Tires through Amazon

[Jeff614]

Approaching tire time for my rig, or rather estimating I will be by inspection due date (5/19). Currently running Nitto G2's and have been pleased with them. Put them on in June of '15 and got about 40K on them with some life left.

Life has changed a bit, went back to school and hence not making the money I made when I purchased the Nittos. Anyways I'm not looking for a cheapo tire, nor able to afford Duratracs or Michelins. After a good bit of searching and reading the forums I think I've settled on Hankook Dynpro ATM's. Most seem pleased with them. Look good and perform nicely. Further I'm fully aware one should never skimp on tires...

Anywho, my question involves Amazon's tire purchase/install. From what I've gathered you purchase said tires from Amazon which are then shipped to a partnered shop for install. One of the partnered shops is close by and while I have not been a customer myself, I've towed many a vehicle there and been impressed with both the shop/front end folks I've dealt with. Has anyone else used Amazon for tires and had them installed in this manner?

Something I've noticed through my job is that more and more shops seem adverse to, or prohibit, customers bringing in tires ordered online for install. I've done it myself on 2 of my trucks... both times they got me good on the mount/balance charges as I didn't buy tires from them.

Thoughts? Recommendations? I know many swear by Costco but between membership and tire selection I don't feel they're for me.

Thanks in advance. Still love my 4Runner, but approaching 85K and between maintenance, tires, front brakes, battery, (insurance premium for a hit & run while parked in DC)... I'm looking at some considerable expenses in the near future.

Sorry for the long post...in a nutshell....anyone purchased from Amazon and used one their partnered shops for install?

Regards,
- Jeff

 

[xcalbr2]

tires

Jeff, I have recently used tirebuyer and it was a good experience.
Shipped free to an installer, pay the install price which is listed when you purchase and good go to.
I even had to exchange the first set I got due to rubbing and it went fine.
I had to pay for 2nd set but they refunded the first set after receiving them back. Shipping was payed both ways!
Check them out,
Dave

 

[meder24]

I too recently purchased tires from an online vendor and had them shipped directly to an installer.
As was previously mentioned, most of the installers are upfront about their pricing so that is not a concern. If they hide their pricing then probably best to move on.
Not that you are doing it but one thing to watch out for when buying tires online is how old the tire is. It is entirely possible the tires you are buying are brand new, but they could have been manufactured a few years ago. A couple of years old new unused tire is just as bad as a used tire. This should not be an issue through a reputable vendor but something to keep in mind, especially if you find a really great deal, as it may be too good to be true.

 

[BchBum]

My personal preference is Discount Tire. I found a set of tires cheaper on Amazon and had Discount Tire online price match it. Still only paid the standard install price and opted for their warranty/replacement policy, too. Already had to have a nail fixed in that tire (for free by them) driving out to my new construction house, but then again it's a little Hyundai Elantra commuter car for the family.

 

[Deep_palancar]

Not Amazon, but I did this through TireBuyer, installed @Firestone. These programs seem a little like Toyota's 'free' oil changes. It's a way to get new customers in the service bay to sell them something.
They tried to get me for a bunch of pure bunk, new front axles and shocks because they were 'bent way down'. Yeah, it's lifted 3".
Just expect it and have a 'thank you, no' ready.

 

[jhguth]

this is the way i used to buy tires from tire rack, they would ship to a partner shop, but in the past few years discount tire has always been cheaper, cost comparable, or cost match so I haven't needed to.

 

[Jeff614]

Thanks everyone, all good points!

Particularly, and to be honest I didn't give this consideration is the age of the tires being sold. The ATM's seem to vary in price (at least on amazon) and that does make me wonder...

Totally agree. An old "new" tire is just as bad as used or no-name junk.

Will have to re-check Discount Tire. Haven't seen too many decent deals at the local guys (i.e. NTB)

Luckily as mentioned I've got a little time and may justtttt squeak by on inspection. That being said prices seem to change frequently/go on sale. I suppose I was curious if anyone had gone the Amazon route. I'll admit to buying quite a bit on there... Started to look at their tire offerings but haven't encountered anyone yet that has experience with their program.

