My Tire Buying Experience – Part II
After completing the research in Part I, I went on a hunt for a set of P205/60R16 tires with a load index of 91 and a speed rating of “H”, the lowest handling specs recommended by Honda. Due to a recent flat and multiple snow/ice storms in the DC area, I needed new tires sooner rather than later, so I didn’t have time to research and compare prices.
SHOPPING FOR TIRES
Relying on a friend’s recommendation, I chose a tire store and decided to see what they had to offer. Fortunately for me, I was greeted by a very friendly associate. Unfortunately for him, he had to deal with an inquisitive customer like me. LOL With or without a recommendation, in usual Single Ma fashion, I had to ask 1,001 questions. Partly to see if he knew what he was talking about, partly to see if I could trust him, and partly to see if I could hustle him on the price. So I transformed into damsel in distress mode and began with the basic questions.
“What size tires do I need?”
“What do those other letters mean?”
“What does Honda recommend?”
So far so good, then the questions graduated to…
“Oh you don’t carry “V” rating, well, what is the difference between “H” and “V”?”
“Since the OEM used the “V” rating, how will the “H” affect the handling of my car?”
“What is the difference in traction between winter, performance, and all season tires?”
He confirmed all of my research and I was comfortable with his expertise.
LET’S TALK PRICE
Most tire manufacturers charge a base price for each tire – and – additional fees for mounting, balancing, valve stems, tire disposal, and shop supplies. If you have time to research, I’d recommend doing an “apples to apples” comparison of the fully loaded price because the additions can vary between $15-$25/tire, depending on the dealer. Also, most tires come with a basic manufacturer warranty that may range from 40,000 – 85,000 miles, which is apparent by the quality of the tire. Another add-on that many retailers will try to sell is road hazard coverage, which basically covers flat repairs and other common road hazard damage – waste of money.
Armed with the above information, I asked for the fully loaded price of several “performance-all season” tires. After reviewing the list he provided, I chose the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tred (see above pic) based on the highly rated consumer opinions I’d seen around the ‘net. Preferred specs, all season, triple tread for snow and ice, positive reviews…PERFECT.
“Excellent choice Ms. Single Ma. We have those in stock and they’re only $163.99 per tire.”
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH!!!!
You have GOT to be friggin’ kiddin’ me!! Although I didn’t have time to price comparison shop, I had a limit on how much I was willing to pay. And no matter what, my common sense will always prevail. So I toyed with the idea for a little bit and thought to myself…
“I no longer have a car payment and I plan to drive this car ’til the wheels fall off. Therefore, I want the very best without breaking the bank. If I take care of this car and continue the timely scheduled maintenance, I expect another 150,000 miles or more. Darnit, I want these tires!!”
Stay tuned…tomorrow, I’ll tell you what I did. *snicker*
Related Articles:
Part I: Tire Basics – What do those numbers mean?
Part II: Shopping for Tires – What’s included in that price?
Part III: Buying Tires – Ask for what you want, then ask for some more.
This blog is all about Finance, Fitness, Fashion & Fun - the sum of my life. If you like what you've read, feel free to subscribe via (feed reader) or (email) to follow along.
Wow! A load rating of 91 and a speed rating of H! Single Ma, you must be hell on wheels!**
**total BS from NYC resident who has never owned a car and has no idea what any of that means, or whether $164 is cheap or expensive for a tire.
I can’t wait to get the rest of the story tomorrow. I’m currently having trouble with my Honda Civic and spring break is 2 weeks away. Pfft.
Screech indeed. We paid about that much for two perfectly good tires and their installation—good ratings and whatnot.
Were your “two perfectly good tires” the EXACT SAME brand, size, performance specs, warranty, etc? If not, then how much you paid isn’t comparable to my situation. That’s analogous to me saying, “I paid $100 for a pair of shoes” and you respond with “I spent that much on two perfectly good pair of shoes.” No doubt you can find a “perfectly good pair” of shoes for $50, but I’m sure there would be a big difference between the two. Unless they’re the exact same size, name brand, quality, etc., how much you paid in comparison is a moot point.
Although I didn’t pay the $164 retail price for the tires, I still paid much more than you (assuming $80). Like the shoes we wear on our feet, tires aren’t one size fit all so they will vary in price. [-SM]
Hello – how much ??? I have a Honda, too, and I won’t pay that much for tires no matter how much I love my vehicle …
I’m sure you wouldn’t pay as much as I would for a pair of shoes either. LOL [-SM]
Btw, you’ve been tagged – come on over and see what’s up …
Perhaps I should have said that the first place we went was prepared to charge us about $135 per tire, not including installation, and we were able to find the same tires for $75 ea. at a different store. Not the same as yours, of course, but if you’re only looking for people to comment about particular Honda tires it’s going to be a tight market ;)