Anyone buy tyres on t'internet? (+ tyre advice)

[chris]

... because after 3 months of waiting for my car to be returned to me after some pleb in country lanes <insert massive rant here>..</insert massive rant here> last Friday, I took it in for an MOT which passed, but I was told that I need 3 new tyres (just above legal limit) I've always matched all 4 (one was replaced). To match the current one that the garage that repaired my car did is going to hurt (240ea for the back, 191 for the front) + whatever fitting is !"!!!! [which I fail to understand, as these are rated to W speeds, where my previous tyres were Y, but a lot cheaper?]

Just had a look on blackcircles, they're pretty much the same - any other recommendations? Have you mixed tyres before? Any noticeable issues (tramlining to one side, etc etc).

I definately am not paying that much money for tyres.. even the main dealer said they wouldn't have put that tyre on a car that they'd service + replace a tyre for. My luck this month... has ran out

[lindyloo]

not tyres, but i bought the entire car on ebay, and it is the best car i have ever had! i think if you can go to view before you commit, and the person has 100% good feedback, you should be ok. (your a bloke too- so you probably know what to look for, unlike me, who told the guy i didnt have a clue, so i would just have to trust him, and would he want his wife or daughter to buy that car?) so, yes, i would go for it

[chris]

Hadn't thought of ebay... thanks.

[kirsty b]

Prior to my MOT this year I bought some part-worns off ebay, and they were almost new. The tread depth was still really good.

It took me a little while of looking and it was a 'Best offer' listing - I was well happy to get 2 tyres for 25 quid the pair.
Average new tyre for mine is 35-40 each and thats the budget ones garages offer.

[lizzylemon]

The mixing thing is fine as long as you mix in pairs. Each back tyre should be the same but can be different from the front. It's having a different make on the left axle to the right axle that can cause problems but it would probably only be earlier wearing than anything else.

And how do I know - I have different pairs of tyres on my car with my local tyre company's blessing

[chris]

Ye, read up on it now - it's a RWD car, so at least the rears will be the same. I found a guy/dealer based in Preston that seems to sell OEM parts - including tyres.. via ebay!

Have dropped him an email. TA!

[its hilly]

I was told put a matching pair on each axle, but the two axles can be different, too. Also put your best tyres on the drive axle (ie RWD or FWD). Good luck CM, I've had a radiator for a previous car off ebay, business seller. Arrived the day after I paid for it, now thats good service.
Lindyloo..I'm on my second ebay car, didnt view either, but did ask loads of questions. Both nice motors.

[Paul Sill]

got a set of tyres from ebay 3 weeks ago, great, including fitting at a local garage i saved £90 from the tyre place round the corner, the only annoying thing is I had the tracking done now the engine is on its way out! scrap yard and try to sell on the tyres!!!

[lindyloo]

my garage has also said matching treads for fronts and also for backs, but, i always change tyres 1 at a time as necasarry, and i am pretty certain that it has to be the same tread, but not always the same make. dont take my word for it, check with a garage, but it might help when you are finding ytour tyres. the important thing is to get them balanced correctly too.

[chris]

hooookey, they don't do them. Typical :/

Have booked it in locally for Thursday, don't want to take the risk with a baby n'all - planning on swapping it for a more family friendly (i.e. 4 door), and economical car within a couple months - so best have them matching I guess.

[Bren In Pots]

Chris have a look at :-

tyre-shopper.co.uk/Tyre
you buy and pay on line then have them fitted at a Tyre shop near you, daughters used them and was happy with the service and price.

[chris]

Thanks Bren - just had a look at the P Zeros I bought, they're 370 each there.. so maybe I didn't get such a bad deal after all?

Tyres seem to have rocketed up since I last changed them on mine.. scary stuff!!

[chris]

Although that site is very useful, it's given me the option of alternative tyre sizes, which after checking are a lot cheaper (smaller size mind) - so may bear that in mind if I can convince the mrs to let me keep