I just got apparently last set of 50% discounted 335 RA1 tires from tiresdirect.com - just wonder - does anybody knw of any automated service in the internet which could send automated updates on those sales/discounts from various typical tire shops or is the only way to lurk around every day looking for current prices?

 

I like buying tires online because the competition usually drives prices down, plus you can avoid sales tax and often get free shipping. However, the problem I find is trying to locate a tire shop that does reputable work and will not charge a surcharge to mount and balance. In the past, I seem to get attitude from tire shops when I bring my own tires to be installed - anyone else run into this or is it just my tire shop?!?!

They'll charge like $50 just to mount a customer's tire, but it's like $10 if you bought the tire from them. Just their way of trying to level the playing field - very few people can mount and balance their own tires...

 

TireRack has a network of installers...

 

Yep. Just input your zipcode here for a list of who we have near you:

http://www.tirerack.com/installer/index.jsp

 

Going through a lot of tires lately??? I know the feeling...

 

yeah, i just cannot afford that at full retail, no matter how less performance those discounted tires will give, with the speed how they wear out on a track i need to search for deals.

best one i got so far was for set of kumho v700 265mm fronts - $80 per tire. despite of what people speak about them they are not half as bad...
RA1s 335 I got just today for $194 a piece. still have 50% worn 255mm R888.

This season is over for me but this tire accumulation process never stops. One more rear set and I will be OK for next season.

 

FYI the last couple of times we used this (for the GF's Acura), the local NTB would state that the prices from Tirerack were incorrect (too low, of course) but they did honor

Not sure of the process and assume it is likely incumbent on them to update their pricing but either fail to do so, or don't know how, or is a corporate function that is badly managed

 

You wanna buy the tires at another place and have them occupy a bay, mount and balance for $10..lol...your not going to a girl scout cookie stand, your going to a business!

 

Haha, let me be more specific. There's a high performance tire shop in town that does great work but nickel and dimes you to get the most money out of their services. They have separate fees for mounting vs. balancing. For example, if buying a tire from them its $10 mount and $40 balance. If I bring my own tire that I bought online it's $50 mount and $40 balancing. This is BS from my standpoint as a consumer.

From a business standpoint, it's smart. Means if someone is price shopping around for a set of tires, the high-end tire shop could charge $160 more for the tires and match the alternative of buying online/installing in their store.

 

Go somewhere else. I get it done at several 1st rate shops in Birmingham for $35.00 ea. Mount and Balance.

 

lollolol

 

I've used a site called pricegrabber for electronic stuff and that's worked pretty well for me. Give that a try. YMMV...

 

Damon, I know you don't make the buying decesions over at Tire Rack...but I really wish you had Toyo R888's. Tire Rack has nothing in DOT R-Comps in 245/40/18 and 305/35/18 in the brands you stock. Thi is the size 997's use in 18".

 

they have kumho v710 which are great. but overall you are right - if one wants 'street friendly' r-comps with good tread on them - there are no options.
shaved kumho v700 are only worth it if one can get them for peanuts, otherwise it is a waste of money.

tirerack really should start selling both toyo and nitto brands.

 

Treadepot is one of the few authorized online Toyo dealers. www.treadepot.com

We carry the entire R888 line plus all the other preformance tire lines Toyo offers.