Was I cheap to buy this used tire?

[RaymondP]

Ran into this issue replacing a single unrepairable tire on a VW R32 All-Wheel drive. Had TireRack shave the tire down a few mm to match the slightly worn originals and all good. Local chain retailer (won't name them) insisted I had to buy four new tires. Had same issue with a Merc 4MATIC a few years before and not aware this was an option so bit the bullet and ate the cost of four new replacement tires. I recall I was given $25 off each of the three remaining low mileage tires. Michigan roads - Governor ran on the platform - "Fix the dam roads!" and won. Anyone thinking it's wise to scrimp on road repairs will regret it sooner or later due to destroyed tires or worst, annihilated rims. Then it really does get costly. And good luck matching your remaining rims on an older vehicle.

 

[UG_Passat]

If you have a AWD car and you bought so that system doesn't go "wonky" with the difference in tread depth on a new tire, then yes you made a sound buy.

But if it's a "flip car" who cares....right?

If it was my own car without AWD I would have purchased the new tire.

Corolla iM's are FWD.

So, pretty much the AWD tangent is moot in this thread.

 

[TheLawnRanger]

You've got a lot riding on your tires.

 

[atikovi]

What's going on with the sidewall? Date code is from 2022.

View attachment 160033

You called it,

Already got a refund.

 

[Kira]

Hey Buddy....there's a pencil stickin' out of your sidewall.

 

[grisby]

I looked at the original ebay ad and the cut is very visible in the 5th photo. Wonder how you would professionally repair that? Especially on a sidewall. Guess that is why I buy new vehicles.