Buying Used Tires

[SCRunner12]

I recently bought some Tundra 17's and it got me thinking of getting some new tires to go with them. I just got (about 4 months ago) a used set of BFG's with rims and they have irritated me since day one. The PO of the tires wore two down on the sides (did not mention it to me) and the other two will not balance right. I've been experiencing vibrations everytime I go past 60 and I can't stand it. So I figured I'd start clean with the new rims.

I know new is the safest bet, but is there any good ways to know if used tires will have balance/vibration issues. I found a set of Nitto's for an amazing price, but I'm hesitant buying used again. Money is really tight right now and I would save $3-600 by going with these Nitto's over going new (Treadwright or Hankook). Any suggestions when looking at the tires? Tricks to use? If I pass on these I will definitely go new unless I buy from someone I know.

 

[JayRolla]

I recently bought some Tundra 17's and it got me thinking of getting some new tires to go with them. I just got (about 4 months ago) a used set of BFG's with rims and they have irritated me since day one. The PO of the tires wore two down on the sides (did not mention it to me) and the other two will not balance right. I've been experiencing vibrations everytime I go past 60 and I can't stand it. So I figured I'd start clean with the new rims.

I know new is the safest bet, but is there any good ways to know if used tires will have balance/vibration issues. I found a set of Nitto's for an amazing price, but I'm hesitant buying used again. Money is really tight right now and I would save $3-600 by going with these Nitto's over going new (Treadwright or Hankook). Any suggestions when looking at the tires? Tricks to use? If I pass on these I will definitely go new unless I buy from someone I know.

I try to avoid buying mud or a/t used tires. They can look very good and still have no tread when driving snow or rain. They are very disceptive. If you look up the tire type on the manufactureres website they should give you a tread depth to when the tire needs replaced.

 

[SCRunner12]

Yeah I know what you mean. Here is the tread depth he sent me.

 

[Millerad1651]

It's kind of a crapshoot with used tires. I always run my hands over them and try to feel for uneven or flat spots. I've bought used twice, happy once, not so happy once.

BTW, my dad bought a jeep with a set of those Nittos. They're about the same tread depth as the ones you posted...and they are loud! Other than that he likes them, but will be replacing them soon.

 

[MyHigh]

I feel your pain, I made the mistake of buying used 255/75/17 BFG mud terrains for my new to me tundra 17" and now I'm afraid to go on the freeway because of the shake rattle when rolled! After putting up with that for a week I decided to see how much weights America's tire put on my wheel and discovered that every wheel has more then 7 ounces on them one has 10 ounces!! Wtf... It should be illegal to let a customer out the door with that amount of lead on their rims!!

Best bet for me, is to start fresh no more trusting the PO when he says, ohhh they'll be great for you. Haa

 

[SCRunner12]

It's kind of a crapshoot with used tires. I always run my hands over them and try to feel for uneven or flat spots. I've bought used twice, happy once, not so happy once.

BTW, my dad bought a jeep with a set of those Nittos. They're about the same tread depth as the ones you posted...and they are loud! Other than that he likes them, but will be replacing them soon.

Yeah I bought my last BFG's used and was fine. I will definitely feel for flat spots. I'm also buying a depth gauge today to see how worn they are. I need at least 70% or I'm going new.

I feel your pain, I made the mistake of buying used 255/75/17 BFG mud terrains for my new to me tundra 17" and now I'm afraid to go on the freeway because of the shake rattle when rolled! After putting up with that for a week I decided to see how much weights America's tire put on my wheel and discovered that every wheel has more then 7 ounces on them one has 10 ounces!! Wtf... It should be illegal to let a customer out the door with that amount of lead on their rims!!

Best bet for me, is to start fresh no more trusting the PO when he says, ohhh they'll be great for you. Haa

That sucks. Yeah I cringe every time I get on the freeway and embarrassed for others to be in my car.

 

[white_n_slow]

I bought some 33x12.5x15 BFG's used off a jeep guy and they worked out great for me.

I also recently bought some 315/70-17 BFG's that I haven't had a chance to run on the highway yet.

I just always check the tires out myself and never go off what was printed in the ad. Most people will take a picture of the best tire and the best portion of the tread of that particular tire to take "tread depth" pictures. If there is any abnormal wear from bad alignment, you should be able to see it or feel it in person. Also, most owner-claimed tread estimates "75% tread" are total BS. An actual tread depth guage wont lie, but you need to measure all tires and at three different parts of the tread (right, left and center). This will also clue you in to bad alignment wear that might not be easy to catch with your eyes.

If you check all that out, you should be good to go. The tire shop's inability to balance the tire sounds more like a manufacturer defect (or maybe a bent wheel?) than anything the previous owner did. I would try the BB balancing method if all else fails.

