Sale Prep: New Tires yes or no?

[14thbmw]

As the title suggests, I'm getting my e70 ready for sale. It is a 4.8i Sport and mechanically all is in order and up to date, cosmetically fine as well. Except the tires, which are still legal but nearing replacement time, especially in a rainy climate (Spring is upon us).

When I buy, I like to see the tires that have been on the vehicle because I can learn a lot from the wear (how aggressive the driving has been, suspension issues, etc). So that argues to leave them on.

I also know that while I would put my preferred tire on (Conti), others prefer Michelin. Better to let the buyer choose?

But on the other hand, it is nice to be able to offer it ready to go with fresh rubber.

What say ye gurus of the board? Buy tires or not? If yes, Michelin or Continental, or no matter?

Thanks!

[Ozer]

Well, i think putting on new tires will give you more leverage on your asking price.
Ebay store of discount tire direct has $100 off $400 right now you may look into. Do 2 orders and get $100 off each pair of tire (assuming they are $200+ each)
I say do it and get it waxed up. First impressions is everything.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-275-40...cAAOSwoBtW2KFJ

[cdlaine]

Mike,

I'm not a guru, but, have been a buyer.... my preference is to see new.
(or gently used) . Uneven tire wear on older tires always makes me wonder
if the prior owner took good care of the vehicle. Good luck in the sale.

Michelins.

Charles

[Mackskibum]

If a private sale, I recommend the new rubber. +1 on the ebay/discount tire deal. Also, double check to see if an additional rebate is available. If a trade, come to the deal with the true value of the tires in your pocket and negotiate with the dealer on the trade value. The dealer can buy and mount for far less than you can.

[Socale39]

I have to agree with the others in that new tires can only help in the sale and your asking price.

[bmrboi2]

From being in the car business for years.....New Tires sell a car. People look at is an unneeded expense they will have to face after just dropping some serious change on a new car. Most people are not going to look at it as "How you have been driving the vehicle" That's why you have service records. They will see that they have to drop 2 grand (depending on wheel size) on new tires. My tires are replaced when they get to about 5/32-6/32.

Personally we drive the piss out of all of our vehicles.....but we maintain them well. Right off the bat they get broken in hard and driven hard (the way a BMW was meant to be driven) When it comes time to sell I always get top dollar for them. Continental DWS are the best damn tire for your money and they are on sale @ Tire Rack. One other thing. The type of tire on your car says a lot about you as an owner. Conti, Michelin, Bridgestone, Dunlop etc. are proven brands. They say you have taken care of the vehicle in the time that you have owned it. Cooper, Toyo, Sumitomo, Nexxen, General, Hankook, Kumho say you are too cheap to buy real tires and makes buyers wonder what and where else you slid by with substandard products.

[14thbmw]

Thanks for all the input! Great thoughts, and I agree. Time for some tire shopping!

[youry]

Try craigslist. Often you can find tires and wheels cheaper than if you'd buy the tires alone. Offer the wheels that you have (without tires) as a bonus in case the potential buyer wants to go for a winter setup.

[ZetaTre]

Originally Posted by youry

Try craigslist.

I actually don't remember last time I bought new tires for a car. When the X5 needed tires I found Conti SRS practically new for 250 (that's all 4) and got 2 Pirelli Nero for the rear of the Z4 for 80 bucks... In both cases they were pretty much new