Selling 4Runner in Jan., New tires or not?

AMDin93103 · 12-07-04, 04:17

As the title states I will be selling my 4Runner (97 ltd w/120k miles) next month :miss and have a bit of a dilemma. My tires are down to about, I don't know 3-5000 miles left. Now I only drive about 500 a month but considering I am selling it do I . . .

a. replace the tires with some off/cheap/not so great brand

b. replace the tires with something pretty good, but on sale

c. not worry about it, I won't see a penny back in the end

It seems a shame to spend like 500+ on new tires I will only get a month of enjoyment of but at the same time I would make sure the price of any car I were buying would be reduced to compensate for the worn shoes. Other than my tires the 4Runner is in excellent shape, all records, scheduled maintenance done early, its shiny. the tires are its only flaw. What do you all recommend? Thanks in advance.

-Andrew.

Spilchy · 12-07-04, 04:47

Do you have a buyer already with a concrete price settled on?

If not, boost your asking price by the amount new tires would cost therefore giving you a cushion to work with in negotiating so it looks like you're coming down in price because of the balding tires.

Or, buy cheap new tires, give your car a good detail inside and out along with the engine and start with a high asking price. A spanking clean Autopian car with new tires could fetch a good price.

bretfraz · 12-07-04, 05:00

Defintely put new tires on it. Even if they are no names, as long as they fit correctly and are appropriate (not whitewalls or monster mudders).

If anything new tires will make your truck more appealing to potential buyers. Not many buyers are interested in having to spend more $$ after they just bought a vehicle. New tires make for a good selling feature; they might be a reason for someone to buy your truck over another one.

The more you can make your truck a "needs nothing, perfect condition" purchase, the quicker it will sell.

ZaneO · 12-07-04, 05:22

I agree that they need to be replaced. I would put pretty decent tires on there, also.

AMDin93103 · 12-07-04, 05:29

Thanks guys, that is sort of what I thought but I really don't want to let the tire guys drive my truck to replace the tires.

Lord help me when people start test driving it! I will have to hand them the ground rules before letting 'em hop in. I'll search around for something on sale and probably get it done ASAP so I can break them in. Thanks for you help.

-Andrew.

BoxsterCharlie · 12-07-04, 05:31

No way, no how. Don't even mention the tires in the ad. I've been selling a car practically every year now...so trust me, you don't want to pay extra to make your car mint.

People will only come out to look at your car based on price. They assume the worst. The last thing a perfectionist Autopian car needs is more perfection.

The other thing is, for me, I'd love to buy a car with terrible tires. I like to throw my own choice of rubber ASAP to make it my own. As "defects" go this is almost a selling point. They'll be blown away by the great detailing and paint.

AMDin93103 · 12-07-04, 05:42

Thats an interesting angle BC. I guess you too have a good point. I bought my last car (an 850 turbo) with worn tires, had the guy take $300 off what we agreed upon and got my own. to the potential buyer I might be giving them the option of making it an urban assault vehicle or an off roader with 33's. Now I am back at square one. May have to play it by ear.

-Andrew.

Slackmeister · 12-07-04, 07:00

Quote:

Originally posted by Spilchy
.... boost your asking price by the amount new tires would cost therefore giving you a cushion to work with in negotiating so it looks like you're coming down in price because of the balding tires.

This is what I was thinking. New tires would make the vehicle more attractive, but I doubt that you would get your money back on them. As long as the old tires are safe, I'd keep them.

AMDin93103 · 12-07-04, 07:11

Quote:

Originally posted by Slackmeister As long as the old tires are safe, I'd keep them.

Definitely safe, I am just anticipating someone looking at the vehicle and saying, "ahh, those tires look a tad worn, don't you think, hmmm."

I hate selling cars. At least BoxsterCharlie gave me a response to that remark with," oh yeah, I thought I would just account for that in my asking price and allow you to choose the tire you would feel comfortable with."

-Andrew.

Accumulator · 12-08-04, 07:44

*As long as the current tires are safe*, I'd consider how evenly worn they are. If they are evenly worn it will show that your suspension/steering are OK, just let the price reflect the need for tires. If they're *not* evenly worn I'd replace them lest the wear pattern scare off your prospects.

FWIW I usually just replace tires when they need it regardless of what I'm planning to do with the vehicle and I don't skimp on them.

Shiny Lil Detlr · 12-08-04, 07:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Accumulator
*As long as the current tires are safe*, I'd consider how evenly worn they are. If they are evenly worn it will show that your suspension/steering are OK, just let the price reflect the need for tires. If they're *not* evenly worn I'd replace them lest the wear pattern scare off your prospects.

FWIW I usually just replace tires when they need it regardless of what I'm planning to do with the vehicle and I don't skimp on them.

I figure MY safety in driving the vehicle comes before anything else; as far as selling, just make sure all maintenance is up to date when you sell it; that's going to be most important to people.