View Poll Results: Where do you guy tires for your Subaru?
Local tire shop
48
29.81%
My preferred performance parts shop
13
8.07%
Tirerack.com
72
44.72%
Discount Tire Direct
19
11.80%
Other online tire distributor
9
5.59%
Voters: 161. You may not vote on this poll
Where do you buy tires for your Subaru?
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 85
From: Raytown MO
Car Info: 2003 WRX in World Rally Blue
Reasons for going to the local shop
I would go to the local shop rather than tirerack.com because:
1. The local guy has been good to me and I want to support his business.
2. I can buy the tire and get it mounted and balanced in less than an hour versus ordering tires, waiting for them to arrive <assuming the shippers don't lose them>, and then taking them to the shop to get them mounted and balanced since I don't have the equipment to do it myself.
3. I can ask the guys at the local shop questions about the tires, and they will give me good advice based on their experience and what they've heard from other people.
4. If there is a problem with the tires, its usually much easier to deal with a local business than trying to get help from an Internet vendor.
1. The local guy has been good to me and I want to support his business.
2. I can buy the tire and get it mounted and balanced in less than an hour versus ordering tires, waiting for them to arrive <assuming the shippers don't lose them>, and then taking them to the shop to get them mounted and balanced since I don't have the equipment to do it myself.
3. I can ask the guys at the local shop questions about the tires, and they will give me good advice based on their experience and what they've heard from other people.
4. If there is a problem with the tires, its usually much easier to deal with a local business than trying to get help from an Internet vendor.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Local shop is good.
The guys at the local shop are great. They give good pointers and they can do a multitude of things. They also have a faster turn around time than tire rack. The local guy can also get me whatever I want where as tire rack carries a definitive list of brands.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Local guy. After all he owns a shop for performance Subaru parts, is cool, and it's only $10-30 (including tax) more than if I bought at tire rack and had him mount and balance, with WAY less hassle.
Someone local and a part of the Subaru community getting my money is more important than saving $20 on a $6-800 purchase.
Someone local and a part of the Subaru community getting my money is more important than saving $20 on a $6-800 purchase.
I found a really good distributor on Ebay that are just as good as Tirerack. Their company name in California is Good Guy Tire. They go under the Ebay name "tiredirect". I got a set of tires called Barum Bravura- never heard of the name before. $270 after shipping. They're the best tires I've ever owned! No squealing around the hardest corners I've ever been able to take. Can't wait to upgrade the sway bars 
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 28
From: WooHi, CA
Car Info: '02 Bugeye
If any of you are in So Cal, I would go to Arnel at the America Tire Company in San Pedro. Not only does the guy know his stuff, he will bend over backwards to put together a package that works for you and your wallet, talk about those road hazard warrantees. I have purchased a set of rims and countless tires for autocross and I always get the same excellant service.
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 623
From: The Green Room
Car Info: 02' Black Wgn
Rubber 4 u
If you are into performance stuff and have a local shop, give them the money. So, you might spend a tad bit more but you will also help them stay in bus. And when you want that turbo upgrade or hi tech exaust you can visit you local shop.......
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 173
From: New York
Car Info: 2002 WRX wagon
I ripped a Potenza shortly after getting my WRX, and had to park the car for 3 days while a local (chain) Mavis tire, got one from a distributor, mounted and balanced it. It cost me about $25 less than other sources, but the wait was a killer. I have bought tires from that company for over 20 years, and this was the only time I ever had even a small problem. I spoke to the manager, who apologized (and gave me the extra discount). I will go back, when I need new shoes, if he has the brand/style I want.