Matsui

Just venting out my frustration here...

I have aftermarket rims for my daily driver - non-staggered with 235/40/18. I've driven more than 40k miles on them without any issues.

Now it is time to replace the tires, so I went to Costco yesterday to get Michelin Pilot Sport Plus A/S. The guy at the counter told me they wont sell me the tires because the car originally comes with staggered setup. I called the manager and he insisted on the same thing. When the discussions were going nowhere, I left angry and frustrated.

I would have preferred to get the tires from Costco since it is very convenient and the price is cheaper than all other places. If I buy those tires online from tire rack or discount tire, the cost is going to be much higher after shipping and installation by local shops. Plus I don't like any of the local shops. I bought my last set from Radial Tire in Silver Spring, but their prices are much higher for this specific tire that I'm buying.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'm planning to go to another Costco this evening that's near me and try there. Any advice on what I should say if they also say the same thing?

Any other shop that you would recommend near Columbia, MD? I can't drive too far because I got a flat and the car has a small spare on.

DONT SLEEP

iTrader: (8)

Yeah dude, a lot of these places won't do anything outside of the car's specification because they don't want to be put to blame in the event something happens. I understand where you're coming from, but you have to also understand their corporate policy... that's the way it is and you're just going to have to go elsewhere unfortunately.

IS2FIFTY

iTrader: (5)

you can try onlinetires.com or tireeasy.com, i have used them in the past and they are a lot cheaper than tirerack. Shipping varies from where the item of the tires are but I have received tires as fast as two days. So its pretty much a hit or miss but should definitely get them within a week.

neojungle1

iTrader: (8)

yea like the other person said ..yea that there policy all over the place i just place a call to my friend who is manager at a costco,,now you didnt here this from me. but if you get good with the tires center guys then that another story anything possible ....hint hint friend ....lol best of luck.. sorry

Matsui

I would have accepted it if they had said that this is their company policy.

It seems to vary from person to person. Two days ago when I went there to just check on price and availability, there was someone else who was ready to order these no questions asked.

Matsui

Online is a little bit of hassle, plus the local shops are a hit and miss.

I'll give it a try at another Costco first and see how that goes.

horent135

iTrader: (10)

Basically they don't want to damage your wheels, look for touchless turner tire shops, so they don't bent ur wheels but you pay lil more.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

It's not about damaging your wheels.

Their policy clearly states they will only install tires authorized for the vehicle by the manufacturer. They aren't a tire shop and don't pretend to be and are just there for oem replacements.

If you really want the tires, then you shoudl find what vehicle matches the tire size you want and order tires for that vehicle without getting them installed at Costco. You can order them online and they have to be picked up at the warehouse and you get $14 back for non-installation.

Can't think of any reason why that wouldn't work for you.

Matsui

I wouldn't have a problem if that sales person stated that it is their policy.
What bugs me is the fact that some of their employees ***** about it and some don't.

Inconvenience.

Matsui

Screw them. I'm just going to go to Radial Tire in Silver Spring instead.
Had a very pleasant experience with them last time I was there, so it will be worth paying extra and knowing the job will be done right and professionally.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

Not trying to start an argument with you but I just don't see where Costco did anything wrong. It is stated on their website and sounds like the first guy told you (albeit in a different format) what the policy was.

Why would it be inconvienient? It's a trade off. You want a cheaper price, then to get it, you simply have to go to google and do a quick search. I just did it and the S4 comes standard with that tire size. It shows that Costco doesn't carry that size in the online inventory.

Calling the store and telling them you want replacement tires for your 05 S4 and seeing if they have it in stock shouldn't take much of an effort.

Either way, good luck in your search.

plex

iTrader: (11)

Just buy them online from a reputable place like tire rack who's a sponsor on this forum I believe. I go to performance shops to have my tires mounted for obvious reasons.