Thanks guys!
- Jeff

 

[meder24]

You can always have the tires shipped directly to your house or workplace and then take them to any shop to have them installed. I have found this is the cheapest way to go about it since you can shop around and find the shop with the best deal for the install. That way you are not limited to only the installers associated with a certain site or program.

 

[enyce]

Jeff, I have recently used tirebuyer and it was a good experience.
Shipped free to an installer, pay the install price which is listed when you purchase and good go to.
I even had to exchange the first set I got due to rubbing and it went fine.
I had to pay for 2nd set but they refunded the first set after receiving them back. Shipping was payed both ways!
Check them out,
Dave

I used Tirebuyer when purchasing Falken WildPeak tires and its was a great experience. First time using the internet to buy tires and will use them again in the future.

 

[Jetboy]

I purchased a set of cooper tires through Amazon. Direct to my house. I took to a local non-chain tire shop who did the mount/balance for $60 ($15 ea). Tires were only a few weeks from manufacture date. I would buy again from Amazon if it was the best deal.

Also FWIW Ebay has a 15% off running today, so you could possibly use that to get a good price on ebay discount tire direct.

 

[Thrasher_S]

I eBayed my Wildpeaks. I think through tirebuyer. Everything went fine with the local installer and I got a great price.

However, the local installer told me they would have matched the deal, including the 15% eBay coupon, so it might be worth a phone call to check, if you know they carry the tire you want.

 

[DannyLlama]

Not sure how well known it is but you can find your local America's Tires and warranty the tire through them even if you purchase from an outside vendor.

Its around 25 bucks a tire, no mater where you buy it as long as it's new.

 

[redneckj]

tire buyer

I used tirebuyer.com to buy my last set of tires. Falken AT3W 275/70/17's

Tirebuyer was the least expensive place to purchase the tires too. They offer a 7% veterans discount or sometimes have a discount code. You can only use either or, just pick the greater amount. Also, sometimes they will ship to your own address free as well. Not every time but some times.

Make sure if you have the tires shipped to one of their installers, the installation place has the haweka adapter or a similar adapter to get a great balance for your Toyota. If they dont have the adapter, i would go elsewhere for the install.

Haweka Market Dynamics

 

[Bumbo]

I love doing business with Discount Tire... more important than the price, is the service across the entire life of ownership.

That said, they always take care of me on the pricing side too. Last time they matched Costco and prorated my existing tires.

Speaking of Costco, even if their price was cheaper, I wouldn't go. Service & speed is generally not that great because its so damn busy, but ill take that over buying online. Coordinating all this stuff really isn't worth the time and hassle.

 

[T4R_KAI]

I purchased my falken Wildpeaks from Amazon with no issues. I had them sent to Sears Auto for the install. They confirmed my appointment in a separate email and everything was golden. Literally dropped the Rig off, walked around the store/mall for a bit and then hopped back in and went on my way. Great experience.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I used Discount Tire, waited for a good sale, and ordered on ebay, got an even cheaper price, plus a rebate, plus ebates money back. Good stuff

 

[SD2808TR4]

I purchased my falken Wildpeaks from Amazon with no issues. I had them sent to Sears Auto for the install. They confirmed my appointment in a separate email and everything was golden. Literally dropped the Rig off, walked around the store/mall for a bit and then hopped back in and went on my way. Great experience.

Living in Hawaii, shipping costs are insane. I did the same as t4r_kai. Ordered on amazon, shipped for free to hawaii to SEARS. Dropped off my rims and they installed the Falken WP3's. Amazon is the way to go if shipping costs are insane. But if your'e on mainland, there are tons of options as the others stated. I'd google for the cheapest price you find.

Amazon was awesome for me....just ordered tires for my GF.