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Old 06-09-2004, 06:43 PM   #1
Masskrug
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Would you get tires done at Costco?

Yea or nea?

I need new tires. Costco has an 80 buck coupon off Michelin or Bridgestones, and they are as cheap as Tire Rack.

Would you trust them?
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Old 06-09-2004, 07:26 PM   #2
killerdeck
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I dont know about Costco, but I have had good experiences with Sams Club here in Texas. Even had them mount the tires for me for like $4 a piece.
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Old 06-09-2004, 09:06 PM   #3
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I would never let Costco touch my car. I am sure it's normally no problem, but I watch what they are doing when I walk past the garage - and they don't show any particular care in what they do. I might let them change the MINI tires, but even those are 16" wheels.

But, like anyplace else, your experience will depend on the guy you get.
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Old 06-10-2004, 01:11 AM   #4
Masskrug
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Thanks for the advice all.

The local Costco here does a lot of cars for one of the BMW dealerships in town, so I talked to the guy who said he does a lot of work on low profile tires.

To top it off, their price even beats Tire Rack by like 3 bucks a tire. Add the $80 promotion and it seems like the thing to do.

I'll let you all know how it goes.
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Old 06-10-2004, 10:11 AM   #5
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I've had about 5 or 6 sets of tires installed at Costco.

Granted, they were on either trucks or more 'generic' cars that had higher profile tires (60 to 65 series).

Generally, I have been satisfied. Like with any service business, you are kind of at the whim of the person doing the work. You can get a good guy at a 'bad' store or a flunky at a 'good' store.

Good luck-
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Old 06-10-2004, 11:27 AM   #6
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we had one set done there. we went when it wasn't crowded (on a week night) and told them our specs and of course watched them like a hawk. turned out fine.
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Old 06-10-2004, 11:47 AM   #7
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Last time Costco had a promotion on Michelin, the TireRack had the same promotion. FYI. On the other hand, if the price is the same, you are getting the mounting and balancing included from Costco. I might consider them next time around since my wheels are a little beat up (ok, not really), but it would make me very nervous. A gash in a wheel isn't worth the $100 to me.
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Old 06-10-2004, 12:37 PM   #8
lip277
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Costco also has...... from their web site-

Lifetime balancing
Lifetime rotation
Lifetime flat repair
Lifetime air pressure checks
New rubber valve stem
Costco Wholesale's road hazard warranty
For details click here* .
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Old 06-15-2004, 02:10 AM   #9
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Okay, just got back from Costco this evening. The tires I ordered last week came in. No appointments, first come first served. Weeknite seemed light, and they did the car in 45 minutes.

They have a database of tire pressure and torque values printed out on your work order for your specific vehicle. I was able to get them to fill 36 psi all around, which is what I'm customed to running. However, I was unable to convince the guy to alter the torque specs from 88 ft/lbs to 101 per the 'new' BMW guidelines. He seemed adamant about legal issues, blah, blah. Whatever.

No scratches on the rims. At least, nothing overtly visible. Nothing that stood out more than the regular rock chips and one careless scrape I put on one of the wheels.

They hand torque the bolts. I watched them do it from afar, so as not to be right in their face.

Thanks all for previous advice. I had a positive experience for this, my first time, at my local Costco, and again, it probably is very personnel dependent. YMMV.

Of side note, the new PS2's are at least twice the tire of the OEM Contis, of which no end of terrible things should ever be written about that stupid lousy tire. I forever hate Continental tires.
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Old 06-15-2004, 02:13 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Masskrug
However, I was unable to convince the guy to alter the torque specs from 88 ft/lbs to 101 per the 'new' BMW guidelines. He seemed adamant about legal issues, blah, blah. Whatever.
Good thing...88 ft/lbs is the correct torque spec

it changed from 72 to 88
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