Need advice - what to do about new tires on a car I'm selling in about 5 months

mkarias72

Here is my situation, I have a 2005 Toyota Sienna that I am going to replace in Oct or so. I need two tires as they are really worn out. The other two tires are new (bought them a couple of years ago). My question is whether I really should spend money on buying two brand new tires as I am going to be selling this car in a few months. Or should I buy a couple of used tires to hold off. I don't drive the vehicle too much (drive it daily a couple of miles to a Park & Ride and on weekends running errands locally). I do want to consider the safety somewhat as I will be driving this car for a few more months. But at the same time, I do not want to spend more money. I already spent so much in the past year as the car is showing its age and breaking down. I just need this to last me a few more months but I definitely cannot postpone replacing the tires. What are your thoughts? Should I just spend the money to buy brand new tires (of same make & model) or cut cost and buy some used tires? Thanks in advances.

Mr_Shiftright

If they are a quality brand of used tire and you have them installed professionally (where, I trust, they will give them a good look-over), and if you don't have the AWD option, then I see no problem with this on a Sienna; however, both used tires must be the same brand and size, and both must go on the same "axle".

I think your van takes 215/65R/16 with optional 17"

Keep in mind that tirerack (www.tirerack.com) sells decent new tires for this van for as little as $65 each (plus tax, mounting and balancing at an installer---so maybe more like $85-$90 per tire.

I see some used ones in my area of California on craigslist, and they seem to run anywhere from $25 to $50 a piece for name-brand used tires.

Now if you have AWD or run-flats, your search is going to be a lot harder, because AWD insists on very little variance in tire wear and tread patterns, front to rear. And run flats are easily damaged.

mkarias72

Thanks. I found a pair of new inexpensive tires from Mr. Tires which has locations in my area. I will get prices for used tires too. If the difference is small, I will go with the newer ones.

I know it is preferable to have the same exact brand and model but I don't want to spend that money.

isellhondas

If you do look at used tires be very careful that they aren't too old for a tire shop to install. for the past few years, they have been putting date stamps on tires when they are manufactured. They have an expiration date and if expired, the tire shops will NOT install them!

I have no idea how to read these date codes but maybe someone else here does.

stever

Good point and yeah, I've never been able to read them. The code isn't that difficult I guess, I just can never find the right lettering on the tire. The recommended "expiration date" seems to runs around 5 or 6 years to 10 at the most.

How Old — and Dangerous — Are Your Tires?