With TireRack out of the winter tires I need, I decided to head to local conglomerate Belle Tire (well known in Michigan and the midwest for their annoying commercials). The Cooper completely stumped the chumps at the front desk. One guy frantically punched his computer keyboard while another unhappily looked through an array of tire-sizing manuals. A third guy looked at my car in the lot and said it might be hard to find wheels and tires for a "custom job" like I had and maybe I should've thought about tires before I "chopped" my ride.
Mind you, this is happening in DETROIT, where the Cooper was named friggin' North American Car of the Year less than two weeks ago.
When they asked to take off one of my tires to see if they had a match, I left and called my friendly dealer for a set of Dunlop WinSports and steelies.
In other words, I surrendered.

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2003 Cooper/IndyBlue/AllPackages/Sunroof

 

I'm suspectin' that they needed to take off the tire 'cause they couldn't READ THE SIZING ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE! Truly pathetic.

 

J-
Wanna know the kicker? The guy asked if I had a screwdriver on me!
That was the point when I decided to go elsewhere.

 

Anyone doing anything with tires should check out Tire Racks local installers.
There are reviews on their site. Not only did I get my tires mounted, I
found a great mechanic and she races a Porsche to boot.

 

Recomeded Installers

Dan

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MCO tire and wheel forum Moderator