Buying tires off of craigslist

[Original_Ranger84]

Check the date code on the side. The DOT number will have 3 or 4 more numbers on 1 side, that's the date code.
3 digit date code means they were produced before 2000, and are not safe for on-road use.
4 digit date code is after 2000. First 2 indicate week of the year, and last 2 indicate the year. About 6 years old is the limit for tires that you intend to use for on-road use.
Example: 3506 would indicate week 35 of 2006.

Tire age is just as important as tread depth, when it comes to tires intended to be used on the public roads. Off road use only, age is less important

True that, I have seen people put on tires that look almost new and the tire is over 10 years old and one of the cars came back 2 weeks later complaining of vibrations and a rough ride... all 4 tires were seperated and coming apart.

 

[86MUDRCJ]

wow thats not good. ive found a set of tires on black rock crawlers for 200

 

[legoms013]

Ask the seller some common sense questions (and look at the date codes/manufacture dates). Also look at the tread pattern of the tires you are buying, if they seem "off" to you, then its possible the tires are pretty old and the manufacturer has changed the pattern since the CL tires were made.

Like how old are they, when were they purchased, from where were they purchased, first or second owner, damage (plugs cuts patches) etc etc. Ask all the right questions, and use your own eyeballs to look over the tires before buying. Craigslist is AS IS, and many people won't take a product back (although if you really got screwed, just as many people will end up feeling bad and refund your money if you keep calling them and explaining the situation, but don't bank on it).

I'll try and never buy tires again from a chain store after my most recent purchase:

I bought SIX brand new 33x10.5 KM2's. Two had never seen pavement, and the other 4 only had 100 miles or less (still had nubbies). Package deal for $900.

Thats what it would cost to buy FOUR tires brand new from a chain store.

Just be smart, and remember to can always back out if the product looks questionable.

 

[98RedRanger]

Ive got some great deals on craigslist. Especially with tires. You can find people just unloading stuff because they've upgraded. I picked up my new tires (DC FC-2 31/10.5/15) with 95% tread for $100 for all 4 and a fullsize spare all with 15x8 aluminum jeep wheels. I sold the jeep wheels and spare for 150. Made 50 and got a set of pretty much brand new tires. The guy was rich and lifted his jeep to fit 35's

 

[redxlt]

I always buy tires on craigslist. I buy the for my wifes Mercedes,my mercedes ranger,and bronco II. My last purchase was a classic set of Cragar chrome mags with tires for 250.00 . Had almost new tires on them. The mags are worth about a grand. So always look there for some great deals. Most people sell on craigslist to get cash fast and are ready to deal when you contact them. Even consider traveling a ways to get tires . the trip is usually worth it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

31x10.5-15's, like new ($169/tire+freight on tirerack) $115/tire on craigslist.

Now I gotta get the front end done so I can get it aligned and the tires put on...

 

[kirk3000]

Dont buy tires in the dark. I wasted $250 on a set of 33x10.5r15 swampers. One bald, one separating, and one had a whole in the sidewall. The jerk said they had 3/8" tread. Maybe a 1/4" on the best one. Drove 4 hours south of the border so I was stuck with them.
But I've also had some great deals on CL.
My point, look everything over very thoroughly.

 

[BeaterMan]

The last 3 sets of tires I bought were off craigslist. If your looking at the right time, a great set will show up. I just got 4 34x9.5x15 super swamper tsl bias with 2000miles on them(still had nubbies) for 300$ because the guy went a different route. The deals are out there but you got to have some common sense and knowledge when ya go look at them.

 

[86MUDRCJ]

Alright thanks guys.