Old tires but low miles - okay to drive?

[marywantsmoney]

On my car shopping quest, I've encountered a car that never got driven much. The tires only have 5,000 miles on them (still look really good) but they have been on the car for 8 years. I read you're supposed to replace car tires after 6, regardless of mileage. However, that means about $600 for new tires. Is it a concern? Do you look at the dates on your tires?

Note: No one is liable for any information they give in this post. It's for entertainment purposes only. Mary does not want anyone to withhold information because they don't want to get sued. Mary will not sue. Mary doesn't even know any lawyers.

[pflyers85]

Is the seller firm on the price of the car? I would bring up the point of having to replace the tires and at least see if they are willing to meet you half way by reducing the price by $300. That would take some of the sting out of having to replace all 4 tires.

[Fishindude77]

The tires are probably fine which is a plus for this particular car.
If in doubt, have someone mechanically inclined (or a tire shop) that you trust take a look.

[SavingSteve]

You will have to buy tires eventually anyway. If you get the car looked over by a mechanic and everything else looks good, just try to use it as a negotiation point.

[greenskeeper]

as long as they aren't dry rotted or flat spotted from sitting so long they should be fine. I personally would put new tires on the car as that small patch of rubber is the only thing keeping you on the road.

[autoxer]

Tires will degrade over time even without driving on them. This is usually apparent if you look closely and see a lot of tiny cracks from the rubber drying out. Heat cycling also causes the rubber to loose elasticity and make them harden over time, which means older tires won't grip the road as well as fresh tires.

I wouldn't be overly concerned if they look decent, but if you see signs of degradation, then plan to replace them.

[marywantsmoney]

Is the seller firm on the price of the car? I would bring up the point of having to replace the tires and at least see if they are willing to meet you half way by reducing the price by $300. That would take some of the sting out of having to replace all 4 tires.

I'll see about doing this. Thanks.

[snafu]

I too would use aged tires as a bargaining chip. You don't necessarily need to buy new tires, there are often slightly used tires available for a more modest price traded in by drivers who prefer high precision or special feature tires than standard.

[Buyer]

Most tire manufacturers recommend tire replacement after 6-8 years, regardless of tread life. And most of us lack the expertise to evaluate the interior condition of an old tire. IMO, tire shop employees also lack that ability, often being more interested in just selling you a new set of tires and/or earning a commission. Maybe the question to ask is, "How much is my safety (and that of my passengers) worth?"

[asoloans]

Who doesn't dream to live in a very nice home someday?