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New York Post
Car expert slams tire stores for shoddy business practices: ‘They prey on desperation’
By Taylor Knight,
2024-08-07
He’s tire-d of it!
Influencer Robert Montalvo, a car expert who goes by @Robbthecarguy on TikTok , has claimed that tire shops take advantage of desperate customers.
“I hate tire shops,” the content creator said online. “They prey on desperation.”
In a 1½-minute clip uploaded on July 15 , Montalvo revealed how shops deceive customers so that they overspend on products.
“Used tire places run the business like it’s going out of business. Let’s take as much money from whoever walks in because there might not be a tomorrow,” he explained.
Montalvo, a car dealer, was searching for two sets of 20-inch tires for his 2016 Dodge Ram. He compared prices from “a couple” used tire shops to Walmart — and noticed a significant price difference.
The content creator was disappointed when the used tire shops offered him $70 for the same type and quality replacement tires he already had.
“You’re f-king ridiculous,” Montalvo said about the tires that he wouldn’t even sell his own customers. “How can you sell a used tire for $70?”
The Tampa, Florida, resident then asked about the cost of new tires, which amounted to $175 per wheel, not including installation, recycling or a disposal fee.
“I’m not paying all those fees,” he admitted. “You’re talking $200 a tire … come on!”
When all else failed, Montalvo found his way to a “trusty, dusty Walmart,” where he scored $103 a tire with an $18 installation with the wheels arriving in three days — a significant price difference.
“The worst part of this business is f-king tire shops,” he concluded. “Give people some hope!”
Many commenters said Montalvo’s frustrations resonated with them.
“Couldn’t agree more!” one person wrote. “Used tire prices have gone insane.”
“Yeah, I’m not paying for brand new tires when I can get used ones for $35 each with 50% tread,” one person declared.
“Walmart is the go-to for cheap tires,” declared another.
“Look into local junkyards. They keep tires that have a lot of life left and sell them cheap,” revealed one TikToker.
According to financial site Clark.com, the best places to purchase tires are Costco, Sam’s Club or Bj’s Tire Center because they offer the best value and get the job done fast.
However, if you have a specific request, consider Tire Rack, Discount Tire or Walmart Tire Center, they suggest.
“Buying tires has never been so cost competitive, so it’s very important to comparison shop,” money expert Clark Howard said on the site. “Service after the sale is really important, especially if you live in a city with lots of potholes.”
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