If you are looking for used tires, sometimes you can score a better deal from a private seller. In this article I will lay out three ways I find used tires for sale by owner, the benefits of dealing with a private seller, and some negotiating tips. Be aware that the same risks always apply when buying used tires, they need to have tread left on them and in good condition to be driven on safely.
Find Used Tires For Sale By Owner
1. Search Online Classifieds to Target Local Private Owners Selling Used Tires
This is the way I almost always find used tires locally for sale by owner. I use three different methods of online search.
- SellMyTires.com – (BEST OPTION) This is a classified site specifically for people selling used tires. You can search by location and type of tire you are looking for.
- Craigslist – This is a multi-niche classified site, but you can look in the “Automotive section” and search for tires. There are often plenty of private sellers with used tires.
- Facebook Market Place – Another good way to find tires locally from private owners, but more recently there are dealers selling used tires on this forum.
- Ebay Motors – Is another option to find used tires for sale by owner. The downside here is you may end up in an auction for them and the seller won’t be local. That potentially means shipping costs.
Pro Tip: Don’t be lazy with your search terms, if you search for “used tires” on social media, you are going to get everything. Try searching for what you actually want “Used Michelin Pilots All Season 4 225/40ZR18”. You can even just search by tire size and get some good results.
SCAM WARNING: When purchasing used tires on social media, be aware of scams. Never pay with money orders, Google Pay credits, etc. Also look out for common used tire scams that people do to make used tires look newer.
2. Look for Yards With Junk Cars
A classic tell of someone who has used tires is there yard has cars that don’t run in it. Now full disclosure that probably means the tires are in poor condition also. Similar to how I have aquired a few junk cars in my day, I have also picked up some used tires. Simply stopping by and asking a private owner if they have any used tires they want to sell.
3. Network
Almost every Saturday there is a local cars and coffee meet up in my area. Asking around about used tires is another good way to score a deal. Some people have tires they intended to use on a resto, but never put them on. You can score some great deals just by asking around.
Benefits of Buying Used Tires For Sale By Owner
There are a few benefits to buying used tires for sale by owner.
- You can pay less then you would in a used tire shop and the seller even makes more money (benefits you both).
- You can haggle on the price more then you can with a junkyard or used tire shop.
- A private seller isn’t going to try and upsell you on a service or better tire.
- If you are handy with repairs, you can get a punctured tire for cheap and repair it your self.
- If you can get the tires for cheap enough you can flip them for more to a used tire buyer.
How to Negotiate When Buying Used Tires
Understanding a bit about tires will help you negotiate a private owner down on price.
First you need to know what not to buy. If you see any of the following issues the tires are not safe and you should walk away no matter how cheap they are:
- Tread Depth – 2/32 of an inch and below is bald by law
- Exposed Chords – There shouldn’t be any metal chords showing through the rubber on the tread or sidewall
- Chunking Beads – Look for chunks of rubber missing around the bead
- Separated Belts – Use your hand to feel for waviness in the sidewalls
- Aging – Never buy tires over six years old, check the TIN
- Improper Repairs – Punctures, plugs, patches are all potential safety issues
- Linear Damage – Examine inside the inner for metal wires poking out
For more tips, read our article: Understanding the Basics When Buying Tires Used.
Second you need to know the risks of buying from a private owner:
- The tires are sold in “as-is” condition.
- Any warranties will not carry over with the tire.
- Used tires not in a healthy state can cause an accident.
Third you should understand what gives a tire value:
- Tread depth (more the better, 6/32 is considered good condition, the less depth the lower you offer)
- Brand (top teir brands are worth more, off market brands are worth less)
- Age (look for tires under 6 years, the closer to 6 the lower you should offer)
- Condition (if any repair work is done on the tire offer less).
Here are a few tips for negotiating when buying used tires
- Haggle the seller down. The worst that the seller can say is “no.”
- Know what the tire is worth first. Do some research on Ebay and see what the same tires or similar tires are selling for used.
- Commit to not committing. If you can’t haggle down and you don’t have the price you want, walk away.
Finding Used Tires For Sale By Owner
Finding used tires for sale by owner is a great way to save money. You can end up with a great pair of tires that you can either throw on your vehicle or flip for more cash. The key is to know how to inspect a tire, know what gives it value, and be a hard haggler. These tips have helped me find great used tires for sale by owner and save a ton of cash.- There are however benefits of buying from reputable companies, though including safer tires.