Tires

[cakelady]

My son needs tires for his 4x4 ford ranger.I'm wondering if it would be worth it to drive to Costco or buy here in Hilo???? thanks -Monique

[missydog1]

Call and get a quote?
Try Lex Brodie's for a quote in Hilo, also Sears to compare, and Costco.

I've bought tires from LB's, as has my husband.
I have a distrust of Costco products. I believe they get a lot of stuff that is not quite up to snuff, maybe not official seconds, but not prime quality even if brand name.

I base this on every single appliance or component or piece of furniture that I bought from Costco has self-destructed just after the warranty expired, whereas I have had a decent experience with Sears.

Maybe I just have bad luck, but i canceled my membership.

[Guest]

I go to Sears for tires. I think Kathy is right about a lot of stuff at Costco.

[Dinamight]

I got tires from the dealer (Dodge Neon) and they were a lot cheaper than Sears. You need to check around, you would be surprised at where the lowest prices might be on the day.

[Kapohocat]

R&G tires in Keokaha near dock is where we usually end up as a generalization. I do check first with the rest of the Hilo tire outfits.

[mdd7000]

Tire prices are generally negotiable, even from Sears.

[Jay Bondesen]

I would also check online. Some, Firestone in my case, will have online specials that aren't advertised localy.

Jay

[TrevorKane]

I've gotten spoiled over the years using TireRack.com - you can actually choose which tires you want instead of being "steered" to whatever the local shop has in your size. Shipping to Hilo is a little steep, but at least you can get a quote online for the tires you want, and then decide if the tires that the local shop wants to sell you are worth the price they are quoting.

Also helps to know a reference price (or two) if you plan on negotiating.

[dlnragent]

You may want to consider getting tires at a place that has service where you will be using the tires. No Costco in east Hawaii, no Sears in west Hawaii. Lex Brodie, Firestone and Goodyear all have places on both sides. Sears service generally sucks, IMHO.

[KeaauRich]

I bought 4 tires from Lex last fall, and if I had it to do over again, I'd have bought the road hazard insurance to go with them... I usually don't buy extended warranties, and I forgot that I live in Orchidland, where road conditions can be challenging. Sure enough, about 6 weeks after I bought the tires a freak condition that I still can't explain killed one of my brand new tires. (I'm thinking maybe a pointed rock kicked up into the wheel well, spun around, punctured my tire and whacked the heck out of a piece of trim -- and I wasn't going more than 15 mph, I swear!!!). So Lex got to sell me another tire...which cost more than the insurance would have. Aargh!!!