I just bought a 2002 996 cab and it is needing 2 rear tyres.
It currently has a pirelli 285/ 30 ZR 18 N4.
I called around and the big tyre shops are quoting AU$ 670-700 fitted.
I went on to search the internet and found this small independent tyre and wheels shop and has quoted AU$ 420 fitted.Tyre is P zero Rosso Assimetrico N4 date of manufacture 2010. brand new.
Will I be concerned about this independent shop who is asking a third of what the big shops are asking? I also found another independent shop and was asking AU$ 500 also a lot cheaper than the big shops.

 

You're most likely safe, they may be trying to get rid of excess inventory. I would make sure though they are not knock off and are truely genuine Pirelli tires.

 

How can you tell a genuine Pirelli tires?

 

most small shops will sell tires at a very small mark up, compared to dealer that will charge full msrp. and for mount and balancing i found most independent shops do a better job at m&b tires since they dont have a large budget if they damage wheels they are more careful.

btw thru my 15 years in the automotive performance industry i have never seen fake tires. i have seen cheap tires but no fake tires.

 

Just check the manufacture dates on the tires to make sure you are getting new stock and not discounted tires that are a couple of years old. You don't want new old-stock tires.

 

So I called the big shops and asked why the big mark up price from the smaller shops.
The answer - He says small shops tend to import the tyre from other countries without warranty. He claims that their stock is specifically for Australian market and has warranty attached to the product (makes sense ) then he said I will match the quoted price of the smaller shop . Thats a 200 dollar difference from the original price that he quoted me!
What BS.

 

I don't know if there's any BS. Different shops have different overhead and can sell at any price they choose. He said he would match the price to get your business so now it's your time to put up. You can't complain when you get what you want. Enjoy your new tires.

 

What I meant by BS is they initially quoted me with a mark up of 200 dollars. I wouldn't mind a mark up of 30 or 50 dollars, but 200 dollars is just way too much, I think.
I am happy that they match the price but I am concerned of the next poor fellow that would bite at the first quote with that much of a difference.
Anyways, thanks for all your input. I am getting the new tyres today and then do a minor service and tom would be blasting away in my favourite road.
Cheers everyone!

 

Caveat Emptor. It is the way of business. It's their job to make as much as they can to support their family and it's the consumer's job to find the best fit for their purchases. You will obviously do fine as likely will every other buyer who takes the time to check as you did. Happy tire hunting.

 

Do not mix tires!!! Your going to have to use the same BRAND & STYLE in rear that you have in the front. I recommend Michelin Pilot Sports PS2. That is what I use and love! Great tires!

 

This is BS or ignorance, any authorized Pirelli dealer can warranty a Pirelli tire. I used to work at a tire store & we warranted many Pirellis that came on new cars as OEM fitment. A tire store that is not a authorized dealer for a specific tire brand can & should do the warranty work for you if you bought the tire from them, but most will send you to a Pirelli dealer.

 

My advice is: do not ever put directional tires on your 911. They are noisy and you're stuck leaving them on the wheel they are mounted on unless you unmount and remount on the opposite wheel.
I like these, they were a great buy and super quiet compared to the crap Kumho's I had on there. I had P Zero and loved them, they just wear out way to quickly and then become the loudest tires ever. Continental ExtremeContact DW

 

I'd recommend getting the tires done for the best price at a shop you trust. I don't think the warranty issue is that big a deal -- it's relatively rare to be able to use the warranty for a high performance tire like this as you'll more likely have to replace it due to wear or road damage.