Those of you who are familiar with my blog know that I am all about saving money and re-purposing where possible. We are blessed with resources, but I know I can only spend a dollar ONCE. The reason I have become a shrewd negotiator is that knowledge (like the following) is truly POWER.
When I went to a traditional tire installer (in the neighborhood, convenient to my home here in Middle Tennessee), tires for my wife's Toyota Sequoia ended up costing over $950 installed. That's $240 apiece for each tire - and no, the tires weren't made of GOLD - although now the vehicle should drive itself, right?
That said, I recently became aware of alternate ways to purchase tires. I had certainly seen worn out tire shops on the side of the road, but my mechanic pointed me to a used tire shop - he said the other tires on my vehicle are used, why not get a used tire to replace my flat one?
Yes, English was not the native language of the tire repair store. Seeing my confusion, another customer told me about http://bestusedtires.com - that I could order new car take-off tires online with free delivery, then the tire shop would mount, balance and install them for $15 a tire.
Since then, I have bought from their online store:
4 matched Goodyear Wranglers (look and drive like brand new) for my truck = $101 apiece (these are almost the identical size tires that we bought for the Sequoia!)
1 Continental Pro Contact for our Mini Cooper convertible = $50
2 matched Goodyear Eagles for my mother-in-law's car that was in a wreck = $41 apiece
Ironically, the second time I needed them the tire shop was closed in October when I went to have those Wranglers installed - since it was "National Immigrants Day" ??? However, my neighborhood Costco tire shop was open installed them for the same $15 a tire. Far less than the sales tax would have been had I bought the tires nearby!
An Oct 2018 update - I just had a flat on a different tire on our Mini Cooper, and the AAA tow truck driver recommended I get a new set of 4 tires. I checked bestusedtires first, but they didn't have a complete set. However, my experiences over the past 2 years have taught me valuable money-saving lessons, so I did some additional online shopping. From eBay I just bought a COMPLETE SET of 4 Bridgestone tires for $240 = $60 apiece delivered !!! Add $15 per tire for Costco tire installation and I'm riding on BRAND NEW TIRES for $300. And just to make me smile wider (and more confident in my purchase), I found the same set online at TireRack for $530 = more than double the price!
Hope these ideas help you save money and put you in a better negotiating position. I'm not any less diligent when I help you negotiate the best Real Estate transaction - whether you are either buying or considering selling your home, I'd be honored to help you in any way I can!!!
You can always reach me at 615-480-2955 (direct) or bill@nashvillerg.com (you will appreciate my new real estate practice, Nashville Realty Group!)
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