Well I knew it was coming but I held off...(procrastinated).

My NYS Inspection expires end of month so I took it in early for the inspection fully knowing that the front Pirellis were toast.

I have Michelin Pilots on the back w/about 7,000 miles but really like Continental Extreme Contacts...lot of experience w/them.

Anyway, Tire rack had them for less than $400 shipped for 2.

I called two local vendors and installed they would be just under $600.

I then called the one "chain" tire store I have used several times in the past and said ...Mike, I can get these for under $400 shipped from Tire Rack, can you meet this price??

Lo and behold, his computer had the same list price as the others but he got it to $419, installed and balanced....

I do not remember the thread where I saw a member here suggest that tactic with a local vendor but I want to say thanks...I never would have thought they would meet or beat the Tire Rack Price.

One more thing.

I had a strange clattering noise at low parking lot speeds, could never find anything wrong....Inspection discovered a bad passenger side front bearing...I would have bet $100 it was driver side . Of course never looked on the passenger side.

So, should be all buttoned up w/new bearing and new tires this morning..

 

I haven't ordered tires from Tire Rack since January 2004 because Discount Tire is so ultra-competitive in our neck of the woods. I continue to use Tire Rack's website for tire research, and I check their prices when I get serious about which tire I want. But the best deal always winds up being with Discount Tire here....

 

I use Discount Tire here in Douglasville. Great prices and service. They always torque the wheel nuts without being asked.

 

We don't have them up here yet, but good to know.

BTW, the $419 included 8% NYS sales tax..so I am happy.

Update on the noise, I would have won the bet, as I drove away it was still making the noise.

I pulled it back in and (as I thought), driver side backing plate behind the rotor, (local Jag dealer, ((now defunct)) had replaced rotors/cailpers etc prior to me buying.

These guys were beauties, (former Jag dealer): Not only this issue but the rear view mirror they replaced for the prior owner kept falling off until I learned how to fix right here on these forums.

 

Merchants Tire here in the DC area has always matched Tire Rack's price.