HUS4144

I have a 2009 Lexus IS250. I need to replace my 2 rear tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE760). I was looking into purchasing used tires because they were much less ($150 for 2 vs $310 for 2 brand new). Also, I don't see my need for sport tires. I was hoping that by purchasing used tires for the rear wheels would allow for all four tires to need to be replaced at the same time. When that time comes, I'd install decent, but less expensive (non-sport) tires on the car and I would have 4 matching tires. The used tires I am looking at have about 60-70% of the tread life left and come from reputable sellers. Should I go with used tires? Are used tires a hazard or are they safe if purchased from the right place? Any help is greatly appreciated!

liqB

Used tires are fine. just make sure they're less than 3-4 years old. I bought some used tires once and a shop refused to install them due to being >5years old.

Eduskator

As long as they're not fully worn or cracked (dry - due to years of use) why not?

Anyways, after 4-5 years, 99% of tires are done and thrown in the garbage.

OP : Yes, it's worth it if you wait for the deal. I always buy my winter tires 1 or 2 seasons used and pay 1/4 of their retail price... Look for plugs / bubble on the tire (make sure to inspect them toroughly).

Make sure to measure the thread depth (in 32nd) with the proper tool. Also check the specs of the tire on internet, they give the thread depth. FYI, my Bridgestone Potenza tires comes new @ 9/32nd.

chriso5573

Congrats on the find!

Definitely don't get tires 5 years or older or the picture below is what will happen.... I had some old Potenzas that came on the 350z rims I was buying... definitely from when the car was manufactured back in 04/05 =0

Driving along on the freeway and boom a quarter of the tire flies off!

soloist3

I buy used tires all the time, huge savings over retail; as with anything else in the used market, read up on what to look out for and you should be fine

DennisMik

I have bought lots of used tires over the years. I usually do it when a tire goes bad and the rest are getting close to needing replacing. That way I can buy a complete set of new tires without having thrown away a lot of money for that one tire.

355F1

I'm simply dumbfounded by people who buy cars and don't have the money to properly maintain them.

Aron9000

This . . . .

I mean this isn't your 1989 Toyota pickup that you use to haul trash with that has 300,000 miles on it.


Talk to the guys a discount tire, they usually have the best prices on new tires that I've found.

DennisMik

How do you equate used tires as improper maintenance?

Aron9000

Its doing something half-assed IMO. I mean this is a Lexus, granted not a new one, but still its worth $15,000 and something the OP drives every day, and I assume at high speed on the interstate. $150 is not a lot of money, especially considering you could be buying a tire like that picture above, where the tread seperates.

Not saying that used tires don't have their place, if you work construction and have a beat up F150 with 300k miles on it, well then by all means throw some used tires on it, cause you're likely going to drive over a nail or the truck might conk out tomorrow.

Icy350

iTrader: (18)

Im all for new tires but the situation has to make sense. Just like how you guys are able to buy used parts without knowing exactly how the previous owner used them, tires are no different. If you guys have like 50~75% tread left, why buy a new set and let the remaining 3 tires go to waste? You can buy a used one temporarily until the other 3 wear down and then get a new set. New tires are important but I don't believe in waste either.

Trolling55

iTrader: (2)

Why not new generic tires?

Eduskator

What you are saying doesn't make sens to me either. Buying used doesn't mean neglect a proper maintaining of the car...

He needs 2 rear tire, not the whole set. It would be dumb to replace them for new ones when he can pay half or a quarter of the new price to get some used ones. And you know what? Buying used is a form of recycling and it helps our planet as well.

New or used, it doesn't matter as long as they're in good shape, end of story! If you are dumb enough to buy a 10 year old tire and it explodes on the freeway, you kind of deserved it... This is what you call having common sense.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

I've been trolling this thread waiting for someone to finally say this. For Gosh Sakes tires are what separate you from the road. Is you LIFE worth $150.00, maybe even $310.00. I worked part time in the tires business when I was in my 30s. Trust me, you don't want used tires!

Do you realize that when you buy new tires you go into a data base that alerts you in the event of a tire recall? When you buy used tires from a retailer you know nothing of it's history. Why would someone sell a serviceable tire? Buy new, and when you do buy, buy at least 2 (to fit on the same axle).

The only time, IMHO, someone should even think about buying a used tire is for use as a spare (if you have a full sized tire) that will only receive limited use.

Lou

Bichon

My concern is that there could be hidden damage to the structure of the tire from hitting a large pot hole or other road hazard. That could result in a sidewall bubble or even a blowout down the road.