tires.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

Thanks, worth looking into, we have Pep Boys nearby.

I will ask before buying Copers please look at how they are treating their employees at their headquarters plant in Findlay, Ohio. I don't back the workers striking but I don't support a lockout either

 

[bigdee]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

Local independent guy. Just bought 4 Goodyear wrangler ST 225/16 for $459 including installation,balancing and sale tax. Ask around there may be a place like this in your area.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I have a local/regional chain that I really like around here (Gateway) and a local "mom & pop" that is outta' this world (Bud's). But I have used Sears from time to time down here and been pretty happy with them too.

I've also heard good things about Costco.

 

[Philster]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

Tire Rack ( www.tirerack.com ) and use one of their recommended local installers. They ship the tires right to them.

Been a driving enthusiast my whole adult life and I could never walk into a tire dealer and get tires now. Tire Rack; ship to local installer; make appointment; be happy.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

Once you know what tire you want (exact) spend an hour on the net for your tires and then call for instal quotes from local shops. For me I have a friend who manages a tire store and he always provides me with the best pricing and instal. Makes life easy for me.

 

[dockwrecker]

Last set of BFG All Terrains I bought at Sears on their labor day sale. Beat everyone else in town by $80 for the set. They can have some pretty good sales if you watch for them.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I buy Toyos at Les Schwab. Free rotations, balancing, and flat repairs whenever I want, plus fantastic service.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I have been using a local business for 25 yrs however, they were bought out by a major company same friends as employees but the rules changed.

I like to buy local

 

[rogerwa]

I do all my research on tire rack. If the pricing isn't too far off of tire rack I will buy at Costco first and then discount tire. I prefer the service and approach at Costco. Discount tire is fine, it's just that they try to jack you for additional things.

If i am buying for an old car that I am not buying top quality, I will go to fleet farm and get the off brand cooper variants.

The ratings and reviews on tire rack are right on.

 

[1973Chieftain]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

I've always bought my tires, trailer and truck, at Discount Tire stores- they have always treated me very well, they have a wide selection in stock, and have excellent prices. I would highly recommend them if there is one in your area!

 

[lakelover]

Re: Good place to buy tires?

All great suggestions to check out, thanks for all the input! It would sure be a load off my mind if I could just go out and "buy tires".