 

[Yoter]

So you picked up those wheels....
You always get to the good deals first!
Those Nitto's look really good, I would say that is about 60% of the original tread depth.
Keep in mind the age of the tyre, dryness of the rubber and of course any cracking is a bad. Its a crap shoot going used but you get what you pay for just keep in mind the at least 80 dollar mounting/balancing fee.

 

[WanderLust]

Buying used tires

For age, use the 4 number DOT code on the sidewall: First 2 numbers show the week made, then the last two show the year made. Example: 1610 means week 16 of the year 2010. Nothing over 6 years old should hit the ground on any roads; their words, not mine.

 

[curtperry]

There's always Treadwright

The 285/70R17 WARDEN A/T (D) is a clone of the BFG AT and only $128 each

I've never used them but plenty of people have claimed that they work well.

 

[rideexileex]

I honesty would just buy new. Mathematically, it makes sense. When you buy a tire, you don't use 100% of the tread. Lets just say for arguments sake you use a tire till 20%. If you buy new, you'll use 80% tread. 1/2 tread tires might sell for 1/2 price, but then you're really only getting 30% of useable tread, and that's not even the best traction for mud, etc. You might do better financially to refresh the new tires at 50% anyway.

 

[Yoter]

I honesty would just buy new. Mathematically, it makes sense. When you buy a tire, you don't use 100% of the tread. Lets just say for arguments sake you use a tire till 20%. If you buy new, you'll use 80% tread. 1/2 tread tires might sell for 1/2 price, but then you're really only getting 30% of useable tread, and that's not even the best traction for mud, etc. You might do better financially to refresh the new tires at 50% anyway.

Unless you get a crazy unreal deal on used tires, this is really true.
It dawned on me after getting my lest set of tires (the first set I bought used)
That it really makes more sense to get a new tire, even if you get a slightly cheaper quality tire. It costs slightly more if not the same per mile to get new and you get the best of those miles when the tire is new.
I am not sure about treadwright It just doesn't sit well in my stomach re using old rubber. Its like most things these days they are built for a short shelf life and retreading a tire that was originally designed for 40-60k then using it for a total of 80-120k really seems to me as a bad idea.

 

[MyHigh]

I bought some 33x12.5x15 BFG's used off a jeep guy and they worked out great for me.

I also recently bought some 315/70-17 BFG's that I haven't had a chance to run on the highway yet.

I just always check the tires out myself and never go off what was printed in the ad. Most people will take a picture of the best tire and the best portion of the tread of that particular tire to take "tread depth" pictures. If there is any abnormal wear from bad alignment, you should be able to see it or feel it in person. Also, most owner-claimed tread estimates "75% tread" are total BS. An actual tread depth guage wont lie, but you need to measure all tires and at three different parts of the tread (right, left and center). This will also clue you in to bad alignment wear that might not be easy to catch with your eyes.

If you check all that out, you should be good to go. The tire shop's inability to balance the tire sounds more like a manufacturer defect (or maybe a bent wheel?) than anything the previous owner did. I would try the BB balancing method if all else fails.

That thought did cross my mind, I'm curious if they can just spin the wheel by itself and if that would clue me in on the wheel being bent, but then to have all of them needing so much weight just seems more like the tire being bad...I hope, I'd be not happy to have my gunmetal wheels turn out to be no good!

 

[MyHigh]

Sorry scrunner12,
I don't mean to be jacking your thread, I'm glad you posted your problem because I was in the same boat as you and needing some help.
Thank you

 

[SCRunner12]

I bought some 33x12.5x15 BFG's used off a jeep guy and they worked out great for me.

I also recently bought some 315/70-17 BFG's that I haven't had a chance to run on the highway yet.

I just always check the tires out myself and never go off what was printed in the ad. Most people will take a picture of the best tire and the best portion of the tread of that particular tire to take "tread depth" pictures. If there is any abnormal wear from bad alignment, you should be able to see it or feel it in person. Also, most owner-claimed tread estimates "75% tread" are total BS. An actual tread depth guage wont lie, but you need to measure all tires and at three different parts of the tread (right, left and center). This will also clue you in to bad alignment wear that might not be easy to catch with your eyes.

If you check all that out, you should be good to go. The tire shop's inability to balance the tire sounds more like a manufacturer defect (or maybe a bent wheel?) than anything the previous owner did. I would try the BB balancing method if all else fails.

Yeah I just bought a tread depth gauge. I'm definitely going to look over everything about the tires. I can't mess up this time. My current BFG's were underflated and worn a bit more on the outside. Also the tire shop said they were out of round. I'm not sure, but they just can't be balanced.

