They Had tires listed on Kijiji and were posted as excellent with 70% tread.
He was hard to reach as I had questions and wanted to speak to him but he always let it go to voicemail. When I finally got to speak with him directly he came off as rude and acted as though he couldn't speak English well. My biggest concern was the age of the tires as he clearly advertised they were excellent. He said " not old " and was very pushy about my coming to get them. He was telling me when to come!?
In hindsight I never should have driven the hour! I broke my cardinal rule, never drive so far that you won't go home empty handed .
When I got there I checked the date code and they were seven years old!! ( Even if a tire is new and unused a retailer cannot sell a tire if it's 7 years or older.)
" Not old " ...What a douche!!
He would not answer when I repeatedly asked him what he considered to be old.
but when I got angry suddenly he spoke perfect English.
He claimed that if they had no cracks in them and hadn't been sun damaged in their lifetime that they would be good tires. Against my better judgment and sadly I gave him his cash and would like to note he would not deviate from his price which in the end just poured salt in my wounds.
Now, getting to my wounds.....After paying him his $350 cash I had them mounted and balanced when I got home only to find that every tire was cracked between the sidewall and the tread face. ( this could not be seen without being inflated.) Also my garage informed me that the tread depth was actually closer to 50% so live and learn, bring your glasses or a magnifying glass , a tire depth gauge and remember to always check the date code on the sidewall. When tires are that old don't let anyone tell you they will be fine, just walk away.
If you think this is a long story you should hear the one about when I tried to return them. ( Which is why I am making this review ) Tire empire is sketchy at best and if you visit the location you'll see what I mean. This was a terrible experience and I am angry at myself for making the trip and trusting this individual. Sadly this isn't just somebody selling some old tires out of their garage, this individual is running a business; a business of scamming people!
There are few things worse than taking advantage of people and taking their money especially in trying economic times.
Please , learn from my mistake and take your business elsewhere! read more