Although my baby is with the selling dealer for some Lemon Law repairs - see other thread here - I am thinking ahead to improvements when I get the convertible back. Specifically, new tires and maybe wheels.

My question is should I buy from the MINI dealer (I am thinking of having the dealer do suspension work as well and that will entail the need for an alignment...which would probably have to occur when new tires and wheels are installed);

Or buy from a local shop - we don't have Pep Boys, but we have many local tire shops;

Or buy from Tire Rack or similar online retailer (which then begs the question about how complicated/contentious is it to have wheels and tires shipped to an install place --- AND would it be a slap in the face to ship the package to my MINI dealer?).

Thoughts are welcome. I would be buying NON-RUNFLATS and would therefore also want to get road-hazard coverage with the purchase.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

TireRack.com has dealers listed who will receive and install your tires for the stated prices. No harm in asking your dealer if they will order from TireRack (and their price to install).

 

what does non run flat have to do with the need for road hazard coverage?
Run flats are not less prone to damage, they just let you limp home.
(unless the warranty pays for towing...)

 

For tires, go to the place that has the best price.

 

Sometimes the Mini dealer has specials on tires, ask them. Also asking to compete on price often works. They want to keep the service department busy and they want you roaming the showroom to see the future purchase.

I haven't found that tire rack has prices far superior to local shops.

 

I agree, I find that the "out the door" price from Tire Rack compared to a local place like Discount Tire is usually within a few dollars.

 

Nothing I guess. I forgot that I had the tire coverage with my other tires on my other MINI. Didn't think MINI offered tire coverage on tires the same way Sullivan Tire or Town Fair Tire or Tire Rack does. But why wouldn't they?

Jeff

 

Tirerack has more selection, better information, and your local independent probably is already a registered installer.

The only benefit to a local tire shop would be free tire rotations.

I would avoid the dealer for anything you have to pay for.

 

After a couple experiences with wheels damaged by installers (yes, even a recommended Tire Rack place), I did used my MINI dealer to mount and dismount my winter tires. It's a limited sample size, but they did not have to be forewarned to careful and did no harm.

Take photos of your wheels prior to the work; it's insurance in case they are not careful.

 

Great slogan... right?

Michelin tires go on sale this May.. $70 off for a set of four.

If you're an Executive Member... free mounting and balancing. if not, $15/corner. They offer lifetime rotation and balancing for that price.

They have a wide selection from AS Premiere to AS3's.

Right Bridgestones are on sale at $70/set.

Best of luck!

 

Sometimes with a coupon the MINI dealership is the same price as the tire shops on mount and balance, always check the MINI dealership receipts or website under service, they have coupons.