So you picked up those wheels....
You always get to the good deals first!
Those Nitto's look really good, I would say that is about 60% of the original tread depth.
Keep in mind the age of the tyre, dryness of the rubber and of course any cracking is a bad. Its a crap shoot going used but you get what you pay for just keep in mind the at least 80 dollar mounting/balancing fee.

Yep I got the Tundra's. One wheel is pretty messed up, but I'll just get a 4th and use that one as a spare. I can't tell what % they are, but I got my gauge so I will know tomorrow. They are from 2011 so they should be fine. My BFG's are from 2011 and look great.

For age, use the 4 number DOT code on the sidewall: First 2 numbers show the week made, then the last two show the year made. Example: 1610 means week 16 of the year 2010. Nothing over 6 years old should hit the ground on any roads; their words, not mine.

Yeah I always check those. These are from 2011 so all good there.

There's always Treadwright

The 285/70R17 WARDEN A/T (D) is a clone of the BFG AT and only $128 each

I've never used them but plenty of people have claimed that they work well.

That is my other option. They have balancing issues themselves, but I don't mind the retread idea. Shipping would put them around $625 to my door. If I don't go with these I'll get the Treadwrights.

I honesty would just buy new. Mathematically, it makes sense. When you buy a tire, you don't use 100% of the tread. Lets just say for arguments sake you use a tire till 20%. If you buy new, you'll use 80% tread. 1/2 tread tires might sell for 1/2 price, but then you're really only getting 30% of useable tread, and that's not even the best traction for mud, etc. You might do better financially to refresh the new tires at 50% anyway.

I completely agree and like to go this route, but money is tight and these tires are a great deal. In a year I'll be in better situation money wise, but right now having a few extra bucks will help. In theory I could buy these and sell them 6 months later for the same price if needs be.

Unless you get a crazy unreal deal on used tires, this is really true.
It dawned on me after getting my lest set of tires (the first set I bought used)
That it really makes more sense to get a new tire, even if you get a slightly cheaper quality tire. It costs slightly more if not the same per mile to get new and you get the best of those miles when the tire is new.
I am not sure about treadwright It just doesn't sit well in my stomach re using old rubber. Its like most things these days they are built for a short shelf life and retreading a tire that was originally designed for 40-60k then using it for a total of 80-120k really seems to me as a bad idea.

Well they are $275 for all 4. Pretty damn good deal IMO and I might be able to get them for $250. That's one new one. The guy got some new tires/wheels from a friend so he wants to offload these.

That thought did cross my mind, I'm curious if they can just spin the wheel by itself and if that would clue me in on the wheel being bent, but then to have all of them needing so much weight just seems more like the tire being bad...I hope, I'd be not happy to have my gunmetal wheels turn out to be no good!

I wish they could do this. I have no clue to check for a bent wheel.

Sorry scrunner12,
I don't mean to be jacking your thread, I'm glad you posted your problem because I was in the same boat as you and needing some help.
Thank you

No problem at all, hijack away. I don't mind at all.

 

[SCRunner12]

I figured I'd update this thread since I finally went to see the tires. First impressions was they didn't look "new" like he mentioned. They weren't bad looking, but worn a bit more than I anticipated. I checked two of them and they were 9-10/32 so 55-60% and worn very evenly. Not bad, but less than I wanted. The other two were 12-13/32 so 75-80% tread left. These two though had some uneven wear. They looked like they were on the back and a little more worn on the sides and some scalloping. It was pretty minor, but I still wasn't comfortable putting them on my light 4runner. He also said he didn't think he rotated them at all, that threw up an automatic red flag. Make sense then why two were more worn. He said he could do $250 for all four which is very reasonable, but I couldn't risk it. I'm probably going to go with Treadwrights eventually, but that will have to wait for a bit.

 

[4yotaguy]

Customers "donate" me their used tires for my M3 track car, and I only use them to destroy them in a few laps...based on what I have see with wobble issues, even from brand new tires for these trucks, I'd pass unless they were "used" as in mounted, driven home, and changed out. It just isnt worth the trouble. Although tires arent cheap, they arent a fortune for these trucks either...my 265/30R19's cost about 385 a piece and I can blow through three sets on a weekend so for that, picking up used makes more sense...lol

 

[SCRunner12]

Another update. So I caved and bought the tires. They were a super good deal and I knew I could sell them in 6 months for all my money back. The rear have a ton of tread and the front have about 60% tread. I have my heart set on the Hankooks and these will allow me to wheel the rest of summer and fall till I can afford the Hankooks this winter. Ended up getting them installed this weekend and the vibrations I was having before are all but gone. I get some random vibrations off and on, but I think that has to do with my LBJ's and tie rods needing to be changed. They ride nice and I love the look, but they are loud. The rear have some uneven wear, not bad, but I think they are causing excess noise. I'm happy with my purchase and should be more than fine till I can afford what I really want.