Decided not to go with Tirerack, but will post my tire buying experience to share. I learned many things buying tires that may help others. If consumers do not do a little research, seems like this is one area in which you can really get ripped off.
The tire shops mark up is extreme to say the least!
I was looking at the General GMax AS-03.
• Price at tirerack was $150 each (plus $65 shipping for 4). Set of 4- $665,
• DTD was $158.77 but included free shipping and a Web Rebate of $50. Set of 4 - DTD $585.
• Local shop (Roger's Tire and Wheel) wanted $968 to install.
Then I thought I would go with the Michelin Pilot SS.
• Through DTD price was $272 each, less the $50 online rebate. So $1,038 for a set of 4.
• Local place that carried these (Big O Tires) wanted "$421.95 each (4)=$1687.80 casing disposal $10.00 tax=101.86 total=$1799.66". So to install Big O wanted nearly $800 MORE for a set of 4.
I ended up going with a local independent tire shop that pretty much matched the price of DTD (about $80 more, which included mostly the sales tax here). Over the weekend DTD had a $50 online rebate I mentioned, and he waived the mounting/balancing. I am assuming he had to make some profit on these tires? Then I wondered how he could match DTD being an independent little shop, when I see the bigger chain stores here (Big O, Commercial Tire, Les Schwab) cannot. I purchased from his shop and will continue to do so in the future, but will definitely check online prices as this would have been the way to go. If I have any problems with these tires I have someone local to contact.
Watch the installation prices as well. I discovered there is a lot of variance in this as well. Commercial Tire, Bruneel Tire ($125 per 4), Les Schwab ($49.50 per tire!), Wal-Mart ($11.50 per tire). Wal-Mart the way to go here, not even close.
