Getting tires, need suggestions

[cscrutter]

Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Camry LE. My tires are getting worn down and I'm pretty sure I will need to replace them to pass my inspection. I don't use my car as much anymore, as I take Metro to work every day. I only put 5,000 miles or so on my car. So I really don't need the top line stuff. Are used tires dangerous? Anyone have experience with used tires? Just wanted a few pointers, thanks!

[MJZ]

Used tires are fine as long as they are in good condition. Tires become used the moment you drive on them anyway.

You have 5000 miles total on your car? If so, your tires should have plenty of life left. Get them inspected for age related reasons but in terms of wear, it should be good.

[cscrutter]

Originally Posted by MJZ

Used tires are fine as long as they are in good condition. Tires become used the moment you drive on them anyway.

You have 5000 miles total on your car? If so, your tires should have plenty of life left. Get them inspected for age related reasons but in terms of wear, it should be good.

Oh my mistake! I have close to 60K on my car.... i put 5,000 miles a year on my car.

[MJZ]

A 2005 model is what, 6 years old? It's good to replace tires that old, regardless of tread wear. But you should check your tread depth to see how urgent replacement is.

[JasonA]

You never know what you are getting with used tires. Even with a professional inspection, there's usually no way to know if the tire has a slipped or broken belt until after you buy it and run it. I'd never buy tires used, personally.

An '05 LE should have 205/65R15 tires. You're in luck as that's one of the more ubiquitous sizes out there. In other words, you have many excellent choices. Some others I think would be good, and their prices from Tire Rack:

• BFGoodrich Premier Touring ($74 each). This tire is BRAND NEW from BFGoodrich.
• Firestone Precision Touring ($73 each). A brand new tire from Firestone. Likely a good value.
• General Altimax RT ($66 each). A proven tire with a good track record.
• Kumho Solus KH16 ($64 each). Like the General above, this Kumho is a good known quantity. Consistently scores well in most objective testing.

Frankly, I think your best value might be the Kumho Solus KH16. It continues to impress with a good blend of ride quality and performance.

[icqboy51]

but the car had the tires since 2005? thats like 5 years of wear and tire compound/ rubber change... read that even if the car is not driven much, the material of the tire will still change/ harden.

My 2003 Camry's OEM tires lasted until end of 2009 and the car had 65000 km on it after 7 years. But after checking the tires, they were still drivable but was suggested to be changed. The tire's rubber was quite hard, so in the rain, i could feel the tires lose grip very easily.

I changed them out and bought some new tires from tirerack. and the prices were quite fair. Hydroedge with Green X.

Goodyear Tripletred scores high too.

[cscrutter]

Originally Posted by icqboy51

but the car had the tires since 2005? thats like 5 years of wear and tire compound/ rubber change... read that even if the car is not driven much, the material of the tire will still change/ harden.

My 2003 Camry's OEM tires lasted until end of 2009 and the car had 65000 km on it after 7 years. But after checking the tires, they were still drivable but was suggested to be changed. The tire's rubber was quite hard, so in the rain, i could feel the tires lose grip very easily.

I changed them out and bought some new tires from tirerack. and the prices were quite fair. Hydroedge with Green X.

Goodyear Tripletred scores high too.

I know I need new tires, I got my inspection last year and the guy said they barely passed, so i doubt they will pass it this year. I'll check otu tirerack thanks!

[heartdisease]

Nothing wrong with used tires. Any tire shop will have plenty and they check them over - they don't want to be sued if they are no good and some thing happens. People try different brands and don't like them, or just want a certain brand on the new car they just bought. You will pay a premium from a shop. If you want to go cheap some junk yards have them for sale.

A tire will last a heck of a lot longer than 6 years if you keep it conditioned no prob. Think of some of the heavy truck tires on say a wheat truck that only gets used for 2 mo a year but the tires are 20yrs old. Granted that isn't the same tire as what the passenger cars run but come on I have got 8-10 years out of my truck tires before they finally got some dry rot. They would have lasted longer if I had took better care of them.

