Thought I'd post my current xp -

Rear tire had slow leak - didn't see anything I ran over sticking out but losing 12-15 psi per day so figure had to be something I ran over. New car so all original tires at ~6500 miles.

Went with replacing both rear tires option to keep even tread on one axle even though only 1 bad tire. Figure after these rear tires wear down I can swap all 4 since fronts usually last 2x as long.

-Checked Tirerack and OEM Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 N2 305/30 ZR19 listed at $575 each.
-Called my local dealer and they quoted $670
-Had to have today so called a local chain near me, American Tire Depot, they're all over socal it seems. Online and at local store $477.95 each.

I'm usually a dealer service kind of guy just for peace of mind but man, ~$200 difference per tire, decided to go with the indie. Asked whether they had xp with putting on porsche tires with TPMS sensors and guy said nowadays all cars have TPMS so no problems.

Guess I'll find out how smooth the installation goes in few hours after I go in for my appointment.

 

Usually the tires are cheaper but then 90% of the times you end up getting your wheels messed up ( scratches, rashes) etc etc

I guess we'll find out in few hours

 

I work for a dealership group, and FYI many times our cost on the tires is more than the Indie sells them for, but we usually take a loss on them, inorder to take proper care of our customers and we also back up our customers whenever they have a problem.

Please, don't be penny wise and dollar foolish, we will always be there for our customers

 

So is the dealership forced to purchase tires from an expensive supplier? If so, why? It runs contrary to the whole idea of a competitive market place. They should be able to buy Porsche N specific tires from wherever they want and then resell them for a reasonable profit.

Overall, your response and recommendation to this board member makes no sense to me. I do think you could reasonably argue that it makes sense to pay extra to have a Porsche dealer install the tires based on the assumption that the Porsche dealership has a market advantage-- specifically an expertise on how to install the tires that exceeds that of other multi-manufacturer tire centers. But why should I pay $200 extra a tire simply in hopes that the dealer will "be there for me." I already bought a new Porsche from the dealer. At the time of purchase I was told the dealer would "be there for me" and Porsche gave me a four year warranty, too. Shouldn't the dealer "be there for me" without me having to pay non-market-based prices for tires? Am I crazy to think this?

 

Go with the Indie tires....Dealers have nothing special except a high price! Just ask them to be careful, make sure they have the proper mounting "touchless" machine and watch them. I usually nicely let them know how much the 997TT wheels cost and suggest they not scratch them I have had great luck at places like Discount Tire and I have had the dealer put a nice gouge in my GT3 wheel and say they did not do it ??...

Good luck to you!
DC

 

I am sorry you do not care for my recommendation, but that is why we live in a free country. I think you should buy any product where you feel you are geting the best value for your money. FYI, I do not work for a Porsche Dealer and am a retail customer for my Porsche.
Just be aware, each Dealer is an independant business and competes with all the others. Therefore, like the indie or any other business, they are in business to make a profit and do not retain customers without providing this value. If you feel you receive more value somewhere else, you should go there. I do know that a loyal customer of any business should receive more personal attention and the company I work for strives to provide this to our old customers and also provide this personal attention and value to our new customers. This is the only way we can retain and win over customers and stay in business. I have had an outstanding experience at the Porsche Dealer where I bought my car and I feel they have "gone the extra mile" for me, providing outstanding value for what I have spent.

 

I hope your experience went well.

I buy tires from ebay or the forum. I look for tires that are take offs, new or near new with fresh manufacture dates stamped.

There is a good tire shop that does the job right. They cost more to install than tire chains like America's tires that either damage the tire or rim. I am done with these tire chains that rip you off by selling tires when they still have good life in them.

 

Follow up - never had chance to try the indie, on way out the door I called the local chain I thought this indie was part of - wanted to make sure they had proper mounting machines and clarify if their policy would reimburse if dinged my wheels.

But to my surprise, the location of "American Tired Depot" I was going to wasn't part of that chain. It's their prices, name, look and feel business, but apparently not part of them. Not sure how someone stays in business co-opting the franchise name of someone else but I got put off enough just decided to say screw it and go to my local dealer. Perhaps if I had more time and didn't need to leave on trip tomorrow I'd have reset and found another local indie - think I'll do my research ahead of time and just have one ready if the need / tire flat arises.

So ended up paying the $670 each for both rear tires plus ~$100 mounting fee.

Dealer was honest though - they would have let me just put on one tire but I told them preferred to just replace both same time for peace of mind.

 

glad it turned out alright. definitely check with local folks on recommendation for a good tire shop. knowing where to go is important if you ever get stuck with a flat etc. knock on wood of course!