Hey everyone.
I called the Lexus dealer I bought the car from and they're selling me a tire with installation for $366. A bit steep. I told the service guy to give me better numbers and get back to me.

While I'm waiting I checked with Amazon and they have the same tire for $189. I found a tire shop nearby who will install, balance and mount it for $25. Amazon will ship the tire to them. I go to the location and they install it. I drive away and that's that. All in all going that route will cost me about $270. Anybody do this?

If the dealership can do it within $50 of Amazon then I'll go that route. A $100 is a $100 savings.

 

I patched it. I don't think it's safe since I didn't hit any steel belt as I reamed the hole.
I'm driving my old spare beater car now and my ES is witting at home and I'm hoping the plugged tire isn't leaking air.

 

Yup. A replacement tire will cost me close to $300. If I get into an accident, my deductible is $1,000. I know it's high. Kalifornistan prices

 

So you dismantled the tire from rim and patched from the inside and then put back on rim? If you have a discount tire nearby try calling them.

 

No it's those patch kits. I didn't dismount the rubber from the wheel.

 

Ok so you plugged it having to make hole bigger in process. You are doing the right thing in getting another.

 

You didn’t patch it, you plugged it. Regardless, don’t waste your time checking for a leak. It’s unsafe. Do not drive it. Take the wheel off, bring it to a tire shop, and buy a new tire.

 

Ive ordered tires from Amazon before (and Tire Rack, and Discount Tire Direct). This process works great and saves at least a little $$$

You might want to check Tire Rack because sometimes they throw in a 2 year road hazard warranty. It is through them, but they are very easy to work with (I went through it last year). Their prices are usually close to Amazon and depending where you are shipping is almost as fast.

New tire is definitely the right thing to do. That puncture location is almost worst possible scenario. Even if it was patched from the inside Im not sure Id trust it.

 

I've done it with tire rack. Ordered online, shipped to installer, worked seamless, saved a few bucks.

 

Thing w/ Amazon is i've found they can sometimes have old stock. i saved $700 on my set of 20" tires using the amazon method. they shipped me two new tires and two old tires (a year old) all brand new. i called to amazon to complain and she gave me 50% off the two old tires. no questions asked. i'll take it.

 

This requires a new tire as others stated. It's not repairable nor is it covered under warranty. Not sure where you're located, but Discount Tires can price match and the tire comes with free balance/rotation for the life of the tire. Only 4,800 miles in, you're fine with just replacing the one.