But maybe I have had good luck. I drive a lot of miles every year and very rarely have a flat or any other problems. Maybe one flat every 250k. All of that being said if it was my daily drive and I was going to keep it and or the wifey ever drove it, I would put new ones on. That is generally what I do, You can't go wrong with a Michelin. They are worth the premium in my opinion. I have bought lots of tires from the TireRack no complaints.

[JohnGD]

You should be able to find used tire places that will sell "almost new" tires from those who want to upgrade their tires/wheels. But those don't seem to have that great of a price. So I don't know why some friends flock to them.

Also, you shouldn't use tires more than 6 years old. The rubber starts to disintegrate.

I'd just go to Costco and get their Michelins. Look for $70 off for 4 coupon.

Originally Posted by cscrutter

Hi, I have a 2005 Toyota Camry LE. My tires are getting worn down and I'm pretty sure I will need to replace them to pass my inspection. I don't use my car as much anymore, as I take Metro to work every day. I only put 5,000 miles or so on my car. So I really don't need the top line stuff. Are used tires dangerous? Anyone have experience with used tires? Just wanted a few pointers, thanks!

[cscrutter]

Any other suggestions?

[heartdisease]

Also, you shouldn't use tires more than 6 years old.uo The rubber starts to disintegrate.

I'd just go to Costco and get their Michelins. Look for $70 off for 4 coupon.

I don't think that applies anymore. The new compounds are designed to last much longer. Look at the michelin hydroedge tires. They have 90,000 mile warranty. At 12k a year that is 7 and a half years. Also I wouldn't buy from sams or costco again. The michelins they get are custom made to their price point. That is. True for their exclusive models anyway. I have yet to have a tire from them last the rated miles. The tire rack has the same specials. I just bought 2 sets of the hydro edge from them and got the rebte on both sets.

[stfn]

another vote for Michelin either Energy save or hydroedge. You will feel the difference right away especialy on the wet surface - the main resaon to change your tires!
If you want to make sure that you are driving yourself and your family safely you sholud get 4 new onece!

[RickF]

My wife's car is an '05 Camry. Last year I put Michelin Harmony on the car as that is what I had on my 02 (before I traded for the '09 Camry) and really liked the smooth - quiet ride and grip on wet roads. But... you're not looking for expensive tires, so not sure what to suggest.

My mother-in-law (age 84) drives an '06 Camry and has total mileage of 18K! She puts on about 4000 miles per year. The other day when I took it in to the dealer for routine maint, the svc writer warned me that she'll need new tires soon as there are some cracks in the rubber starting to appear. The tires have plenty of tread, but the rubber is drying out.
________

I do remember an ad that Michelin ran years ago that changed my thinking on what tires to put on our cars. The wife tells her husband that she needs new tires. He says, "Well I'll keep my eye out for tire sales". She says, "Didn't you just put new Michelin's on your car last month...? why not get new Michelin's?" His reply was, "I drive every day to work and back, you only drive your car to take our daughter Amy around.... Ah.... I'll get new Michelin tires on your car tomorrow."

[JohnGD]

Well, that's great for people who drive a lot. But according to Michelin, it's still 6-years.

What’s covered
All Michelin® tires have a limited warranty, which covers defects in workmanship and materials for the life of the original usable tread, or for 6 years from date of purchase, whichever occurs first.


http://www.michelinman.com/warranty/

Originally Posted by heartdisease

I don't think that applies anymore. The new compounds are designed to last much longer. Look at the michelin hydroedge tires. They have 90,000 mile warranty. At 12k a year that is 7 and a half years. Also I wouldn't buy from sams or costco again. The michelins they get are custom made to their price point. That is. True for their exclusive models anyway. I have yet to have a tire from them last the rated miles. The tire rack has the same specials. I just bought 2 sets of the hydro edge from them and got the rebte on both sets.

[JohnGD]

+1.

If T-speed rating get Michelin HydroEdge (lower speed rating, great handling but noisier).

H-speed rating Michelin Primacy MXV4 quiet handling or Pilot Exalto for a sportier ride.