Do people ever buy used tires?

Wierd question, but bear with me: After some cogitation, I decided to replace the tires at all four corners of my '00 C2. The current ones are SO3s. The rears were installed new last August (05 build date) by the dealer to sell the car. The fronts have good tread, but are too old to drive hard IMHO (build date 02). So, because SO3s are no longer produced, buying two isn't an option. So four new tires. But now I'll have these quite good rear tires, which I hate to see thrown out. Is there a market for that kind of thing?

I can't help you with the used tire market question but I'm in the exactly same boat with 2 front tires built in 02 and 2 rear tires built in 05. I bought used wheels with these tires last fall. All tires have still enough tread. I'd say that I drive my car hard and have already been 2 times to the track with these tires. I never feel too less grip in the front. If I've a problem with grip, then in the rear, so I'm not sure that new front tires only will improve handling significantly; however, that might be only my opinion.

The problem with used tires is that their performance can't be detected just based on the amount of tread wear. I just tossed a set of 50% tread tires off my SUV because they had become so hard after 5 years that they were no longer getting reasonable grip. So, in my book, it's not the tread depth so much as the age of the tire.

So you're asking if there's a market for two rear S03's with a recent build date? I'm sure there is. Through them up in the for sale section or on ebay.

cragslist

I've bought used tires but only when I can inspect them in person. You can find almost brand new tires for $.30-.50 cent on the dollar. My PS2s on the car now, are take offs from people that 'upgraded' their tires.

I'm sure you're right, and the 'experts' told me that six years was the limit for performance tires, meaning the fronts would be good for another season. But I have a thing about tires. Those fronts may look fine and have life left in them, but I didn't put them on the car. The previous owner did. I don't know what kind of life they've led, whether they've been curbed or plugged or whatnot, and I don't want to find out at 170 kph. So I, Mr. Cautious, plunked down the dosh for a fresh set of PS2s. Trust me, it's not the stupidest money I've spent on this car....

Your point is very valid Bruce and the tires are your only connection to the ground, so it's worth spent money! I might just be hard-bitten as I've already experienced so many things with tires. When I was in business school, I worked as a courier driver. The owner of the company once bought old cheep tires for all the cars and every one had at least 1 flat. I had 2, both in the front; one in a long tunnel with 90kmh and one on the Autobahn in a curve with 150kmh. Both incidences learned me that a flat is not as bad as everyone fears. The car stays very controllable and the damage is limited. I personally think that modern tires (especially high performance tires) are produced to be very safe and if there are no cracks, then I don't fear any damage. It would be different if I'd live in Germany and permanently get >200kmh on the Autobahn. However, I fully agree that age is one of the biggest enemies for tires. My experience is just that my 02 front tires seam to provide still enough grip for my driving style, so I probably will change them together with my rear tires at a later date.

Bruce, I might be interested in your rear tires. Please PM me on the size and condition. Thanks.

I know people who do "drifting" competitions and they prefer and purchase used tires instead of new tires.

PM sent!

I sold my two used rear Dunlop 9090's on Craigs list. Got a few offers within a day and sold them for $70 each in cash. They were perhaps 60% used up already. Some guy wanted them for the front of his Mustang!

There is always an assortment of used tires on the rack of the tire store or gas station. People less fortunate then us buy one for their car when they get an unfixable flat or need a pair to pass an inspection. Someone may have a need to buy them. Put an ad in the local rag.

I've put on some take off ps2s as well. AX/DE have not been a problem.

I agree! I've never seen a DE safety inspections form that limits tires upon built year; here's what a current PCA form says about tires: "TIRES: No cracks or plugs. Min. 3/32� tread depth on contact patch area (except race tires). Extra wide tires, wheels and fender flares subject to inspector approval. All tires should be of the same manufacturer and type. Front tires should be of the same size. Rear tires should be of the same size."

Phil - are you getting all of this? At the rate you are going, you have two years and 1,400 more miles on your C4S tires betore they rot off the wheels! Sorry, Phil, I couldn't resist when this "opportunity" presented itself!

Come on, do you think Phil would be reading a thread on used tires? i) he never drives his car, so will never need new tires and ii) he's an MD, so used is not in his vocabulary Sorry Phil. Just playing.

I wouldn't put used tires on my Ford or my boat trailer............

I bought used tires for all of my cars and i never paid over $300 for 4 S02 or S03 tires from a local used tires shop. They don't have them often but when they have the good one i'll ask them to hold them for me. Jim